How long does a wood fence last?

You can expect wood fencing to last 15 to 25 years, with an average life of 20 years. Because wood is the only fence material that is organic and subject to rot, using a pressure-treated or naturally rot-resistant wood will improve its life, along with a paint or other sealant coating applied every 5 to 7 years. 

    Also, avoid creating any “water traps” at the top of posts, horizontal rails, vertical cracks, or other surfaces where water puddles on the surface or seeps in, instead of draining away by gravity. These areas will be the first to rot. A fence like the once shown at right, made from prefab panels, unpainted, and with multiple water traps, will definitely have a shorter life.

    Go to our blog post What is the average lifespan of the parts of a house? for rating of other house components.   

Here’s links to a collection of our other blog posts about a home’s SITE:

• Why do so many more sinkholes open up after a hurricane?

• Should I seal the pavers at my patio and driveway or not? 

• What is a flag lot?

• How much is the ground required to slope away from a house? 

 • How do I recognize structural problems in a retaining wall?  

• What are the warning signs of a sinkhole? 

• What causes sinkholes?

  • How can homebuyers protect themselves against buying a house over a sinkhole?  

• What should I do about a tree with roots running under my house?

• Will the electric company trim branches rubbing against the overhead service lines to my house?

• How can trees damage a house? 

•  What causes cracks in a driveway?

• What is my chance of buying a Florida home over a sinkhole? 

• Which trees are most likely to fall over on your house in a hurricane?

     Visit our SITE page for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles. 

NOTE: These life expectancies are based on data provided by InterNACHI, NAHB, FannieMae, and our own professional experience. Because of the numerous variables that can affect a lifespan, they should be used as rough guidelines only, and not relied upon as a warranty or guarantee of future performance.