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Wood is still the most common backyard fence in Reno and Sparks neighborhoods. It’s the most affordable way to get full privacy, it’s easy to repair one board at a time, and it suits the look of most homes from Old Southwest to Spanish Springs.
Cedar vs. pressure-treated pine
- Pressure-treated pine costs less and resists rot and insects in the ground, which is why it’s often used for posts even on cedar fences.
- Cedar is more stable and resists warping and checking better in dry heat. A 2026 Reno installer guide prices pine at the low end (about $15 to $17 per foot) and cedar around $18 to $25 per foot.
Styles that work in the wind
- Good-neighbor (alternating) boards look the same from both sides and let some air through.
- Board-on-board overlaps boards for privacy while leaving small gaps that reduce wind load compared with a solid wall of boards.
- Steel posts with wood panels are a common upgrade where the Zephyr hits hardest: galvanized steel posts don’t rot or twist, and brackets let you use a wood look.
- Top cap and kickboard stiffen the panel and protect board ends from ground moisture.
Protecting wood in the high desert
UV and low humidity dry out wood fast. Plan to apply a penetrating stain or sealer after the wood has dried enough to accept it, then re-coat every few years. Keep sprinklers from spraying the same boards daily, and keep soil and mulch off the bottom of the boards.
Wood and wildfire
In wildland-interface areas like Verdi, Somersett’s edges and the foothills, a wood fence that attaches directly to the house can carry fire to the walls. NFPA’s Firewise guidance recommends noncombustible materials within the first five feet of the home, so consider a metal section or gate where the fence meets the house.
Request a free estimate to talk with a trusted local fence pro.
Reno Fence Contractors connects Reno, Sparks and Washoe County homeowners with an independent local fence contractor. Work is performed by that contractor, not by this website. Cost figures on this site are published ranges from the sources listed, not quotes.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a wood fence last in Reno?
It depends on wood species, post type and maintenance. Cedar with steel or well-set treated posts and regular sealing lasts much longer than untreated boards on shallow posts.
Should I stain a new wood fence right away?
Most manufacturers recommend letting new treated wood dry before staining. Ask your contractor what’s right for the lumber used.
Can I get a 7-foot wood fence?
Sometimes, depending on location on the lot and jurisdiction. City of Reno plans for fences over 6 feet need post embedment and footing details. See our permit guide.