A Fence You’ll Love — Installed by People You Can Trust
Top Tier Fencing
Your locally owned, Michigan-made fencing solution. Offering wood, aluminum, vinyl, and chain link fencing
Wood Fencing
Timeless Beauty with Natural Strength
Wood fencing offers a warm, natural look that fits just about any property style. It remains one of the most popular fencing options thanks to its classic appearance, affordability, and near-endless customizability.
Whether you’re looking for full privacy, a decorative accent, or a safe enclosure for pets and kids, wood fencing offers flexibility without sacrificing durability.
Wood Fencing 101: Everything You Need to Know
From material choices to maintenance tips and design options, here’s your complete guide to choosing the perfect wood fence for your property.
Material Options
We offer three main configurations for our traditionally installed wood fencing:
100% Treated Pine – Our most budget-friendly option. Pressure-treated pine holds up well in the ground but is heavier and more prone to warping and splitting over time compared to cedar.
100% Cedar – Naturally insect-resistant, lightweight, and less likely to warp or twist. Offers a clean, beautiful finish but is our most expensive option.
Combination: Cedar Panels with Pre-Stained Treated Pine Posts – Our recommended choice. This gives you the longevity and appearance of cedar where it matters (rails and pickets), paired with the in-ground strength of treated pine posts. The pre-stained posts also provide a sharp, contrasting look that elevates the overall appearance.
Treated Pine
Cedar with Pre-stained pine posts
(RECCOMENDED)
Cedar
Durability & Maintenance
Wood fences can last 15–25 years on average, depending on exposure and maintenance.
Key factors that impact longevity include:
- The material and installation selection (cedar with driven metal posts will last longest)
- Moisture levels and drainage
- Whether or not the fence is sealed or stained
Is staining required? No — but it’s highly recommended. An unstained fence will naturally weather and turn gray faster. Applying stain or sealant every few years can significantly extend the life and appearance of your fence.
Ease of repair: One of the major advantages of wood fencing is how easy it is to repair. Because rails and pickets are individual components, you can often fix one section without disturbing the entire fence. And with no-dig installation, replacing posts down the line is dramatically easier and more cost-effective.
Traditional Styles Offered
Our most popular wood fence styles include:
Traditional Privacy – Full coverage for maximum privacy
Shadowbox – Alternating pickets for a semi-private, neighbor-friendly look
Picket Fencing – Typically shorter and more decorative
Standard picket widths:
6" pickets – Common for privacy and shadowbox styles
4" pickets – Often used on 3–4 ft decorative fences
Traditional Privacy
Shadowbox
Picket
Customization & Design Flexibility
Wood fencing is hands down the most customizable material we offer. If you can dream it, chances are we can build it — and we’ve likely done something similar before.
Whether you’re looking for something clean and classic or fully custom, wood gives you the freedom to design a fence that truly fits your space and style.
Note on cost:
Wood customization can quickly add to the overall price, especially with specialty trim, unique gate structures, or decorative entry features. But if you're looking for a fence that's timeless, personal, and built to match your vision — wood is the way to go.
Popular custom upgrades include:
Cap & trim accents for a polished look
Decorative post caps in various shapes and finishes
Horizontal styles
Wood & wire combinations (great for a rustic or garden feel)
Custom gate designs — including arched tops, framed gates, or extra-wide openings
Arbors, entryway frames, and decorative transitions that create a grand or elegant look
Fully custom height transitions or tiered sections for visual interest and functionality
Adaptable layouts for slopes, curves, or unique property lines
💡 Have something specific in mind? Just send us a picture — or check out our photo gallery to get inspired.
Height Options
We offer wood fencing in any height you need — but 4 ft and 6 ft are by far the most common.
- 6 ft is the standard for privacy fencing and uses wider 6" pickets
- 4 ft is popular for front yards, gardens, and pet enclosures, typically using narrower 4" pickets
- 5 ft and 3 ft options are available, but they actually tend to cost a bit more due to custom handling and material waste
Why the price difference?
Standard picket lengths are manufactured in 4 and 6 feet. So to build a 5 ft fence, we usually cut down 6 ft pickets — same with 3 ft fences, which require trimming 4 ft pickets. This extra step adds slightly to material and labor costs.
We’re happy to build to whatever height works best for your property — whether it’s for aesthetic preference, HOA compliance, or zoning requirements in your area. If you’re unsure what’s allowed, we’re familiar with most local regulations and can help guide you.
Installation Options
Traditional vs no-dig installation
Choose from:
Traditional installation – Concrete-set wood posts
No-Dig Installation – Driven metal posts (recommended for long-term value)
Why no-dig for wood? In traditional installs, posts are often the first point of failure due to rot at ground level. With no-dig, your metal posts will outlast the rest of the fence. That means in 15–20 years, when it’s time to refresh the pickets and rails, the posts can stay — saving time, money, and hassle.
Get the Strength of Steel Without Sacrificing the Look of Wood
If you choose our no-dig installation method with metal posts, you won’t have to worry about an industrial look ruining your wood fence. We sleeve the metal posts with wood, giving your fence a clean, seamless appearance — just like a traditional all-wood build.
You get the best of both worlds:
- The natural beauty of wood
- The durability and longevity of steel
- Stronger structural support that resists rot, frost heave, and shifting over time
It’s a smart, long-lasting option that keeps your fence looking great for years to come.
Cost & Value
Wood fencing is competitively priced and remains one of our most popular options.
- Typically more affordable than aluminum and high-end vinyl
- On par or slightly higher than chain link fencing
- Costs vary based on style, height, gates, and upgrades
Wood also offers excellent long-term repairability, making it a great choice for homeowners looking for a blend of upfront affordability and future flexibility.
Why Choose Top Tier Fencing for Your Wood Fence?
- Over 20 years of hands-on fence installation experience
- Expert guidance to help you choose the best materials for your goals and budget
- Skilled craftsmanship with an eye for detail
- Seamless installation on slopes, curves, and custom layouts
- Clear communication, clean job sites, and a "make it right" promise
We’ve built thousands of feet of wood fencing across Michigan — and we’d be honored to build yours next.
Proudly Serving SE Michigan
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