Wood Fencing in Los Angeles: New Regulations and How to Choose the Right Material

If you’re considering installing a wood fence for your Los Angeles home, we have some exciting news: the city has eased its regulations, now allowing front yard wood fences to be built up to 8 feet tall, doubling the previous limit. This opens new possibilities for privacy, security, and design. As experts in wood fencing installations, LA Decks is here to guide you in building a beautiful, lasting fence customized to meet your preferences.

Why the New 8-Foot Wood Fencing Limit Matters for LA Homeowners

The new 8-foot height limit allows homeowners to add substantial privacy, creating a peaceful and secure indoor-outdoor environment. This height increase can reduce street noise and offer a more enclosed, peaceful front yard space. For families, this new height limit offers greater peace of mind, ensuring your kids and loved ones can enjoy a safe home environment protected from outside disturbances. Additionally, with a variety of beautiful and durable wood options, homeowners can integrate a natural wood fence that’s both functional and visually appealing.

Choosing the Best Wood for Your Fencing Project

Selecting the right wood is crucial for building a fence that matches your needs. Here, we break down three categories of wood for fencing—traditional woods, tropical hardwoods, and thermally modified woods—each with unique benefits.

Traditional Wood Fencing Options: Redwood & Pine

Redwood: Known for its natural color and decay resistance, redwood provides a classic look that suits most homes. However, it needs regular maintenance to maintain its appearance.

Pros: Redwood is attractive, decay-resistant, and widely available.

Cons: It requires regular staining and sealing to prevent weathering.

Pine: Pine is a budget-friendly choice and can be pressure-treated to improve durability. However, it’s softer and may show wear over time.

Pros: Pine is affordable, readily available, and treated options last longer.

Cons: Without proper maintenance, pine is prone to warping.

Tropical Hardwood Wood Fencing: Ipe, Cumaru & Garapa

Tropical hardwoods bring richness and durability to wood fencing, making them ideal for homeowners seeking a long-lasting, timeless look.

Ipe: Often called “Ironwood” for its extreme durability, Ipe is dense, rot-resistant, and low-maintenance. Its deep, dark color adds sophistication and natural beauty.

Pros: Extremely durable, insect and rot-resistant, with minimal upkeep.

Cons: Higher cost and requires professional installation due to its density.

Cumaru: Known as “Brazilian Teak,” Cumaru is similar to Ipe in resilience but at a lower price. Its rich, honey tones provide a warm, inviting look.

Pros: Durable, beautiful color, and rot-resistant.

Cons: Dense and heavy; improper installation can lead to stability issues.

Garapa: The most economical of the tropical hardwoods, Garapa’s light golden color weathers to a silver tone if untreated, offering durability with a budget-friendly appeal.

Pros: Affordable, naturally resistant to decay, and low-maintenance.

Cons: Slightly less dense than Ipe and Cumaru, requiring occasional oiling.

Thermally Modified Wood Fencing: Ash & Ayous

Thermally modified woods are treated with heat and steam to increase stability and moisture resistance, making them a sustainable and reliable option for wood fencing. They are zero-chemical with enhanced resistance to natural elements.

Ash: Thermally modified ash has a rich color and a unique grain pattern. The heat treatment increases its stability, making it a solid choice for fences that need to withstand varying weather conditions.

Pros: Sustainable, decay-resistant, with a beautiful grain.

Cons: Limited availability and higher upfront cost.

Ayous: This smooth, uniform wood is also treated with heat, without chemicals, to enhance its durability. It’s lightweight, making it easier to install while providing long-term stability.

Pros: Eco-friendly, durable, lightweight, and smooth texture.

Cons: Higher initial cost and professional installation recommended.

Why Choose LA Decks for Your Wood Fencing Installation?

With over two decades in the industry, LA Decks has worked alongside homeowners and businesses in Los Angeles to create outdoor spaces that are both functional and inviting. Our team of 40+ builders brings experience with a variety of quality wood and composite materials, and we handle every part of the project ourselves—from design to installation to maintenance. If you’re looking to add a new wood fence or make other outdoor improvements, our project specialists are here to guide you through each step, making the process smooth and straightforward.

Ready to Elevate Your Home with LA Decks Wood Fencing?

With LA’s updated regulations and a variety of beautiful wood options, there’s never been a better time to upgrade your front yard fence. Our fence installation in Los Angeles services ensure a seamless process with high-quality results. Contact us today for a free on-property consultation and let’s build a fence that enhances privacy, security, and style for your home.