FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
www.MFP.com
Question Answer
I am looking for Forest Stewardship
Council® (FSC®) certified redwood fencing,
is it available?
Yes, the Mendocino® brand of redwood fencing is available certified to FSC standards. You may
search for FSC certified Mendocino redwood fencing on HomeDepot.com. In store, FSC certified
redwood fencing is identifiable by looking at the barcode labels stapled to the wood. If the barcode
carries the FSC trademarked, tree logo, the wood is FSC certified. FSC certified wood may also be
special ordered through the Pro Contractor Desk at your local The Home Depot store.
Should I take legal considerations into
account when planning to build a fence?
Yes, it’s a good practice to check out the legal considerations associated with building any fence,
because local codes and ordinances can vary from one community to the next. Most communities
have height restrictions on boundary or division fencing. There also may be certain laws and codes
that actually require you to erect a fence, for instance, around a swimming pool or open well.
Is there a difference between redwood
heartwood and sapwood?
Yes, reddish-brown heartwood from the inner portion of a redwood tree contains extractives that
render it resistant to insects and decay. The cream-colored sapwood that develops in the outer
growth layer of a redwood tree does not possess heartwood’s resistance to decay and insects. As
a rule of thumb, all heartwood grades of redwood will have the word “Heart” in the grade name,
such as Construction Heart.
Are there recommended fasteners to use
when building a redwood fence?
Yes, the rule of thumb for fasteners when building a redwood fence is to only use ones that are
non-corrosive. The best options are stainless steel, aluminum, or top-quality, hot-dipped galvanized
fasteners. Lower quality fasteners may cause unsightly stains on your new redwood fence, deck,
or garden structure. The reason is because these types of fasteners will react with redwood’s
natural, decay resisting extractives, possibly causing stains.
Do you need special wood working tools to
build a redwood fence?
No, redwood is lightweight, yet surprisingly strong and durable. Simple woodworking tools such
as a saw, drill, hammer, and high-quality fasteners are typically all you need to build a long-lasting
redwood fence.
Can I leave my redwood fence unfinished? Yes, redwood can be left to weather naturally. Over time it will turn a silver/gray color.
Does redwood fencing accept paints and
stains?
Yes, redwood fence boards, posts, and rails take paints and stains extremely well. Your local The
Home Depot store will have many great finishing options to choose from.
Do you recommend a finish containing UV
protection?
Yes, water-repellant finishes with UV protection and a mildewcide offer the most protection. Tinted
and non-tinted options are widely available. Your local The Home Depot store will have many great
finishing options to choose from.
Do you recommend regular maintenance on
your redwood fence?
Yes, completing regular maintenace, such as hosing away dirt and debris, will go a long way to
keeping your redwood fence looking great.