Still on the fence about wood? Following are four things you need to know about selecting and maintaining a beautiful wooden fence. Choose Your Wood Wisely All wood is not created equal when it comes to durability and attractiveness, so be sure to choose the wood for your fence carefully. The most durable type of wood is high-grade redwood, but it's also beyond many people's budgets. Cedar and cypress are good choices because both types of wood have rot-resistant properties.