The Truth About California Style Horizontal Wood Fences

In this video, John explains why most California style, horizontal wood privacy fences do not last in Michigan. John We also share examples (video and picture) of multiple horizontal style wood fences that are less than 2 years old in Michigan, and already look like they are ready to be replaced. Enjoy.

[@jamesflowers7142]

We need more videos like this pros and cons of certain fences in different areas

[@ChallengerRT-ld3sk]

You have to add some stain and protection to make it last as it should

[@DMACHOLMAN]

I have this same fence and it's 1 year old. We had it Staind immediately and it doesn't look like that. And it came with a 15 year warranty.

[@jessefierros7876]

Also choice of wood. I dont knowwhar royal oak is.. but out here in cali people typically go with cedar redwood or ipe.

[@saber2x]

@@jessefierros7876 Royal Oak is a city outside of Detroit

[@rachelrogers7729]

@@DMACHOLMAN are you in mi?

[@dariodario2012]

It does not to matter is horizontal or vertical , the problem is “Maintenence “

[@jasonschmidt6648]

Do you think it would have lasted longer if it were sealed or stained? This design appeals to me since I can get 8 foot vs 6foot. Also I am thinking of using 3/4 thick boards. Thoughts?

[@Paramountfenceco]

Using thicker boards and sealing the fence will certainly help. I'd also recommend a vertical support in between each post as well to help minimize warping.

[@jayb.8460]

Im doing horizontal fence board on board so when it shifts it wont let light through.

[@bjohnwilliams]

So the direction of the board keeps the color from changing? I’m confused

[@burkefamily8075]

No. The direction of the board does not keep the color from changing. The fade in color of wood products happens naturally. Staining/sealing can help keep a consistent color but needs to be applied every few years.

[@bjohnwilliams]

No shit

[@stevengrizwald4196]

@@bjohnwilliams But why are your panties in a twist? You're the one who asked the dumb question... Lol

[@Luckingsworth]

@@stevengrizwald4196 it was clearly sarcasm at the fact that it doesnt matter if the boards are vertical or horizontal, if you dont care for it its gonna look like crap. Just as many popsicle fences are bowing and warped when left unsealed too.

[@franchosis]

what style fence would you recommend? What design is best?

[@Paramountfenceco]

What is the application? It would depend on what your situation is and what you are trying to accomplish. Also where you are located.

[@franchosis]

@@Paramountfenceco - The purpose of the fence is to raise the boundary wall so to have more privacy. I went for Pine as its the economical choice here in South Africa. Its untreated (no CCA). So I will apply a product that contains Zinc Naphthenate and Cypermethrin that will be to kill and stop any insects or fungi and thereafter I will seal it with a product to mimic creosote(a product still used in South africa to treat wood for insects, fungi and to seal it from water penetration). If I had the money I would just go brick wall but it would cost way more because of structural engineers to become involved. Our South African winters are mild.. Where I am it gets to the 50 F or if its really cold it will drop to 40F. no less than that..

[@JickJackJake]

In Missouri here. I plan on building this style fence, but with deck boards. I already installed 6x6 in 36" deep 18"+ round holes. Before perminatily securing the boards. I'm going to just using finishing nails allowing the boards to shrink in the summer months. Then hammer them down before screwing, bracing & capping. Reason for such heavy duty fence is because the posts are being used for a 30" retaining wall & I live off a 5 lane Hwy. Hope it will help a little with sound.

[@ddemier]

How did that turn out? Pics?

[@jayb.8460]

I'm doing horizontal board on board.

[@user-op8kj6jb3t]

What do you recommend to prevent this? Extra support, sealing, thicker boards and?

[@vintageexcellence]

Use 1” deck boards, no more than 6’ span, you have to stain it to seal the wood unlike in this video

[@mbburry4759]

Oh I see at the end. The noticeably bad boards have huge knots in them. You have to use fairly straight grain boards. You can also put a a vertical board half way between posts when installed to let the fence dry with much less bowing and warping. Very quick and cheap - Assuming you dont want to just sink a whole bother post

[@residuevideos]

Yeah, but quality horizontal fences are not made by the cheapest 2 by 4's. You used the cheapest thing possible and of course, it won't look like Pinterest. You built a farm fence.

[@williams15203]

How do they hold up in Florida?

[@Paramountfenceco]

I imagine they would hold up better in Florida however, I am not familiar with the affects of Florida weather. I know that it is quite humid but do not believe you have to worry much about frost. Perhaps using a good quality lumber and sealing it properly would yield positive results.

[@lucho3410]

@@Paramountfenceco im from South fla. in Miami and i gotta say that looks 10x better than the ugly ass vertical crap they sell prebuilt at the home stores here

[@DMACHOLMAN]

I'm not sure how they hold up in Florida. But I'm in Texas , I've had my Horizontal Fence now for over a Year now and it's holding up very well. It was built with a 10 year warranty. I would build another my wife and I are empty nesters and plan on purchasing another home. Just have it stained.

[@wellokayyes1266]

Vertical fences do the same over time and looks far worse. Just overlap and offset staggered with the other face. Boom.

[@chitzzz1384]

concrete fences

[@bobandpaul8751]

This guy doesn't know what he is talking about. Same thing can happen to vertical fencing. Natural wood fencing needs to be sealed and or stained. There is a certain amount of maintenance with all natural wood fencing. What is this guys point?