Wood is the minority choice in Scottsdale, and it helps to know why before you order it. The lot line in most neighborhoods is already a block wall. Wood shows up where owners want warmth that masonry and steel do not give: a horizontal cedar screen beside a patio, a privacy run along a side yard, a gate set into a stucco wall, or a ranch-style fence on a larger lot.
The desert treats wood differently from a wet climate. Rot is slow, but the sun pulls moisture out of boards until they cup, check and split at the fasteners, and subterranean termites attack posts from the soil. We build with cedar or pressure-treated lumber, and we usually hang it on galvanized steel posts set in concrete so the part in the ground is not wood at all. Sprinklers and drip lines are kept off the boards.
Finish matters more here than almost anywhere. A penetrating sealer or stain with UV protection, renewed as it weathers, is what keeps cedar from turning gray and brittle. We tell you plainly what upkeep a design will need. In Scottsdale a fence over 3 feet needs a city permit, and most associations want to approve the style and color first.
Wood & cedar fences in Scottsdale: common questions
Will a wood fence last in Scottsdale heat?
It can, if it is sealed, kept dry at the base and hung on steel posts. Bare wood in full sun dries and cracks quickly. Cedar holds its shape better than pine as it dries.
Can you build a horizontal cedar fence?
Yes. Horizontal boards are a common request for patios and side yards. Board spacing and a metal frame help keep long boards from sagging or twisting in the heat.
Do termites attack fence posts here?
Yes. Subterranean termites live in desert soil across the valley. Steel posts, or treated posts rated for ground contact, remove the easiest target.
How it works
- Free estimate: Call, text or book online. We visit, measure and talk through options.
- Written quote: Clear pricing with material choices side by side.
- Permits & planning: We check local rules and help with permits before we dig.
- Install & clean-up: Our crew installs, cleans up and walks the finished fence with you.