Wood is a popular choice for fences because it looks beautiful in many settings and styles for homes in Miami. There are many different types of wood, and each one has its benefits. Living in Miami, we all see some wood fences hold up longer than others due to the impact of our South Florida climate. You should choose the kind of wood-based on what is important to you, such as how resistant it is to rot, how good it looks, how durable it is, and how much you can afford.

Here are 3 of our favorite types of wood for fencing for Miami homeowners:

Cedar Fences

Cedarwood is a good choice for fencing because it contains natural oils which deter insects. It is also a mid-ground option that might fit a limited budget better. Cedar is rot-resistant, meaning it will last longer than other types of wood. You can prevent cedar from turning gray by treating it with a finish such as paint or wood stain. Some people say that you should paint cedar to protect it from the weather. But most woodworking enthusiasts say that you should stain it instead because this will preserve the natural beauty of the wood.

How to Seal Cedar Fencing:

1. First, you need to wash and sand the cedar block of wood so that the stain will adhere better.
2. Cedarwood needs to be stained with a particular type of stain that will go deep into the wood's grains.
3. You will need to wear some protective gear, like a mask and gloves when you do this.
4. Use a sponge to apply thin layers of the stain, working with the grain of the wood. Go in circles as not to show the strokes.
5. Sealing cedar protects it from moisture and the sun's UV rays. It would help if you sealed it along the wood's grain using a thin coat.
6. Do this for the first few coats, and let the sealant dry in between coats.
7. Apply a lot of sealant for the third and final coat and let it dry completely.

Cypress Fences

Cypress is rot-resistant and contains cypretine, a natural chemical deterrent to insects. This means that the lifespan of Cypress fencing is longer than other types of wood. Cypress trees are found all over the South. It's an expensive option, but it is more affordable here in Miami than in other parts of the country.

How to Apply Stain to Cypress Fencing:

1. To stain cypress wood, start by spreading a drop cloth on a level surface in a well-ventilated area.
2. Then lay the block of cypress wood on the cloth.
3. Sand all sides of the wood along the grain. This will help the wood stain stick to the wood.
4. Dip a cloth in the stain and then paint it on.
5. Start by staining in the same direction as the wood grain.
6. Then, stain against the grain to get into all of the pores.
7. Since the more prolonged the stain sits on the wood, the deeper the color will be, let it sit for a while.
8. But do not wait so long that the stain dries up.
9. Use a dry cloth to rub the wood along the grain to remove any excess wood stain.
10. This will help ensure that the stain dries evenly and without blotchy spots.
11. Wait then sand the wood lightly again.
12. For a second coat, use a smaller amount of stain and pressure. Apply sealant to protect the wood and make it last longer.

Redwood Fences 

Redwood is one of the most frequently utilized woods for wood fencing. While it has a high cost, redwood's quality, endurance, and beauty make it one of the best alternatives. Redwood is resistant to insects and rot, but you should still use a stain to preserve its natural beauty. The stain will also keep the wood from turning gray and more resistant to insects and rot. Sometimes moist air can damage redwood over time. Most damage comes from the cold weather, which we do not need to worry about in sunny Miami. 

How to Apply Stain to Redwood Fencing:

1. You can wait for the oils to dry out or roughen the wood surface to stain redwood.
2. You can also use a quality wood brightener and cleaner to prepare the surface.
3. If necessary, sand the wood after it dries to remove any mill glaze that might restrict stain penetration.
4. Applying a stain that is suitable for redwood fencing is the best method to get the desired results.
5. A translucent and permeating stain will provide you with the most significant effects. It will improve natural beauty.
6. Remember to put on just a thin layer of stain.
7. If it doesn't get absorbed within 15 minutes, wipe off the excess.
8. Once the stain is dry, apply sealant.

In summary, we love using cedar, cypress, and redwood for fence installations. They all have so many strengths that compromise a perfect wood fence material. Some are more expensive than others but may last longer. It's ultimately up to you to decide which type of wood is best for your fence. Give us a call if you'd like to discuss options for your next wood fence in Miami.