Wood fence material source? (Pecos, West: for sale, Home Depot, buying)

[abner463]

We need to re-build our 9 year old wood fence section by section. My husband has been buying the pretty typical vertical dog-ear planks (6'-0"h x4"w x~1/2"thick-about $1.50/ea) and horizontal supports (8'-0"L x 2"x4"-about $10.50/ea) at Lowe's. Each panel of the fence requires about 25 verticals. At this rate, each panel costs close to $70, including the screws needed and tax. We have a LOT more fence to go (and only 2 sections completed!) so I was trying to find a less expensive resource. Does anybody have any suggestions? We live in the far NC, just north of 1604. Thanks!

[johnsonkk]

Originally Posted by abner463

We need to re-build our 9 year old wood fence section by section. My husband has been buying the pretty typical vertical dog-ear planks (6'-0"h x4"w x~1/2"thick-about $1.50/ea) and horizontal supports (8'-0"L x 2"x4"-about $10.50/ea) at Lowe's. Each panel of the fence requires about 25 verticals. At this rate, each panel costs close to $70, including the screws needed and tax. We have a LOT more fence to go (and only 2 sections completed!) so I was trying to find a less expensive resource. Does anybody have any suggestions? We live in the far NC, just north of 1604. Thanks!

That sounds about right for the 1x4 planks (cedar?) but that 2x4 is way overpriced. You must be putting in a 2x4x8 that is cedar. A treated 2x4 should run about $3. But overall, yes, it does cost a lot of replaced or build a 8'foot plank fence. Look at what Lowes/Home Depot charge for a pre-made sectional of fencing. At least when you're building it, I'm sure you're using 1" deck screws which are a lot better than nails.

[abner463]

Hey JohnsonKK, thanks for your input. Can you recommend a place to buy the treated 2x4s? My DH says the ones he's buying are untreated, but cedar. In checking the Lowe's receipt, I notice that he's using 1-1/4" deck screws, which are $6.47/box, however many come in that. Maybe we could buy the 2x4s from somewhere else and just get the planks at Lowe's, we are not picky as to where the materials come from, as long as they are reasonably priced!

[johnsonkk]

Abner,

Lots of places sell both the untreated and treated wood (normally pine) and untreated cedar. Lowes and Home Depot do too. Besides cost, the difference is in appearance. Treated 2x4's look greenish and if used for the upper support on each 'panel' of fencing, it won't look very good (until you stain).

Since price is a high consideration (analyzing the cost of screws?), my recommendation is that you use regular, untreated 2x4's for the cross beams and continue to use either the 1"x4" cedar or pine (less money) panels. After this fence is built, you'll have to either stain or treat the wood unless every single piece is cedar. Stains can give the appearance you desire and can mimic cedar.

The downside is that almost yearly, you'll have to retreating or restaining your fence. The downside to cedar is the cost. Don't forget to factor in your time and effort while you add up the total cost (that's why you should buy whatever decking screws your heart desires). You can go lower-end and buy all pine but you'll have more work each year by maintaining. Good luck!

[abner463]

Thanks for the info! I would rather not have to deal w/ the fence every year. Guess we'll just pay a little more now for cedar instead of having to think about it every year. I will just keep my eyeballs peeled for deals.

[maluminse]

IN this city??? I have to swerve practically to avoid discarded fences. If you drive around where the city is about to pick up large pieces you will see decent fencing all about that is if you can beat the used fence companies to it.

[tomddd]

I have access to maple planks for $1.08 per BF or $2.16 per picket (6'x4"x1" thick). Is there any reason NOT to use maple except for cost?

[sinsativ]

as far as screws, you can use sheetrock/drywall screws, they are about half the price per lb as deck screws also. I found this notice on Craigslist for the wood, don't know the price, but, its worth the phone call:

WE HAVE 1X4X6 WESTERN RED CEDAR FENCE PICKETS FOR SALE. WE SELL THEM IN PALLETS OF 450 PICKETS AND 600 PICKETS. CALL US AT 210-689-1237 FOR PRICES & DETAILS, WE ALSO BUILD AND INSTALL FENCES & DECKS AS WELL. DELIVERY AVAILIBLE. THANKS

also found this for your 1 * 4 on craigslist, just search for "fence"

Cheap 1x4x6 Western Red Cedar pickets for sale here at Pecos Fence, Inc. We have sorted *(0.49¢ per picket) and non-sorted bundles *(0.25¢ per picket) for sale. The sorted bundles consist of 480 boards. The non-sorted bundles have 500-600 boards. These are not used boards, just a little weathered and older. We do delivery for a $50 charge or more, depending on where you want them delivered. All your fencing needs taken care of here at Pecos Fence, Inc.!!

[ShaneSA]

Check the prices at McCoy's building Supplies. Sometimes they are a bit cheaper on fence materials. I've built fences and always end up getting the fence pieces from McCoy's. I've also used used fence when i can get it. I usually paint it and I'd rather pay the lower price on used fence and paint it every 5 or so years.

[abner463]

Thanks for the recent posts; I just happened to be checking these boards (doesn't happen too often) and saw. Don't know why I didn't get an email notification, but whatever!