What does Bakersfield sun do to wood?
Here, wood fences tend to fail from the top down rather than the bottom up. Intense summer sun and very dry air pull moisture out of the boards, which leads to graying, surface checking, cupping and loose fasteners. Rot at the ground line still happens where sprinklers run, but drying and UV damage are the main enemies.
How do you build a wood fence for these conditions?
- Galvanized steel posts behind the boards, which will not twist, rot or snap in a gust.
- Thicker boards and a top cap to slow cupping and shade the board ends.
- A penetrating sealer applied after the wood acclimates, then renewed about once a year on sun-facing runs.
- Screws instead of nails, since boards that shrink and swell work nails loose.
- Footings sized for wind on long or exposed runs.
Which styles work best?
Six-foot privacy fences are the standard in Bakersfield back yards, and six feet is also the city's limit in side and rear yards. Shadowbox and board-on-board styles look finished on both sides and let a little air through. Front-yard pickets stay at or under the 4-foot front-yard limit.
What does a wood fence cost here?
As of October 2026, published ranges for a 4- to 6-foot wood fence run roughly $20 to $45 per linear foot installed. Steel posts, cedar or redwood, and board-on-board construction push toward the top.
Is wood worth it in Bakersfield?
Yes, if you want privacy for the lowest up-front cost and will seal it regularly. If you would rather never touch it, look at UV-stable vinyl or metal. Comparison: which fence lasts longest in the heat.