Big Easy Fence Company Publishes Guide to Wood Fence Styles, Materials, and Grading Standards

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Big Easy Fence Company, a fencing contractor serving properties across southeastern Louisiana, has published a detailed guide on its company blog addressing how residential property owners can evaluate wood fence styles, material grades, and cost management strategies before committing to a fencing project. The guide covers the grading system used for western red cedar lumber, the structural and aesthetic characteristics of several common residential fence designs, and maintenance practices that affect the long-term durability of wood fencing in humid subtropical climates.

Why it matters

The guide aims to educate residential property owners on the nuances of wood fencing selection and installation, as the grading system for cedar and the tradeoffs between different wood species are not widely understood outside the fencing industry. By providing this information, the guide empowers homeowners to make more informed decisions that balance their aesthetic preferences, budget constraints, and the long-term performance of the fence.

The details

The guide explains the three-tier grading system for western red cedar, with grade one having the fewest knots and most uniform appearance, and grade three containing larger and more frequent knots at a lower price point. It identifies grade two as the 'premium' classification most commonly used for residential fencing, as it balances structural integrity and visual consistency against material cost. The guide also suggests that property owners can specify grade two cedar for the visible pickets while using lower-cost materials like pressure-treated pine and Douglas fir for the less visible rails and posts. Additionally, the guide covers various residential fence styles, such as traditional picket fencing, split-rail, and post-and-rail designs, and the role of regular staining in extending the lifespan of wood fences in humid climates.

• Big Easy Fence Company published the guide on its company blog on March 9, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Big Easy Fence Company announced the addition of a dedicated pressure-treated pine fencing service to its installation lineup, allowing residential and commercial property owners to choose a wood fencing option with built-in resistance to rot and insect damage at a lower material cost than western red cedar or other naturally resistant species.