Windbreak fence boards

[customdave]

Hi everyone, I have a customer who wants to build a windbreak fence. This fence will consist of posts in the ground, 2 - 2x6 stringers nailed across top & bottom horzintally.Then he will nail second cuts up & down across the stringers to wall in.My question is should I sell him second cut  popular or spruce boards , I don't know which one would last longer! Any ideas would be appreciated..

               Thanks  Dave

[beenthere]

The problem area will be the wood at the joint with the stringers. Being they are 2x6, that area will be large and not dry out after a rain (very fast or soon). Less contact area there would be better.

Between the two woods, if yellow poplar or spruce, either one about the same. I'd go with the spruce tho, and expect it to remain a little straighter.  If your "popular" is popple, or aspen then I'd still go with the spruce.

But I'd expect the decay to happen first at the joint, and about as fast with either wood.

[kderby]

A fence like this will eat a lot of volume so price is going to matter a lot.  I would use the least cost wood and treat it.

Are these fences common in your area? I used to see them.  They seem to have fallen out of favor here in Oregon.

[Sprucegum]

When I was a kid I learned how to swing a hammer at one of those fences. It was all spruce but I can't say if it was chosen for longevity or just used because we had it. I am biased toward the spruce though.

[customdave]

Thanks Guys, customer solved it , he said he only needs fence for 4 or 5 yrs so didn't matter! Was talking to the neigbhor late this morning & he has a wind fence made from popluar & it been up for 30 years & its not ready to tear down yet!! Just thought I would pass this along.


    Thanks Dave  8)