5 Reasons NOT to Build a Treated Wood Fence in Vernon BC

When it comes to fencing your yard or business in Vernon BC or the surrounding North Okanagan, treated wood might seem like a classic choice, but before you jump in, consider these 5 reasons NOT to build a treated wood fence.

5 Reasons We Recommend NOT Building a Treated Wood Fence in Vernon BC or the Okanagan

We know, it seems kind of counterintutive to show images of wood fences we've built and then tell you NOT to build a treated wood fence. However, after many years of building fences in the North Okanagan, we've realized that there are many other types of fences we can build that not only look amazing, but they keep their lines and integrity for a lot longer than a purely wood fence will. No matter how meticulous we are when building a wood fence, and no matter how amazing it looks when it's done (because they DO look amazing!), the fence is going to change over time.

Here's how a treated wood fence is going to cause issues over the years and why we now recommend that our customers opt for other types of fences besides completely wood fences:

1. Wood Will Warp & Move with Time

Wood is a living material that changes as it ages. When a treated wood fence is first installed (especially in a diverse climate like the North Okanagan), it will look sleek, sturdy, and perfect, but over time, nature will begin to take its toll. 

Wood absorbs moisture from the environment—even when treated—expanding and contracting as the seasons in the Okanagan shift. This causes it to warp, bow, and twist in unpredictable ways. What once seemed like a perfectly straight line might one day resemble the rolling hills of your backyard. If you’re hoping for a fence that stays as sharp and symmetrical as it did the day it was installed, treated wood is going to, eventually, disappoint you.

Add to that the effects of sun exposure and the dry season around the Okanagan, and things only get worse. The sun's intense rays can cause the wood to dry out, leading to cracking and splitting. This drying process is particularly harsh on treated wood, which was chemically treated to resist pests and decay, but not necessarily to withstand the bending and shrinking effects of the weather. The result? Your once sturdy fence might start to look more like a funhouse mirror than a functional barrier. Unfortunately, no amount of tweaking can bring those warped boards back to their original form.

Instead, consider opting for metal posts and mixing it up with some treated wood rather than building a full treated wood fence for your Vernon residence or business. The metal posts will stay straight and true, helping the wood to keep its shape too, AND, there are limitless combinations of metal posts and treated wood fences we can build for you.

2. Treated Wood Requires Regular Maintenance

Treated wood may have an armada of chemicals to protect it from pests and rot, but that doesn’t mean it's invincible. To keep your fence from looking like it belongs in a post-apocalyptic playground, you'll need to treat it with regular TLC. This means sanding, staining, painting, or sealing it on a schedule.

If you're lucky, you might get a few years out of your fence before needing to touch it, but more often than not, you'll be looking at your fence sooner than that, wondering if it’s time for a touch-up. You’ll need to periodically reseal the wood to keep the moisture out, or else risk accelerating its aging process. And let’s not forget about the sun, which can dry out and fade the wood (and the stain colour) over time. To prevent the fence from cracking, splintering, or losing its vibrant color, you'll need to apply new coats of stain or paint regularly (think at LEAST once per year for the duration of the fence’s life).

That’s a big commitment, especially if life is already busy.

3. Treated Wood Fences Won't Last Forever

Despite all the fancy chemicals used to preserve treated wood, it’s still, well... wood, and no matter how many layers of protective coating you slap your fence, or how much work you do to it to keep it in good shape, time is a formidable opponent. Eventually, treated wood will start to show signs of wear and tear.

In fact, it’s usually the wood’s natural process of breaking down that catches up with it—decay, rot, warping, and splintering are all part of the journey. Even though treated wood can last a bit longer than untreated wood, it won’t last forever. A few decades down the line, you’ll likely be replacing planks, posts, or the whole fence altogether. The biggest issue is that the wood simply can't keep up with the changing Okanagan seasons forever. Even when treated, wood is vulnerable to all the environmental factors in the Okanagan, such as extreme weather, bugs, and constant exposure to the elements. Your fancy wood fence will gradually degrade, eventually needing replacement, most likely at a high cost.

