Wood fence installation
A wood fence gives a backyard warmth and privacy. In eastern Idaho, how long it lasts comes down to post setting and finish.
Wood fences have been part of Idaho Falls since the town's older neighborhoods were laid out, and they're still a popular choice for homeowners who want a natural look or a modern horizontal design. Wood is also forgiving: a cracked board or a broken rail is a quick fix. What decides whether a wood fence lasts ten years or twenty is mostly what happens below ground and how the boards are protected.
Which wood fence style fits your yard?
| Style | Good for | Things to know |
|---|---|---|
| Dog-ear or flat-top privacy | Backyards and screening | Full wind load; needs stout posts |
| Board-on-board | Privacy from both sides | No see-through gaps as boards shrink |
| Horizontal slat | Modern homes | Long boards need a middle support to stay straight |
| Picket | Front yards, gardens, older homes | Front-yard height limits usually apply |
Cedar or treated pine?
Cedar resists rot and insects naturally and stays straighter as it dries, which is why it's a favorite for boards. Pressure-treated pine is rated for ground contact, which makes it a common choice for posts. Many fences use both: treated or steel posts with cedar boards. Steel posts hidden behind the boards are another option that won't rot at the soil line.
Keeping wood looking good in a dry, sunny climate
Idaho Falls gets relatively little rain, plenty of high-elevation sun and big swings between summer and winter. Bare wood turns gray, checks and cups faster under those conditions. A penetrating stain or sealer applied after the wood dries out, then refreshed every few years, slows that down. Keep sprinkler heads from soaking the bottom of the fence every day; constant watering is one of the fastest ways to rot posts in an otherwise dry place.
Lot lines and neighbors
Find your property pins before the first hole is dug, and get a survey if they're missing. Talk with your neighbor about the line, which side of the fence faces out and whether you'll share the cost.
What affects the price?
- Length, height and style
- Cedar, treated pine or steel posts
- Gates and hardware
- Tear-out and disposal of an old fence
- Digging conditions and slope
Every fence is priced after the contractor walks the line, checks the ground, counts gates and corners, and talks through what you want. We don't quote prices. A figure given over the phone before anyone has seen your lot is only a rough starting point.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
How deep should fence posts be in Idaho Falls?
Deep enough to resist frost and wind. The city designs footings for a 30-inch frost depth. Ask your contractor what depth and footing they use for your fence height.
When should I stain a new cedar fence?
Usually after the wood has had time to dry. Ask the contractor or the stain maker what they recommend for the lumber used.
Related services
More background: Idaho Falls fence guide.
Panels blown out by the wind, or a bare backyard waiting for a fence?
Call now and a local fence contractor will come look at the job and quote it directly.