The Ultimate Guide to Wood Fencing in Minnesota
There is something timeless about a real wood fence. The natural scent of cedar, the way it complements the historic architecture of neighborhoods from Summit Avenue to Lake Minnetonka. In a world of plastic and composite, wood feels like a real, authentic choice for the American backyard.
But here’s the truth: most fence companies in Minnesota have stopped doing wood the right way. They use pre-fabricated panels held together by staples or “white wood” that twists and warps before the first snow falls. But at Midwest Fence, we’ve spent 75 years perfecting the craft. If you are looking for Wood Fencing in MN, you deserve a fence that is built, not just “installed.”
Why Wood Still Wins: The Natural Choice for the Twin Cities
Wood isn’t just a “budget” choice; it is a premium architectural feature. In many historic Twin Cities neighborhoods, city codes actually require natural materials to preserve the character of the area. And there’s a reason for this that can apply to your backyard as well – wood offers a warmth and customization that no other material can match.
“A lot of guys stopped doing wood because it’s hard to get right,” says our in-house fencing expert Fence Man Dan. “We never stopped. We have the 7-acre yard and the local shop to make sure every board is exactly what the Minnesota soil demands.” Beyond the aesthetics, a professionally installed wood fence is a major driver of property value. When a potential buyer sees a sturdy, beautiful cedar perimeter, it ‘checks a lot of boxes’ for families and pet owners, making your home significantly more desirable on the market.
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The Midwest Standard: 100% Authentic Western Red Cedar
The secret to a wood fence that lasts thirty years instead of seven is the species of wood. While big-box retailers sell “Chinese Cedar” (which is actually a species of fir) or “White Wood,” Midwest Fence utilizes 100% Western Red Cedar.
Western Red Cedar is nature’s ultimate engineering marvel. It contains natural tannins and oils that act as a biological “pesticide” and “fungicide.” It is literally built to fight off rot and insects without the need for harsh chemicals.
When you combine this “natural armor” with our 75-year installation standards, you get a fence that survives the Minnesota freeze-thaw cycle with ease. As Fence Man Dan points out, since we buy our cedar boards by the carload—literally arriving on a train—we can hand-select the best old-growth timber with tight growth rings, ensuring your fence is more rot-resistant and rigid than anything found at a retail store.
Finding Your Style: Choice and Customization
When choosing a wood fence, the first question isn’t about color—it’s about how you use your yard. Because we custom-build every section in our own shop, we can customize these styles to fit the specific height and aesthetic needs of your property.
1. Wood Privacy Fencing: Your Private Sanctuary
If your goal is to turn your backyard into an outdoor living room where the neighbors’ business stays on their side of the line, a Privacy Fence is the answer.
- Solid Board / Dog-Ear: The classic look of the Northland. It provides total seclusion and a clean, uniform backdrop for your landscaping.
- Shadowbox: Often called the “neighbor-friendly” fence, this style looks identical from both sides and allows for airflow while still maintaining privacy.
- Lattice-Top: For those who want a solid wall but want to add a touch of decorative architectural flair to the top.
2. Wood Picket Fencing: The Classic Curb Appeal
If you want to define your property line and keep the dog in the yard without sacrificing your view, a Picket Fence is the gold standard.
- Straight-Top Picket: Simple, clean, and historic. This is the “White Picket Fence” dream, rendered in durable Western Red Cedar.
- Scalloped / Arched Picket: These styles offer a more flowing, rhythmic look that follows the natural curves of your landscape.
- Gothic Picket: Features decorative post caps and pointed pickets, perfect for Victorian or historic Twin Cities homes.
Midwest Fence Builds to Last (Unlike Competitors Who Take Shortcuts)
Midwest Fence understands that the most frequent reason wood fences fail is the foundation, which is why Midwest Fence does not take shortcuts to cut costs and increase profit; instead, we build to last.
Midwest Fence recognizes that the true value of a fence comes where other companies take shortcuts: underground.
- The “Driven Post” Trap: Many installers simply pound a steel pipe into the dirt. In our clay-heavy soil, a 6-foot privacy fence acts like a giant sail; without a proper anchor, wind will eventually “slot” the soil, leaving your fence with a permanent lean. This “No-Dig” method is a shortcut that Fence Man Dan notes “benefits the contractor more than the homeowner.”
- The 42-Inch Standard: We dig. By setting our posts in a “bell” concrete base 42 inches deep, we get below the frost line. To maximize your investment, we also guide you on property lines. We recommend building “all the way up to it without going over” to ensure neighbors don’t accidentally claim your land for their own gardens or trees. As Dan explains, a concrete footing creates a “bell” at the bottom that the frost can’t grab.
- Aluminum Reinforcement: Have you ever seen a wood fence where the bottom rail looks like a “sagging belly”? That happens without internal support. For our larger gates and specific styles, we utilize structural reinforcements to ensure your lines stay level for decades.
Custom Built, Not Pre-Fab: The South St. Paul Difference
If you walk through a neighborhood and see a fence that looks like a “staircase” going up a hill, you’re looking at cheap, pre-fabricated panels. Every wood fence we install is custom-cut in our South St. Paul shop. This allows us to build to the “rake” or the specific slope of your yard. Choosing a custom-built solution like this is an ideal way to ensure your fence feels like a permanent piece of architecture rather than a temporary addition.
Maintaining Your Investment
A wood fence is a living thing. To get the longest life out of your Western Red Cedar, it needs to “cure” after installation. We recommend letting the wood dry out for a few months before applying a high-quality stain. Investing in a professional stain further increases that ‘desirability’ factor for future buyers, ensuring your fence remains an asset rather than a maintenance liability.