What Is A Stockade Fence? (Find Out Now!)

Gary Evans
by Gary Evans

Fences serve as functional decorations for our yards. They offer privacy, protection, and also add a new dimension to your home. There are so many reasons why installing fencing is a good move.

While you’re sorting through your options, don’t forget about stockade fences. Stockade fences feature unique qualities that you may find appealing. They could be the exact pieces you’re looking for as you aim to improve your home.

You can tell you’re looking at a stockade fence by the way the wooden boards are arranged. The wooden boards in stockade fences are packed very closely to one another and no gaps exist between them. More often than not, the top edges of those boards will also be pointed.

Stockade fences offer benefits that can be very appealing to many homeowners. Find out if those benefits will resonate with you by continuing with the rest of this article.

Do You Need Fence Installation or Repair Services?

Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.

The Defining Qualities of a Stockade Fence

Have you never heard of a stockade fence before? It’s not the default design for fences so that lack of familiarity is understandable. Let’s talk more about stockade fences now.

First off, stockade fences are made out of wood. Different types of wood can be used to make a stockade fence, but we can get into that a bit later.

The most distinctive quality of a stockade fence is related to the way its wooden boards are arranged. You’ll see that the boards are all tightly packed. There are no gaps present between the boards which means no one will be able to see through the stockade fence.

Also note that the tops of the boards may be designed a bit differently. Points may be carved into the upper edges of the boards used for stockade fences. That pointed element is not present in all stockade fences, but you will see it more often than not.

How Big Is a Stockade Fence?

We now have a general idea of what a stockade fence looks like so let’s turn our attention to its size. Stockade fences are known for being sturdy and that’s due in no small part to their dimensions.

A standard wooden board used in a stockade fence is 3/4 of an inch thick. A single board will also be 2 and 3/4 inches wide. The individual boards have a decent amount of size to them. They form into a nice, sturdy wall once they’re all bunched together.

Homeowners can also decide how tall the stockade fence will be. Height options include four feet, six feet, and eight feet. Select whichever height works best for your stockade fence.

Once you’ve selected the wooden slats you want included in the fence, they will be nailed to three backer rails. Wooden slats will continue to be added until a section of the desired size is made. That section is then nailed to the post.

What Are the Types of Wood Used in a Stockade Fence?

Different types of wood are used to make stockade fences. Go through the available options to determine which type of wood you like the most. We’ve listed the commonly used options below.

Cedar

Cedar is the type of wood you want to use if you want your stockade fence to be as durable as possible. This type of wood resists rot very well. You won’t see it warp in position soon after installation. The color of cedar can be best described as pinkish with some hints of red. That color is very distinctive and a lot of people like that.

Redwood

As you’ve probably guessed, redwood tends to take on a reddish-brown hue. That’s especially true if you’re using pieces of heartwood. Redwood is also quite durable. It resists rot even better than cedar in some cases.

Expect to pay a lot for a stockade fence made of redwood though. Redwood is definitely among the most expensive materials you can use for that application.

Spruce

Compared to cedar, spruce is significantly less durable. It gets worn down easily. You will likely have to replace the panels in your stockade fence earlier if you decide to use spruce over cedar.

The real selling point of spruce is its appearance. That light yellow color is what most people picture when they think of wooden fences. If you want to feature a classic design, go with spruce.

Should You Use Treated or Untreated Wood for Your Stockade Fence?

Choosing the type of wood for your stockade fence is not the only important decision you have to make. You must also decide if you want to use treated or untreated wood.

For those who may be unaware, treated wood is the type of wood that has been infused with various chemicals. The upside to using treated wood is that it lasts longer. It holds up better against the elements and even bugs that try to burrow into it. Treated wood can be hazardous though. You shouldn’t use it if your fence will be located close to plants or water sources. Kids and animals should also be kept away from treated wood.

Untreated wood is safer and you can install it everywhere. Don’t expect it to last as long as the treated option though.

Also note the discrepancy in pricing between treated and untreated wood. Treated wood is more expensive than the untreated option. Keep that in mind as you decide which one to include in your stockade fence.

Why You Should Consider Installing a Stockade Fence

Stockade fences can present numerous benefits to homeowners. We’ve highlighted the main benefits of installing your own stockade fence below.

Safety

Letting your kids or pets out into the yard can be risky if you don’t have a fence. Even if you have a fence, children and animals can squeeze through it if its gaps are wide enough.

You don’t have to worry about that happening with stockade fences. The tightly packed slats will stop even small animals and children from passing through.

Privacy

Stockade fences are great to use if you want more privacy. The closely packed boards keep your yard and home hidden from view. Go with the stockade fences that stand at eight feet tall if you want as much privacy as you can get.

Sturdy Barrier

Count on your stockade fence standing for a long time. Its packed-together panels make it very sturdy. Stockade fences are typically sturdier than standard wooden fences too.

Easy to Install

The issue of installation can derail your plans to add a new fence to your property. Thankfully, stockade fences are pretty easy to set up.

The wooden boards are already assembled into panels when you receive them. By following the instructions, you should be able to install them properly. The process may take a while if you’re inexperienced but you shouldn’t run into any issues.

Easy Maintenance and Repairs

Maintaining a stockade fence is not that difficult. The manufacturers have likely included instructions detailing how to clean the stockade fence properly.

More often than not, you will just need a cleaning agent, a sponge, and a garden hose to clean the fence. Apply the cleaning agent using your sponge then let it sit for a few minutes. You can finish by rinsing the boards with the garden hose.

After every two years or so, you should also repaint your stockade fence. Doing so will keep the fence in good condition. You can also take that opportunity to paint the fence a new color if you so desire.

Do You Need Fence Installation or Repair Services?

Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you.


Related Questions

How Much Will a New Stockade Fence Cost?

The materials needed to build the stockade fence will cost $800 to $1,300. That should be enough material to surround a standard-sized lot.If you’re paying for installation, the cost of the entire project more than doubles. You’ll likely have to pay $850 to $1,400 to get the stockade fence professionally installed.


Is It Easy to Find the Materials for Building Stockade Fences?

Yes, finding the materials you need to install a stockade fence around your home should not be a problem. Stockade fences are still pretty popular. You should be able to find the materials you need in most big hardware stores.

Related Articles

Gary Evans
Gary Evans

Gary Evans is passionate about home improvement. He loves finding out how to make improvements in the easiest, most practical, and most affordable ways. Upgrading his home kitchen is one of his ongoing hobbies. Gary is also a long-time content creator and enjoys spending his free time tending to his hydroponic vegetable garden.

More by Gary Evans

Next