What types of lumber can be used for building a fence?

Lumber that is resistant to rot, moisture and insects, such as Western red cedar, black locust and pressure-treated pine, makes for long-lasting fences. A more recent fencing material is PVC lumber. This lumber, which requires minimal maintenance, resists bugs, fungus and cracks.

The black locust tree, which is one of the toughest varieties found north of the equator, can last for many decades without continuous maintenance. A less expensive lumber comes from pressure-treated pine, which uses chemical treatments to resist moisture. Western red cedar provides natural resistance to moisture and rot, making it ideal for use in pickets and posts.