Fence boards can be used for a variety of purposes around your home. They are not just limited to keeping out animals and backyard privacy.
You can use them as siding, walls, or even in interior design. In this article I’ve put together a few questions and answers that I’ve come across as I’ve been looking into changing up my home fencing and don’t want all of that wood to go to waste…it got me wondering, can I use it around the house, as siding perhaps?
Can You Use Fence Boards As Siding?
In general, you can use fence boards as siding however, it’s important to remember to use boards that have been weather treated since untreated boards will warp and rot. You can use both horizontal or vertical fence board siding, depending on your preference.
Remember, home siding is there to protect your home from the elements and to improve its aesthetics. You can use fence boards for siding, but only if you are using wood fences that will be protected by a porch or have been weather-treated with a coat of paint or other finish.
Wood is naturally resistant to moisture…however, it has been known to swell when it gets wet repeatedly. This swelling will cause the boards to expand and eventually break. If you do not want your fence boards to swell, then it is best if they are covered by something like a porch or roof. Treating any wood that you plan to use for siding is a must, or you could just stick with the usual stuff like vinyl or aluminum.
As an added bonus, using a wooded fence as siding provides a rustic look that is popular with many people today, especially for people updating cabins. This type of outdoor décor not only has that natural charm, but it also helps to keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer during the winter months.
What Are The Downsides To Using Fence Boards As House Siding?
Before you run out to the store or start tearing down an old fence and slapping the boards up on the walls of your home, it’s important to know that there are some downsides to using fence boards as siding:
- Fence boards are not as easy to install as other types of siding.
- The wood may warp over time, which will cause it crack and split. This can also happen when you replace a board because the surrounding ones expand and shrink at different rates.
- You need to take into account any breaks, cracks, or rotting that are already in the boards…this is especially true if you are using reclaimed wood.
- Be prepared to do a ton of sanding because the wood will be rough and splintery…this is a must for staining and painting.
- Since the wood is not treated and can expand when wet or shrink as it dries out, any rot or damage down to one board will affect all surrounding ones.
- Fence boards can be expensive if you buy them new, so some people choose to use recycled fence wood.
- Using reclaimed fence boards can be prone to damage from screws and nails.
Although fence boards can be used as siding, not all types of wood are suitable for this purpose…take cedar, for instance:
Cedar is often used to make outdoor furniture and fencing because it resists rot from moisture. However, when it comes time to use the same material in a home setting, you will find that it has been treated with chemicals or another type of sealant.
This is because cedar naturally warps and shrinks when it gets wet, making the boards look less attractive from a distance once they have been installed as siding on your house.
Cedar fence pickets can be used indoors without too much worry about warping if you do not mind them looking old-fashioned. However, they are not the best choice when it comes to siding for a home.
Can You Use Fence Boards On Walls?
Fence boards are not meant for walls since they do not provide the same coverage and security as traditional wall paneling would. They also tend to be much more expensive. However, fence boards, especially rustic-looking boards, are great for creating wall accents and decoration.
If you are using reclaimed wood, then it is likely that the boards will have nails and screws in them. These are perfect for adding some style and character, but really should be removed or hammered down flat to the boards so that they don’t damage your walls or cause snags when people brush up against them.
Again, this is assuming you are using fence boards as wall accents and not as the actual wall itself. Fence boards are not meant to be used as wall paneling since they do not offer the same type of coverage and security…plus it is more expensive than traditional wall coverings.
Can You Use Ship Lap For A Fence?
In general, shiplap is a great choice for fencing since it allows you to control the amount of gap between each board. Shiplap is especially common in barns and other farmhouses where the style of fencing closely matches with traditional barn building materials.
Shiplap is a type of siding that consists of boards with gaps in between them. These gaps can vary from being very large to very small, depending on the style and type of shiplap you are using for your fence.
Large spaces allow water and wind through while smaller ones will hold more securely but may prevent some airflow.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to fence boards, you have a lot of options. If you want the best protection against moisture damage but don’t mind doing lots of sanding before painting or staining, then consider reclaimed wood as an option.
Fence pickets can be used indoors as long as you use them as wall accents or decorative features..however, they are not ideal for actual interior walls.
If you want a uniform look consider using shiplap or if you prefer a more rough-hewn or rustic look, check out reclaimed fence boards.