Pick the Right Lumber and Fasteners or Watch Your Fence Fall Apart

Start With the Angle

Picking the wrong lumber or fasteners for a fence is a quick way to turn your project into a nightmare. I've seen freshly built fences sag and rot in a couple of seasons because someone tried to cut corners on materials. When the freeze-thaw cycle hits, any wrong choice starts to fall apart fast.

Good, Better, Best: Lumber Choices

1. Good: Pine or Spruce (Pressure-Treated)

• Cheapest and widely available.
• Pressure treatment helps resist rot and insects.
• Still prone to warping and checking especially if not sealed properly.
• Expect some maintenance every couple of years.

1. Better: Cedar

• Naturally resistant to rot and insects without chemical treatment.
• Holds paint and stain better than pine.
• Less prone to warping, good performance in freeze-thaw cycles.
• Costs more but lasts longer with less fuss.

1. Best: Redwood or Tropical Hardwoods (like Ipe)

• Extremely durable with natural oils that repel moisture and insects.
• Minimal warping and cracking.
• Needs little maintenance beyond occasional cleaning.
• Pricey but longevity offsets the cost over time.

Good, Better, Best: Fasteners

• Good: Standard Galvanized Steel Nails or Screws
• Common and affordable.
• Galvanized coating delays rust but can wear off in harsh weather.
• Nails can loosen with wood movement, especially in freeze-thaw zones.

• Better: Hot-Dipped Galvanized Screws or Nails
• Thicker coating on fasteners for longer corrosion resistance.
• Screws hold better than nails as they resist pull-out.
• Ideal for Canadian seasons where moisture and freeze cycles are common.

• Best: Stainless Steel Screws
• Ultimate rust resistance, lasts as long as the wood.
• Strong hold prevents loosening even with wood expansion and contraction.
• Worth the investment for fences expected to last decades.

Why Materials Matter More Than Looks

You could build a fence out of cheap wood and fasteners, slap on a fresh coat of paint, and it looks good for a season or two. But then the wood swells from spring rain, fasteners rust and loosen, and panels start to sag or rot.

With the freeze-thaw cycle, water gets into cracks and expands, causing wood to split and nails to push out. Using better materials resists this natural stress. This means fewer repairs and a fence that keeps on looking good for years.

The Reality Check List

• Always get utility locates (call before you dig) before starting to avoid hitting underground cables or pipes.
• Municipal permits often apply when erecting fences, so check with your local office.
• Seal the wood properly no matter what lumber you use to slow water absorption.
• Use screws over nails; they grip tighter and adapt better to wood movement.
• Factor in the shorter building season and plan your build for drier periods if possible.

The Don't Do This List

• Don’t use untreated softwoods near ground level—they rot fast.
• Avoid mixing fastener types; stick to one corrosion resistance level.
• Never ignore local bylaws or permit requirements.
• Don’t rush your build when the ground is frozen or muddy—it affects your post setting.
• Don’t skip sealing or staining the lumber.

Final Thought

Choosing the right materials for your fence isn’t about spending the most. It’s about matching the wood and fasteners to the tough Canadian conditions. Go for cedar or better if you want peace of mind. Use hot-dipped or stainless fasteners to keep everything tight and rust-free. Your fence will thank you in five years or less.