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Beauty

Brazilian Hardwoods are used for a variety of outdoor construction projects for the same reasons they are used as Decking and Siding; because of their outstanding beauty and longevity. For this reason, our Decking boards easily double as Fencing boards. Brazilian Hardwood Decking comes in an array of colors and species (see below) and all of them are equally as effective for fencing materials. Every fence will have its own unique aesthetics, and there’s really nothing quite like it. They’re also natural and chemical-free, and our RealWood™ certification ensures that it has been sourced with a focus on sustainability and responsible forestry.

Strength, Durability, and Longevity

Brazilian hardwood fences are incredibly strong, and therefore durable. During the lifespan of one fence made from high-quality Brazilian hardwoods, an average homeowner would have needed four or more pine or cedar fences (depending on climate conditions). Domestic soft-wood fences require periodic maintenance to ensure the maximum life span. Brazilian Hardwood fences can be maintained, for beauty, but require NO maintenance for functionality and longevity. For this reason, they are considered, Maintenance Free or Maintenance Optional.

Consider that Ipe has a Janka hardness rating six times greater than pine, and four to five times greater than Cedar.

Maintenance

Domestic soft-wood fences require periodic maintenance to ensure the maximum life span. Brazilian Hardwood fences can be maintained, for beauty, but require NO maintenance for functionality and longevity. For this reason, they are considered, Maintenance Free or Maintenance Optional.

Fence Design Tips

Different Species

Different BHW species offer different design capabilities. For instance, Ipe comes in a variety of widths (5.5″, 3.5″, 7.25″, etc.) and is great to use for unique and contemporary fences with alternating board widths. Alternatively, Garapa (which is offered only in a 5.5″ width) is more consistent in color from board to board which can provide a beautiful fence with a more dialed back appearance. Garapa, Tigerwood, Cumaru, Massaranduba and Purpleheart also cost considerably less than Ipe. Click on the images below to learn more about these individual species.

Vertical or Horizontal

BHW fences can be designed with the “pickets” either going vertically or horizontally. You could even take it a step further and install them diagonally, in a chevron pattern, for a VERY unique design. Each different fence style is suited best for different terrain. For instance, horizontal fences are most effective on flatter areas while verticle fences work well for sloped areas.

Fastening. To see or not to see?

There are an almost infinite number of ways to design and plan how the elements of your fence will come together. Many customers don’t mind having the discrete brown-headed Stainless Steel screws exposed, but many others would prefer to use concealed fastening. This can be done in a number of ways. You can either use one of the several methods of hidden fastening like Plugs, CAMO Edge Fastening, or Clips. Alternatively, you easily create Trim boards to go over-top of the exposed screw heads, concealing them from view.

Beauty From Either Side

Usually, the supporting structures of a fence are visible from the inside of the fenced-in areas. This provides a nice clean appearance from the outside, but a less attractive appearance from within your yard or area. Many customers want to achieve a beautiful view of the fence from BOTH sides. This is certainly possible, but usually, you’ll still want to have a couple of supporting pieces between the posts. For instance, if a fence has horizontal pickets and verticle posts spaced at about 8′, you could route a verticle groove in the center of the verticle post and slide the boards down the newly routed channels. However, to prevent the boards from moving out of verticle alignment, between the posts, it is recommended to use two verticle pieces to secure the boards. This could easily be retrofitted, after the fence installation, if necessary. Similar “track” systems have been created by utilizing verticle aluminum/steel trim (J-Channel or U-Channel).

Reducing Project Costs

In this industry, boards of longer lengths typically cost less, per lineal foot, than the shorter lengths. Designing fences with lengths of 6’s/7’s/8’s/9’s/10’s as opposed to longer lengths boards can help manage the overall cost of the project materials. The species of choice can also be a substantial factor in the overall cost. For instance, Ipe is more expensive the Cumaru and Massranduba. Cumaru and Massaranduba are a little more expensive than Tigerwood and Garapa. And Purpleheart is a little cheaper than Tigerwood and Garapa.