If you're ready for a privacy fence, a good option is wood fencing. It has a classic look and is suitable for most locations. You'll have a few choices to make with the help of a fencing contractor when it comes to the wood you choose and how you want your fence made. Here are things to discuss with your contractor.

Your Budget

Your budget will probably control the type of wood you buy for your new fence. The basic choice is between less expensive pressure-treated lumber and more expensive wood that naturally repels insects and rot. Natural options include cedar, redwood, and cypress. These are more expensive, but they are also beautiful and long lasting.

Pressure-treated wood is a good choice for a limited budget, and you can stain the wood to look like a more expensive species or buy pretreated lumber that looks like cedar. Pressure-treated wood is weaker, so the fence may not last as long. Plus, the wood might shrink and create gaps in your privacy fence that allow people to see into your yard.

The Fence Style

A stockade-style fence is common. This is where the fence is built with the boards placed up against each other. This type of fence may start out being completely private, but as the wood shrinks or the fence shifts, gaps appear in the fence.

For the most privacy, you may want your fencing contractor to build a board-on-board fence. This style has the boards overlapping each other so a board always covers the space between two other boards. Even if the boards shrink, no gaps will form. A board-on-board fence may be more expensive, but when privacy is important, it's worth considering.

Local Regulations

If you live in the city or in an HOA community, there will probably be regulations on the height of your fence. You'll want to know the regulations your fencing contractor must follow before fencing installation begins. This helps you plan the style of fencing you want and it also ensures you're in compliance with local regulations.

You might also need a permit, and the fencing contractor will probably handle that process for you. In addition, you or the contractor needs to have utility lines marked before digging begins. You might even need a survey done if you're not sure where the easements or setback areas are located on your property.

Your fencing contractor has experience with installing fencing according to codes, so they are a big help in the preparation phase when you need to get everything in order before installation begins.