Wood Fence Installation in Four Oaks & Johnston County
Southern Built Fence Co builds wood privacy fences, picket fences, and split rail fences in Four Oaks, Smithfield, Clayton, Garner, and across Johnston County, NC. Wood is still the most popular fence around here because it looks natural, costs less up front than vinyl, and is easy to repair one board at a time. We help you pick the style, set the posts right, and build it straight. Call (910) 786-1243 for a free estimate.
Wood fence styles we build
Wood privacy fence: 6-foot solid fence that blocks the view and keeps pets and kids in
Board-on-board: overlapping pickets that leave no gaps, even after the wood shrinks
Shadowbox: alternating boards that look finished from both sides and let some air through
Picket fence: a shorter front-yard fence that marks the boundary and adds curb appeal
Split rail: an open rail fence for large lots, farms, and property lines, with optional wire mesh for pets
Horizontal and custom: modern horizontal boards, decorative tops, and designs built to your plan
Matching wood gates: walk and drive gates framed to stay square and swing without sagging
Choosing the right wood fence
Start with what you want the fence to do. If you want privacy, a 6-foot board-on-board or stockade fence is the standard. If you want to mark a front yard or frame a garden, a picket fence does the job without walling you in. If you have acreage or want a rustic boundary, split rail covers a lot of ground at a lower cost per foot.
Most wood fences in North Carolina are built from pressure-treated pine. The treatment helps the wood resist rot and insects, it is widely available, and it takes stain well once it dries out. Cedar is another option. It has natural rot resistance and a rich color, but it costs more. We will price both if you are curious and tell you honestly whether the upgrade is worth it for your yard.
Wood versus vinyl is the other big question. Wood costs less to install and is easier to repair. Vinyl costs more up front but never needs paint or stain. If you do not mind sealing a fence every few years, wood is a great value. If you want to set it and forget it, look at our vinyl fences too.
How we build wood fences to last in Carolina weather
Wood fences fail at the posts first. Rot at the ground line and posts set too shallow are the two most common reasons a fence leans. We set posts deep in concrete, use lumber rated for ground contact where the post meets the soil, and space posts for our wind and the sandy Coastal Plain ground found across much of Johnston County.
A solid privacy fence catches wind like a sail, so post depth and spacing matter even more there. We use hardware and fasteners made to resist rust in Carolina humidity, because a corroded nail or hinge can ruin good boards long before the wood gives out.
Plan to stain or seal your fence. New pressure-treated pine is often still wet from treatment, so it usually needs to dry for a while before it will take a finish. After that, a quality stain or sealer every few years protects it from sun and moisture and keeps the color even. We can walk you through the timing when we finish the job.
Before we build, we check HOA rules, setbacks, and property lines. Johnston County recommends keeping a fence 1 to 2 feet inside your property line. Most residential jobs are done within a week or two of approval, weather permitting.
What is included
Free on-site estimate: we measure, walk the line with you, and give you a real number
HOA and setback check: we flag height and style rules before any post goes in
Posts set in concrete: set deep and spaced for Johnston County wind and soil
Rust-resistant hardware: fasteners and hinges chosen to hold up in humid weather
Cleanup and haul-away: we remove the old fence and leave the yard clean
1-year warranty: covering workmanship and materials on every installation
Financing available: so you can build the fence you want now
Areas we serve
Four Oaks, Smithfield, Clayton, Garner, Selma, Benson, Goldsboro, and the surrounding Johnston County area of North Carolina.
Related: chain link fences · vinyl fences · aluminum fences · privacy fences · fence repair · book a free estimate
Frequently asked questions
How much does a wood fence cost?
It depends on the length, the height, the style, the number of gates, and the terrain. A split rail fence costs far less per foot than a 6-foot board-on-board privacy fence. The estimate is free. Call (910) 786-1243 and we will measure and give you a real number.
How long does a wood fence last?
It depends on the wood, how well the posts were set, and how often the fence is sealed. Deep posts in concrete and regular staining are the two biggest things that add years to a wood fence. Neglect and shallow posts are what shorten it.
When should I stain my new wood fence?
New pressure-treated pine usually needs time to dry before it will absorb stain evenly. A simple test is to sprinkle water on a board: if it beads up, wait; if it soaks in, the wood is ready. We will tell you what to expect when we finish.
Is pressure-treated pine or cedar better?
Pressure-treated pine is the most common choice in North Carolina because it is affordable, strong, and resists rot once treated. Cedar costs more and has natural rot resistance and a warmer color. Both make a good fence when the posts are set right.
Can you match my existing wood fence?
In most cases, yes. We match style, height, and board layout so a new section or repair does not stand out. New wood will look lighter until it weathers or is stained to match.