4. Fence Builders in Vernon BC and beyond won’t guarantee or warranty stand alone treated wood fences.

Here's where things get a little frustrating: almost all fence builders in the Okanagan (including us) won’t offer a warranty or guarantee for treated wood fences. Why? Because even though treated wood is meant to last, there are no guarantees when it comes to how it will react over time. As we’ve already said (many, many times…), wood naturally moves and shifts, and there’s really no way to predict how long it will stay looking great or how long it will last.

Fence builders like Blue Rhino Fence know this because we often repair or replace worn out treated wood fences.  We see how impossible it is to prevent these natural changes from happening and this is why fence contractors won’t back a treated wood fence with the same warranty they would offer for a metal or vinyl fence, or even a combination treated wood and metal fence.

Even with the most professional installation, the treated wood fence will most likely end up needing repairs far earlier than you'd like. It’s a gamble and, while treated wood may be cheaper upfront, there’s no safety net if it doesn’t perform as expected. Think of it like buying a used car with no return policy—you’re taking a risk, and the chances of something going wrong are higher than you'd like to admit.

Just another reason to NOT build a treated wood fence in or around Vernon BC as a stand alone fence option.

And this is why, in the past few years, we have been exploring options that allow our customers to opt in for treated wood fences that DO last and can be guaranteed, such as the combo of powder coated metal poles with treated wood privacy panels that we posted above.

5. There Are Better Options Out There than Treated Wood Fences

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to settle for the hassle of maintaining a treated wood fence when you really have your heart set on a wood fence for your North Okanagan property. 

Thanks to advances in fencing materials, there are plenty of options that offer better durability, less upkeep, and more modern appeal. If you’re not ready to part with the beauty of wood, there are ways to combine wood with other materials for a stronger, longer-lasting fence.

• Powder-Coated Metal Posts with Treated Wood Slats
  

  Why not have the best of both worlds? Powder-coated metal posts provide a sturdy, rust-resistant frame for your fence—one that won’t warp or move over time like treated wood posts—while treated wood slats still give you that natural, warm look. Plus, the powder coating adds a sleek, modern touch that’s perfect for those who want a unique and reasonably low-maintenance fence. When the wooden parts of the fence begin to break down, they are easily replaced at a less expensive price tag. 
  

• Metal Posts with Corrugated Metal Panels and Treated Wood Privacy Screens at the Top For an even more contemporary look, you can combine corrugated metal panels with treated wood privacy screens at the top of your fence. The metal panels offer durability and an industrial aesthetic, while the wood screens provide a softer, more natural touch to your backyard. This combination creates a fence that can stand up to the elements without the constant need for touch-ups. Bonus: the metal panels won’t warp or crack like wood will and the metal posts, again, will keep your fence straight until you're long gone!
  

• Vinyl Fencing Made to Look Like Wood While this option is obviously not wood, it still provides the charm of wood without all the fuss, so vinyl fencing made to look like wood is a fantastic option. This type of fence combines the aesthetic appeal of wood with the longevity and low-maintenance of metal posts and vinyl. It won’t warp, crack, or rot like real wood, and you won’t need to worry about staining or painting it every couple of years. Plus, it comes in a variety of styles and colors, so you can still get that natural wood look without the headache of constant upkeep.

There are just so many reasons NOT to choose to build a treated wood fence, but, of course, what you ultimately decide to do is totally up to you! Full disclosure, we still build treated wood fences, we just don't guarantee their longevity! Here at Blue Rhino Fence, we guarantee our non-wood fences for up to three years.

So, before you go ahead and commit to a purely wood fence, consider the ongoing costs of maintenance, the inevitable need for replacement, and the uncertainty around warranties and service guarantees. There are plenty of other fence options for Vernon BC residents and businesses that offer more durability, less upkeep, and a modern, stylish finish. By choosing a better material, your fence will keep its straight lines and you'll save yourself time, money, and the headache of dealing with a fence that just won’t stay put.

Get in touch if you're ready to build a new fence in the North Okanagan or you're ready to replace your old treated wood fence! We'll help you find the type of fence that will check all your boxes and last a very long time.