Whitewoods

• Fir, spruce and pine are known in the fencing industry as whitewoods because of their color when newly installed, but their color changes when treated with weather preservatives. Fencing material treated with oil-based preservatives is typically light- to medium-brown. Waterborne salt treatments utilize copper or chromium salts that stain the wood a light green. Wood treated at the sawmill with a brightly colored finish is protected against insects and fungus during shipment, but this application isn't a long-lasting protection against weather, fungus or insects. Don't use treated wood in locations that are in close proximity to gardens or orchards, because the noxious chemical used to treat wood can leech into the soil and contaminate food crops.
  
  

Cedar

• Impervious to insect infestations, wood rot and weather damage, white northern cedar or western red cedar are ideal for constructing pole fences. Cedar doesn't cup, check or warp, and it contains a natural chemical that repels termites and other wood-boring insects.
  
  

Hardwoods

• Locust and red oak are strong, durable hardwood species frequently used to build pole fences. Available from post and pole sawmills, fencing contractors and home and garden supply centers, locust and red oak are available in a wide variety of turned-pole lengths and diameters. You may choose natural or treated poles.
  
  

Selecting Fencing Material

• When purchasing wood for fence posts that will be installed partially in the ground, carefully examine the wood: pieces treated for below-ground use are stamped, labeled or otherwise certified for subsoil installation.