One of the biggest problems in fence construction is warping or bowed lumber. No matter how high the craftsmanship, a bowed peice of lumber can be an eye sore and ruin the whole appearance of a fence. Bowing and warping are mainly caused by the drying process of pressure treated lumber. Basically, there is no drying process. The lumber is pressure treated, straped into pallets, and sent off to lumber stores for sale. The wet lumber reaches the store and starts to air dry. While drying, the lumber bows and warps. If left in the sun to dry, the warping is even worse!
Kiln dried lumber is dried before shipping it to the lumber store. The lumber is less likley to warp or bow due to the drying process. The lumber will stay straight in the sun and make a much more eye pleasing fence. Kiln dried lumber is usually prime lumber, not #2 lumber. #2 lumber usually has slight defects, such as knots and bark on one side of the lumber. The other side of the lumber is usually in pretty good shape. #2 lumber is the industry standard in fencing. Prime lumber is bark free and should have very few knots. The lumber looks the same on both sides.
Of course the old saying is true- “you get what you pay for”. #2 lumber is less expensive and makes a functional fence. Prime lumber is slightly higher than #2 lumber, and kiln dried lumber is slightly higher than prime lumber. It all depends on your needs and your budget.
Carolina Custom Fences is proud to announce we offer all of the above lumber. Our goal is to provide you with the fence you want and need within your budget. Give us a call to find out the different options there are. This is free and has no obligations.
Carolina Custom Fences LLC
919-796-0464
