Why should we choose sustainable fencing?

Timber is a hugely important organic construction material, recognised for its versatility and durability. It is widely used across a range of different applications, from residential garden boundaries to commercial premises, and as such it is necessary to consider how responsibly we use this resource to ensure its longevity. Not all timber is the same, so it makes sense to know more about what you’re buying before you make that purchase commitment.

We will discuss the things you should look for when choosing a fence, such as recognised certification programmes and the timber treatment process. Even if you choose fencing which has been certified as using sustainable wood, if the quality of the materials used is substandard, then this is counterproductive and you may end up having to replace your fence frequently. Therefore using more wood anyway, regardless of whether it’s from a sustainable source.

The pros and cons for softwood and hardwood

Softwood 

• Low cost - 75-80% of the world’s timber is softwood and readily available.
• Faster growing with a low footprint - softwood species are faster growing than hardwoods meaning the that the same area of land produces more usable timber.
• Easier to manufacture - softwood timber species like pine, cedar, larch and spruce are easier to machine and manipulate so require less intensive and expensive manufacturing processes.
• Cost comparison - less expensive than hardwood, even if FSC or PEFC certified. Softwood when pressure treated with the correct preservatives is safe to humans, animals and plants.
• It is typically safer than composite products such as plywood, MDF and particle board, that often contain resins, and safer than some hardwoods that can cause irritation or allergic reactions.