Picking a fence isn't just about how it looks on day one — it's about how it looks in year five. Memphis summers bring heat, humidity, and hard storms, and all three are rough on wood. Here's what actually matters when you're choosing.
Material first: cedar vs. treated pine. Cedar naturally resists rot and insects, holds its color longer, and doesn't warp as easily — it costs more up front but usually ages better. Pressure-treated pine is the budget-friendly option and holds up fine when it's installed properly, though it's more likely to cup or twist as it dries. Either one works in Memphis. What matters more is how it's built.
Style next. Board-on-board overlaps the pickets so there are no gaps when the wood shrinks — the best choice if privacy is the whole point. Cap-and-trim adds a top rail and trim board for a finished, high-end look from both sides. Shadowbox alternates pickets front and back, which lets air pass through and looks the same from your yard and your neighbor's.
Then there's the part nobody sees: the posts. This is where cheap fences fail. Posts need to be set deep and in concrete, spaced correctly for the picket span, and pressure-treated for ground contact. A fence with beautiful pickets and shallow posts will lean after the first serious storm.
Finally, think about the gate. Gates take more abuse than any other part of the fence, so they need heavier hinges, a solid frame, and often a diagonal brace or cable to keep them from sagging. If a contractor quotes you a gate with the same hardware as the fence panels, ask why.
Not sure which direction to go? Call Marlin Services LLC at (901) 246-3290 and we'll walk your property line and give you a free written estimate.