3 Key Reasons Why Wood Is The Natural Choice For Your New Horse Fence
Make The Smart Choice For Your Fence
At Meadow Ridge Supply, we understand that a properly built fence represents a large investment. Whether built to define the boundaries of your property, to improve property appearance, or to confine animals, careful selection of fencing materials is the first step toward success in any fencing project.
Traditional wood fencing continues to be a popular choice for agricultural fencing, particularly on horse farms where expensive show animals are confined. With its attractiveness and strength, wood is highly prized for corrals and perimeter fencing near roadways and other trafficked areas.
Pine and cedar make up more than 80 percent of wood used for fencing and differences between the two impact the fence's cost, durability, upkeep, and appearance. Both species are used by woodworkers for different reasons, and with a little background knowledge of those traits, you can choose the right materials for your fencing needs.
#1 Durable & Strong
The strength of wood relates to the weight it can support and its overall durability. Natural pine is stronger than cedar, and pressure-treated products tend to have even greater resilience.
| Type of Wood | Resilience Limits |
|---|---|
| Pressure-Treated (P-T) Southern Pine | 290 – 470 pounds of force per square inch. |
| Cedar | 220 pounds of force per square inch. |
Southern Pine (also known as Yellow Pine) is harvested across much of the Midwest and southeast United States and is a strong wood used in construction. It provides superior fastener-holding power and load-bearing capacity. P-T pine is used in commercial and marine applications, in addition to residential and agricultural projects, and is an ideal choice for areas that are moist, like barnyards.
Cedar lumber naturally resists weathering, decay and insect infestation, making it a good choice for fence boards. Cedar performs well in regions that experience fluctuating temperatures and high humidity.
Because of its durability and lower cost, P-T pine is a better choice than cedar for fence posts. Pressure-treated wood undergoes an infusion of EPA-approved chemicals into the lumber to prevent the growth of bacteria or fungi and repel insects. The process is performed in wood treatment facilities by certified pesticide applicators. P-T pine is highly rot- and decay-resistant, often lasting for 40 years, even when in contact with wet soil. P-T pine usually comes with a warranty against decay or insect damage. It is not guaranteed against shrinkage, warping, or checking (splitting).
#2 Combines Traditional Beauty With Safety
Wood post-and-board fences have long been the popular choice among horse owners, as they give your property a classy, rural look that blends in nicely with the surroundings. Typically constructed of three or four evenly spaced wood planks screwed or nailed between wood posts, wood fencing is attractive and highly visible, allowing corralled animals—and those who appreciate them—to easily see boundaries. And, the addition of electric fencing to your post-and-board fence will provide further security and safety, while discouraging animals from leaning against or chewing on the fence.
P-T pine boards have a very natural color that, uncoated, will turn a golden brown over time. The rugged nature of rough-sawn boards lends a rustic appearance.
Many choose to leave their fences a natural color. For others who want to coordinate their enclosures with their surroundings, there are nearly unlimited shades of stain and paint to choose from.
In addition to enhancing the classic and uncomplicated nature of a wood horse fence, regular painting maintenance helps preserve the fence’s wood—and good looks—for a longer life.
Check out our wood fencing materials to start building your wood fence today!
#3 Renewable Resource; Sustainably Harvested
Lumber is a precious, renewable resource. Past generations made the mistake of over-harvesting lumber without regard for the future, but today’s sustainable forestry and lumber production practices protect and conserve vital ecosystems and natural habitats for future generations.
"Sustainable" wood is gathered in ways that protect other existing trees in the forest, as well as the waterways, wildlife and the environment in which the wood was harvested. In a sustainable lumbering practice, new seedlings are planted in harvested areas ensuring that forests regrow.
Fast-growing species like Southern Pine and Western Red Cedar are widely available throughout the United States and tend to be more sustainable than slower-growing trees such as oaks. In the Midwest, Southern Pine is the dominant species used in construction.
The traditional wood fencing of the past still remains popular today. Thanks to its durability, strength, beauty, and sustainability, wood fencing offers benefits that make it the right choice for corrals and other agricultural enclosures.
Whether you have a new fence planned in the near future, or are just starting to research your project, you’ll feel confident about choosing wood.
Let Meadow Ridge Supply help you make the right statement on your property with handsome, durable Michigan pine fencing materials.
Contact us today! Our expert wood fencing representatives can answer your questions and help you choose the right products to meet your needs.
Phone: 989-750-0750
Email: info@meadowridge.supply
REFERENCES:
https://www.epa.gov/ingredients-used-pesticide-products/chromated-arsenicals-cca
https://www.woodpreservativescience.org/safety.shtml
https://sustainableforestproducts.org/Sustainable_Forest_Management
https://www.lampertlumber.com/blog/lumber/how-sustainable-lumber-and-forestry-is-making-a-difference/
https://www.hunker.com/13717879/what-is-sustainable-wood