The Difference a Custom Built Wood Fence Makes vs. ...

10 Jun.,2024

 

The Difference a Custom Built Wood Fence Makes vs. ...

There are several factors to consider when choosing which fence company to hire to install your new wood fence. Wood fences come with many great benefits; wood fences can provide privacy, enclose your property, add security to keep intruders out, are perfect for pets, and are an affordable option compared to other fencing styles. However, not all wood fences are built the same, so how do you know what you are getting? You should always ask the fence company installing your wood fence about the products they are using, and it is important to understand the differences. Continue reading to understand what to look for when shopping for a new wood fence.

sibaide supply professional and honest service.

High Quality Materials

Pre-assembled fence panels are produced to maximize profit margins for those that sell them and as a result, cheaper wood and fasteners are typically used during manufacturing. Often, these pre-made panels use thinner lumber such as 1×3 rails and ½&#; pickets, and are constructed with staples. This results in a significantly reduced lifespan for the wood fence. The rails start to warp, the pickets start to pop out, the staples rust and leave stains, and the wood weathers and deteriorates much quicker. 

Look for a company that builds your wood fence with high-quality lumber onsite, from scratch, every time. Ideally, you should find a fence company that uses 1×6 pickets, 2×4 rails, 4×4 posts, and 6×6 hinge side gate posts. The 6×6 gate posts provide additional support to help combat common gate problems such as leaning, sagging, and hinge failure. Depending on where you live, 6×6 posts may not be available. If this is the case, a 4×6 gate post should be used at a minimum.

Be sure to ask what kind of fasteners are used. Are the fence pickets fastened to the rails using staples, or does your fence company use galvanized ring shank nails in constructing their wood fences? The galvanized coating helps prevent rust and corrosion, while the ring shank design provides added holding power to help prevent nails from popping out as the wood changes and shrinks over time. 

A wood fence properly constructed with high-quality materials is going to result in a stronger, sturdier fence that will last significantly longer than a pre-fabricated panel wood fence that cuts corners by using cheaper materials.

Easier to Install

Having your wood fence custom-built onsite allows for a smoother installation process. Constructing your fence at your property allows the fence to be built to conform to your land. This allows for the fence installer to adjust to your property&#;s unique slopes and grades while keeping the fence level and aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Every property has its own distinct set of obstacles that need to be accounted for, such as trees, shrubbery, and roots. Using a premade panel limits the installer&#;s ability to install the fence while accommodating your specific needs properly.

More Cost Effective

Believe it or not, a custom-built wood fence is typically cheaper than using premade panels. While the lumber itself is cheaper on a premade panel, the cost savings associated with the cheaper wood are not always shared with the fence company installing your fence. As alluded to earlier, these profit margins are increased for the manufacturer, and they charge the fence contractor or homeowner more to sell a panel since it has the benefit of being pre-assembled. On the surface, this seems to reduce the labor that goes into constructing the wood fence, but it creates more work to fit those panels to your property. Additionally, it is much heavier to lug the premade panels into your backyard when compared to being able to bring the individual lumber components into the yard and stage them around the yard to prep for the fence installation.

Better Looking Finished Product

The difference in the appearance of the final product is likely the biggest distinction between a custom-built wood fence and a wood fence made with prefabricated panels. Due to the higher quality materials and the flexibility during installation, a custom wood fence stands out when compared side by side with its alternative. The lumber looks better, the fence looks sturdier, and the site lines are cleaner and more even. A wood fence made with premade panels tends to have an uneven stepped installation, and even on flat ground, the panels aren&#;t as level. Where the fence panels meet each other and connect to the fence posts, there is typically an awkward transition that isn&#;t properly covered with a vertical wood picket. Simply put, a custom-built wood fence looks much cleaner and professionally done. The custom design options are limitless when having your fence constructed on-site. Please speak with your local fence pros about their options for cap and trim or lattice-style wood fences.

If you are looking for a great wood fence at an affordable price, Big Jerry&#;s Fencing guarantees that your wood fence will be built to last. 

Buying By The Picket Vs. Buying By The Panel

One of the main confusions we see among customers is the panel versus picket conversion. Many homeowners are under the impression that fences are built by the panel and then attached at a post. In reality, this is usually only the case for faux wood or vinyl materials. 

Typically for real wood fencing, materials are sold by the picket. This can help homeowners to customize the look of their structures while maintaining a consistent quality throughout every picket surface. Buying by the picket also allows for more precision with length and dimensions. Ultimately for any professional fence build, buying by the picket is preferred. 

Contact us to discuss your requirements of ODM european fence panels. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

What&#;s the Difference?

The main difference between fence panels and pickets is that panels are pre-made sections of a fence that would have otherwise been taken up with roughly 10 to 20 pickets. Because of this, panels are usually a composite or vinyl material that has been manufactured to be that size. Wood panels exist but they are less common due to the process of building them.

Pickets generally come in a 1 to 2 inch thickness and 5 to 8 inches wide. These generally extend 4 to 8 feet depending on the level of privacy needed. Pickets are well-liked among contractors and other builders because they are easy to work with and allow for more flexibility in design. Essentially, panels are pre-made fence faces that join into posts and pickets are the building blocks to create this fence face in place of a panel.

Pros and Cons of Buying by the Panel

Panels are great for those DIYing a fence and don&#;t have the needed equipment for a full fence build. Since the hard part has been done for you, all that&#;s needed is attaching it to some posts to keep it upright. Although they require less materials and time to install, they are heavier than traditional pickets which can make the job harder. 

Another advantage to buying by the panel is it is often more affordable since the main components of the fence have already been put together. There is no need to purchase rails or other structural supports. Depending on quality, the materials can be more expensive. But typically panels are not made with the highest quality wood and will be more affordable than premium cedar picket products.

A huge downside to panels is their uniformity. For some, this can be seen as a great feature, but for those looking to get creative or who have an unusually shaped yard it can be difficult. Panels are a set size so if they do not fit perfectly into your space there will need to be an element of construction to the project. 

Pros and Cons of Buying by the Picket

Buying by the picket is the preferred option among many builders and homeowners. By purchasing individual pickets, clients can add more elements of personality to their designs. Not to mention, buying by the picket allows for complete control over the individual quality of your wood. Unlike with panels, you&#;ll know exactly where your wood is from and its true level of quality every step of the way.

Another advantage to buying by the picket is that these materials are easier to work with and transport. Panels can be easy to install, but their large surface and heavy weight can quickly add up. Pickets allow for ample transportation room and are individually very light and manageable for any project. Not to mention, buying pickets is often cheaper and offers more flexibility in terms of what you want to pay.

Buying by the picket also allows for a more precise measurement. If your yard is shaped in an odd way or panels don&#;t quite fit your space, pickets are the way to go. Oftentimes homeowners will need a short segment of fencing for a side yard or a gate. In these cases, pickets are way easier to work with to fit your space and functional needs perfectly. 

For us, the choice is clear. Pickets are a great fencing solution that allow for precise measurements, creative looks, and functional needs on every surface. Panels are a great option for those looking for an affordable and easy to install option. Overall, pickets will likely always reign supreme in this debate. They are a great option for builders and homeowners alike. To get a quote on some of your own materials today, contact us here.

The company is the world’s best euro mesh fencing wholesalers supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.