Choosing the Best Wood Fence for Your New Smyrna Beach Home
Living in Central Florida offers plenty of perks, from beautiful winters to easy beach access. However, the same sunshine and salty air that make our weekends great can be tough on your property. If you're looking to add privacy or security to your yard, picking the right material is the first big decision you will face.
Wood remains the most popular choice for homeowners from Debary Plantation to the coastal streets of New Smyrna Beach. It offers a classic look that vinyl and aluminum just can't quite match. But not all lumber is created equal. With our high humidity and intense UV rays, picking the wrong wood can lead to rotting and warping much faster than you might expect.
Here is a guide to helping you choose a material that fits your budget and stands up to our unique climate.
Does Florida weather really ruin wood fences?
The short answer is yes, it certainly can. Florida is unique because we deal with a "triple threat" for wood: high humidity, intense UV radiation, and wood-destroying insects.
In Central Florida, air conditioning units work two to three times harder than in northern states just to combat the heat. Your fence faces that same heat without a break. On top of that, we have strict building codes requiring fences to withstand wind speeds of 130 to 150 mph due to hurricane season.
You need a material that is heavy enough to stand strong against wind, but resistant enough to handle the moisture. When you're looking for fence contractors in New Smyrna Beach Florida, you need a team that understands these specific local challenges. We ensure every fence installation meets strict wind ratings and uses materials designed to last in our subtropical environment.
Is pressure-treated pine a good investment?
Pressure-treated pine is the most common wood fencing material you will see in neighborhoods like Glen Abbey or throughout Volusia County.
Why choose it: It is affordable and readily available. The treatment process forces chemicals into the wood to help it resist rot and termites.
The Cost: For a standard wood privacy fence in the Central Florida market, you're typically looking at $20 to 35 per linear foot installed.
The Lifespan: In our climate, a well-maintained pine fence will typically last 10 to 15 years.
Why it matters: Pine is a great entry-level option if you're on a budget. However, it's prone to shrink and warping as it dries out in the Florida sun. If you choose pine, be prepared to perform regular maintenance to keep it looking sharp.
Why should you consider Cypress or Cedar?
If you have a bit more room in the budget, upgrading to Cypress or Cedar can save you headaches down the road.
Cypress: This is a local favorite because Cypress trees are native to our swamps. They produce a natural oil called "cyphen" that acts as a preservative.
- Why it matters: Because it's native to wet environments, Cypress is naturally resistant to rot and decay without needing as many harsh chemicals. It holds up exceptionally well in the wet rainy season from June to September.
Cedar: Western Red Cedar is often considered the gold standard for wood fencing. Like Cypress, it has natural oils that repel insects and resist rotting.
- Aesthetics: Cedar has a beautiful, rich red tone and a tight grain that looks more premium than pine. It is also more dimensionally stable, meaning it's less likely to twist or warp in the humid New Smyrna Beach air.
While these woods cost more upfront than pine, the investment often pays off by extending the life of the fence by several years and reducing the frequency of repairs.
How much maintenance does a wood fence actually need?
No matter which wood you choose, you cannot simply install it and forget it. The Florida sun is relentless. UV rays break down the wood fibers, causing them to turn gray and become brittle.
To get the full lifespan out of your investment, you should stain or seal your fence every 2 to 3 years. This locks out moisture and blocks harmful UV rays.
Eventually, even the best wood may succumb to the elements. Maybe a hurricane blew down a section, or a post has started to rot at the ground level. We handle fence repair projects of all sizes. Fixing a few broken pickets or reinforcing a leaning post is much cheaper than a full replacement.
Why it matters: Ignoring small damages can lead to a total structural failure. If 20% or more of your fence is damaged, it's often more cost-effective to replace the whole run rather than patch it.
Are there specific concerns for coastal homes?
If you live closer to the water in New Smyrna Beach or Ponce Inlet, you have an extra factor to consider: salt spray.
Salt air accelerates corrosion. While the wood itself doesn't rust, the nails, screws, and gate latches holding it together definitely can. When looking for fence contractors in New Smyrna Beach Florida, make sure to ask about the hardware being used. We recommend using stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized fasteners. These cost a little more but prevent your beautiful fence from falling apart because the nails rusted through.
According to data from HomeGuide, the national average for fence installation is usually lower than what we see in coastal regions because of these extra requirements for durability and wind resistance. Investing in marine-grade hardware is a small percentage of the total project cost—usually less than 5%—, but it extends the structural integrity of the fence significantly.
Which wood is the right choice for you?
Making the final decision usually comes down to balancing longevity with your budget.
- Choose Pressure-Treated Pine if: You want the most affordable option, and you're willing to keep up with staining and sealing every few years.
- Choose Cypress or Cedar if: You want a natural look that resists warping and insects, and you're willing to pay a premium for a fence that looks better for longer.
Regardless of the material, proper installation is the key to longevity. A cedar fence installed poorly will fail faster than a pine fence installed correctly. We set our posts deep to withstand high winds and follow all local Volusia and Seminole County codes.
Ready to upgrade your property?
Your home is your biggest investment, and a quality fence protects it while boosting curb appeal. Whether you need a brand-new installation or repairs to an existing structure, we are here to help you navigate these choices.
As experienced fence contractors in New Smyrna Beach Florida, we know exactly what it takes to build a fence that survives hurricane season and looks great doing it.
Contact Byers Fence today at (386) 457-2045 to schedule your free estimate. Let's build something that lasts.