A research laboratory of the United States Forest Service that studies wood, its durability, finishing and performance outdoors.
The Forest Products Laboratory is a research facility of the United States Forest Service. Its publications cover wood properties, durability, finishing and weathering, including how finishes behave outdoors and why wood changes color and cracks. Owners in Nashville who want to understand why a fence turns gray or cups can read the research and see that sun, moisture and movement are part of how wood behaves.
We are a private fence company and are not part of the laboratory. We use what is widely understood about wood in our own work: choosing the right lumber for each use, fastening to allow for movement, keeping boards off the soil and finishing when the wood is ready. We explain these steps in plain language so you know what to expect.
Visit the official Forest Products Lab website
Research on how wood behaves.
Studies on decay and weathering.
How stains and sealers perform.
Why wood swells, shrinks and cups.
Free technical publications.
Useful for fence care.
Pressure-Treated Pine FencesPressure-treated pine fences that give strong posts, rails and pickets at a practical cost for privacy, picket and…Explore 
Board-on-Board FencesBoard-on-board fences with overlapping pickets that stay private from every angle and look full and finished as the…Explore 
Dog-Ear FencesDog-ear privacy fences with clipped picket corners that give solid wood privacy, a neat top line and a…Explore 
Lattice-Top FencesLattice-top fences that pair a solid privacy panel with a decorative lattice crown for light, airflow, vines and…Explore Size a fence line, check a lifespan or ballpark a budget.
Fence Length and Materials CalculatorEnter your measurements to see linear feet, posts, rails, pickets, concrete and time to plan for yards, runs, pastures and gates.Try it 
How Long Will My Fence Last? CheckerPick a fence type, its age and the signs you see to learn where it is in its life and what to do next.Try it 
Fence Budget PlannerPick a fence, gate, repair or finishing job, set the length and add extras to see a ballpark planning range. Placeholder values only.Try it Sun breaks down the surface fibers and washes out color. A finish slows it.
Moisture and drying cause movement. Good fastening and finishing reduce it.
No. We are a private fence company and are not part of the Forest Products Laboratory. Officials make the decisions, and we help you understand the process and prepare information.
ResourceAFAA trade association for the fence industry that offers education, events, safety resources and industry news for contractors…Learn more ResourceNAHBA trade association for home builders and remodelers that shares research, education and advocacy on housing and construction…Learn more ResourceASHIA professional association for home inspectors that publishes standards of practice and consumer information about home inspections.Learn more ResourceCAIA nonprofit that offers education, resources and research for homeowners associations, community managers and board members.Learn more Call us and describe your property. We will walk the line, talk through options and give you a clear written estimate.
