The most common question we get about farm fencing is “Why should I use oak boards instead of pressure-treated boards?”  It is true that new pressure-treating chemicals are safe for use around animals, but animals can be very hard on fencing. Oak is one of the hardest of the hardwoods while pressure-treated boards are made from softwood, usually pine; therefore, oak is  much stronger and more durable and can stand up to horses leaning, pushing, kicking and chewing far better than soft pine.  In addition to being stronger and more dense, oak boards are true sized.  A 1”x 6” pressure-treated board actually measures 3/4” x 5 1/2″, while oak is a true 1 inch thick by 6 inches wide.  Because they are stronger, oak boards come in 16′ lengths requiring fewer seams and improving the strength and appearance of the fence. Another advantage of oak over pressure-treated is that treated boards tend to warp as they dry out after being treated.

Although we install hardwood boards, we recommend  pressure-treated posts due to ground contact.  Oak is not resistant to rot, decay or termites like pressure treated wood.

Exposed concrete can damage horse’s hooves.  Concrete footings are necessary for strong terminal posts, ends and corners, but other posts are hand tamped and concrete footings are buried well below the surface to protect the animals.

Typical horse fence is a paddock style with three or four horizontal boards, half rounds for line posts and full rounds for terminals.  We offer full rounds for all posts at an additional cost.  We recommend metal farm gates with barrel hinges for ease of operation.  We can provide power gates that open via remote control.