Pine is a durable, strong, and shock-resistant softwood, native to the northern hemisphere. Pine wood is widely used for crates, boxes, fences, interior millwork, construction lumber, carving, and boatbuilding.
Pine wood comes from an evergreen conifer tree in the genus Pinus of the family Pinaceae. It is a fast-growing tree whose height can be up to 10-260 feet. There are approximately 111 species of Pine, some are trees or shrubs.
Pine wood is one of the most popular woods for fencing because it is strong, easy to work with, and widely available. Treated pine is more resistant to weather, insects, fungi, and moisture.
What is a Treated Pine fence?
Treated pine is permeated with chemicals to protect against decay and insects. The treatment process makes it one of the more durable softwoods for outdoor applications. But to maintain the durability or lifetime of the treated pine, it needs regular maintenance.
There are many types of chemicals used for wood treatment but Chromated copper arsenate (CCA), is one of the most common chemicals to use for wood treatment. CCA is toxic to humans and the environment, so treated wood should never be burned.
How long does a treated pine fence last?
Treated pine fences last 15 to 20 years with yearly maintenance. If the fence is properly sealed then the durability can be increased from 2 to 5 years. While untreated cedar fences last for 10 to 15 years.
By the way, the durability of the fence depends on many factors such as the weather, maintenance, and grade of the wood.
Cedar vs Pine Fence | Which is better for fencing?
Cedar and pine are both the most popular woods for fencing, they are also good competitors of each other. Cedar fencing is more durable, stable, and stronger than pine fencing. If we talk about the cost of cedar fencing then it is costlier than pine fencing.
There are several pros and cons of cedar and pine fencing to help you choose one of them.
Pros and Cons of Cedar Wood Fencing
| Pros | Cons |
| Durable and stronger, which remains durable for 15-25 years. | Cedar looks nice but it turns gray over time, which is difficult to bring back to its original color. |
| Cedar is one of the most environmentally friendly materials for decks. It doesn’t degrade our natural forests. | Cedar fencing is more expensive than Pine fences and many other materials. |
| Cedar fence is very easy to stain, It takes stain very well. | Cedar is durable for above-ground decks but is prone to rot when used for ground-level decks. |
Pros and Cons of Pine Wood Fencing
| Pros | Cons |
| Pine fencing is much cheaper than cedar and many other woods. | Pine fence is not as durable as cedar, it lasts only for 10 to 15 years. |
| Pine wood is soft and easy to work with hand and machine tools. | Pine requires regular maintenance. |
| Pressure-treated pine is more durable than cedar and it is widely available. | Pine is soft so it is highly prone to dents and scratches. |
When to stain a new pine fence?
Before staining a pine fence, make sure that the wood is completely dry. The average moisture in wood should be around 15%. A green pine can take up to 12 to 18 months to dry to 15 percent. Stain does not accept well if there is too much moisture present in the wood.
Generally, pine is not easy to stain because it has an unevenly dense grain pattern. It absorbs stains unevenly and creates blotchy stains.
To avoid blotchy stains, we can use a Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner. A good pre-stain conditioner helps absorb stains evenly.
Should I seal my pine fence?
Sealing a pine fence may be a better decision because pine is not highly durable and insects resistant when you are using it as a fence.
When pine wood comes in contact with the ground, it becomes more prone to rot and attack by insects. Sealing a pine fence increases durability and also saves upcoming maintenance charges.
Can you paint treated pine fences?
Yes, you can paint treated pine fences and hold paint well. Paint creates a protective layer between the wood and the environment. So that outdoor elements and weather do not affect the wood, making the fence long-lasting.
How Much Does Treated Pine Fencing Cost?
Treated pine fences can cost from $10 to $25 per linear foot including installation. Again, the cost depends on many factors such as the grade of the wood and location.
Is Spruce or Pine Better for Fencing?
Pine is better than spruce for durable fencing. Spruce is not rotting and weather resistant, the fence can last around 5 to 7 years.
Spruce is another great alternative to pine fences. The properties of spruce are very close to pine. If you are looking for a budget fence then spruce fencing can be a great option for you.