Just an FYI for the fence do it yourselfers- avoid going cheap with pressure treated wood in Fort Collins high plain semi-arid climate. You'll have a fence with more curves than Kim Kardashian! Especially avoid low grade wood.
From the experts:
Pressure treated wood (PT) pine and fir are the most popular residential fence choice in outdoor structures (decks, porches, and all types of residential fences, for example). However, PTP can warp, shrink, and crack. The sun makes any outdoor damage worse. PTP should not be used in dry climates.
To avoid this, pressure treated pine (PTP) is chemically-treated in order to prevent against decay, termites, weathering, and other pine-related troubles. All PTP fences come with a warranty to protect against termites and rotting. That being said, pressure-treated pine fences need to be consistently and regularly maintained. It is recommended that all pressure treated pine fencing should be stained and sealed, to improve and maintain a handsome appearance and postpone rotting.
Keeping your PTP fence wet when it is hot or exposed to the sun can also be done to maintain your pine fence and keep the fence from cracking. Staining, sealing, moistening, stripping, and cleaning are all maintenance techniques that are commonly used and recommended for pressure treated pine fences.
Cedar wood is more rare and thus more expensive than pine. However, cedar stands up to the test of time and it's aroma and handsome appearance coupled with the comparatively low required maintenance make it a smart investment. The incentives for splurging, in this case, far outweigh the cons.
Knowing the pros and cons of each type of wood fence should help you make a decision when choosing the fence and fence company that fits your needs.
