How to Pick Out the Right Fence Boards

Farm owners and homeowners with fences know some maintenance is required to keep up with their fence throughout the year. They may be going for a specific look or are looking to maintain what they currently have. For those building a new fence, it can be hard to know where to start with the fence you are trying to build. While this article won’t go in-depth into the types of posts you can get at Cardinal to build your own, we will dive into some of the different types of boards we have available.

First things first: before starting, it is best to estimate how much you will need to fence in. All fence boards Cardinal carries come in sixteen-foot lengths. Look at the area you are fencing measure it to determine linear feet, and then decide on a style and the number of boards you will need based on length and height. Determine how high of a fence post you want, and then use the width (our boards come in 6-inch widths), then multiply that by your total fencing length. If you are looking for traditional agricultural use, those fences typically have three to four boards high per section.

Natural Wood Look with Pine Fence Boards

One of the most popular options for fencing, pine provides a natural beauty to your backyard with a traditional look. These boards have fewer knots, meaning they have a cleaner look. Our boards are pressure treated to protect from fungal decay, rot, and termites, ensuring your boards have a longer life. When installing, pine fencing is also easier and better for posts. Our boards have a rough-sawn finish, meaning they are primarily best for agricultural settings but can work in any environment.

Poplar, The Popular Agricultural Option

If you work within a farm environment, you may be more used to poplar boards. Our boards come in treated and untreated uses but have a rough-sawn appearance. These boards are a little sturdier, meaning they can withstand the wear and tear of use on farms. Generally, they will remain straighter over time and are less prone to cracks and splits. Our treated boards also have fewer knots, giving them a great look. If you want to give your farm a uniform look, these boards can also be stained or painted; if not, they still weather to provide a warm and natural look.

Snake or Split Rail Poplar Fence Boards

There’s nothing like the classic look of a snake split rail fence for agricultural or decorative uses. Simple in construction, its elegant lines, and rustic simplicity make it a popular choice for every generation. If you want a split-rail look, we have the hole posts and the boards to go with it! These boards are treated and available exclusively at our Madison location.

Oak Boards – The Strongest Option

For true agricultural use, we recommend using our rough-sawn oak boards, available in both Madison and Crozet. They are typically used around cattle farms and horse ranches but also have many other uses. Oak boards can be used around pets and vegetable gardens and are perfect for repairs and new fence builds. Oak fence boards are your option if you need to use a product with the best strength and stiffness.

What About Traditional Privacy Fences?

Not to worry! For a more traditional look that you might think of when you hear fencing, use our 1” x 6” dog-ear pressure-treated boards, which have no wane and are easy to paint. They are smooth on all sides and have #2 size knots. We also have French Gothic-style boards with the traditional cutout at the top. These are a little narrower but perfect for privacy, border, and decorative fencing.

Have some more questions about fencing, or want to look at some of our post options? Stop by our Madison and Crozet locations and check out our available inventory! We also have some more information available on our Fencing page. Want to paint your stain? Stop by all three stores, including our Charlottesville location, to see our translucent and solid stain options, fence paints, and coatings. Ready to get started? Get a quote from our team!