Fence For Sale Clearwater, St.Petersburg, Tampa, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs, Largo Florida

Wood Fencing Grades

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  Pressure Treated (PT) fencing is primarily defined by it's Use Category (UC), which specifies the amount of preservative chemical injected into the wood to resist rot, insects and decay.

1. Retention levels (Use Categories)

The most critical factor for fence longevity is choosing the correct treatment level for each part of the structure.

Above - Ground (UC38): Formulated fo parts of the fence at least 6 inches from the soil with good airflow.

Application: Fence Pickets and stringers/rails.

Ground Contact (UC4A): Contains twice the preservative of above-ground lumber. This is mandatory for any wood touching the ground or in high moisture areas.

Application: Fence Posts

Heavy-Duty Cround Contact (UC4B): used for critical structural foundations or wood in contact with fresh water.

Applications: Retaining walls or fence posts in exceptionally marshy or wet soil.

2. Aesthetic and Structural Grades 

Lumber is graded based on the nmber of knots, splits and "wane" (missing wood or bark on edges).

Clear Grade: Virtually knot-free and wane-free.

Application: It is the most expensive and used for high end luxury projects. not normally used in fencing.

#1 Grade / Select: Features high small, tight knots and minimal imperfections.

Applications: High-end Residential fences where appearance is a priority. higher than average costs.

#2 Grade (Standard): The Industry Standard for residential fencing. It allows for moderate sized knots, light checking and wane on wood edges.

Applications: General residential privacy fences, pickets and rails/stringers.

#3 Grade (Utility): Contains large knots, knot holes, large splits and significant defects.

Applications: Bracing,temporary structures and farm fencing where aesthetics don't matter.

3. Chemical Treatment Types in 2026

MCA (Micronized Copper Azole): The Modern Standard for 2026. it uses ultra fine copper particles that provide a more natural color and better corrosion resistance for fasteners.

ACQ (Alkaline Copper Quaternary): A water-based Treatment that is effective against fungi and insects. it is widely used for residential and commercial fence posts and decking.

KDAT ( Kiln Dried After Treatment): Wood that is dried in a kiln after being pressure treated. This helps prevent wood from shrinking and warping after installation. usually used for fence cap and cladding.

4. Application Strategy

rFor a longer lasting wood fence, we use #2 Ground contact (UC4A) posts to prevent rot at the base and #2 Above-Ground (UC3B) for pickets and stringers to keep the project cost effective.

Pros and Cons of Pressure Treated Wood Fence

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Pros of Chain Pressure Treated Wood Fencing

• Cost Effectiveness: Wood Fencing panels are significantly less expensive than PVC vinyl fencing and molded fence panels (Sintek/Bufftech). for large perimeter fencing, PT wood fence panels offer the lowest cost per foot for privacy fence.

• Availability: PT lumber is a commodity item available at almost lumber supply store making it easy to source.

• Versatility: Pressure Treated wood is easy to modify with common power tools. once it has dried out it can be stained or painted to any color.

Cons of Chain Pressure Treated Wood Fencing

• Longevity: Pressure Treated Fence has the shortest lifespan of all the major fencing types. with a typical life span in the tampa bay area of 10 -15 years.

• Tendency to warp: In our climate wood fencing components have a tendency to warp and twist, causing pickets pull loose posts & top caps to twist.

• Higher Maintenance over time: Warping, staining every 2 years to maintain wood fencing panels.

• Subject to wind load issues: High Wind loads can push wood fencing out of level.

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