Fencing consumes an enormous amount of lumber in the United States — an estimated 2.5 billion board feet annually. Most of it comes from pressure-treated pine, which has significant environmental issues. Reclaimed lumber offers a compelling alternative.
The ideal species for reclaimed fencing are redwood, cedar, and Douglas fir. All three have natural rot resistance that allows them to stand up to ground contact and weather without chemical treatment. White oak is another excellent choice — its closed-pore structure makes it naturally water-resistant.
For fence posts, we recommend reclaimed 4x4 or 6x6 timbers. Even naturally rot-resistant species benefit from a protective sleeve where the post enters the ground. A piece of copper or galvanized post sleeve extending 2 inches above grade dramatically extends post life.
Fence boards can be mixed widths for a more interesting look. Using 1x4, 1x6, and 1x8 boards in a random pattern creates a board-and-batten style fence that looks intentionally designed rather than uniform.
The most sustainable approach is a post-and-rail design with boards attached to one side. This uses less material than a full board fence while still providing privacy. Horizontal board fencing — currently trendy — works especially well with reclaimed wood because the varied board widths create rhythm and visual interest.
Cost-wise, a reclaimed wood fence competes favorably with new cedar or redwood fencing and is significantly cheaper than composite fencing. For a typical 6-foot privacy fence, expect to use approximately 10 board feet per running foot of fence.
We keep a dedicated inventory of fence-grade reclaimed lumber — boards that have good structural integrity and weather resistance but may not be cosmetically perfect enough for interior applications. Ask our team about fence packs, which we sell at volume pricing.