Why Fence Contractors Don’t Use Home Depot or Lowe’s Wood: The Real Difference in Fence Quality
Get a longer-lasting, straighter, and better-looking fence built with contractor-grade lumber. Call Picket Pros at 913-358-5305 or visit us at picketpros.com.
Not All Fence Wood is Created Equal
When it comes to building a quality fence, most homeowners assume that wood is wood — and that the only differences are price and stain color. But if you’ve ever seen a fence start leaning, splitting, or warping within a few seasons, chances are it was built with low-grade lumber from a big-box store like Home Depot or Lowe’s.
At Picket Pros, we exclusively use contractor-grade lumber from suppliers like Stephens Pipe & Steel and Master Halco, and in this article, we’ll explain exactly why that matters — and why it affects the longevity, appearance, and value of your fence.
The Truth About Big-Box Store Lumber
Most wood sold at Home Depot or Lowe’s is designed to appeal to price-conscious DIYers — not long-term durability.
Here’s what you typically get with big-box wood:
Fast kiln-dried or air-dried lumber, which leads to uneven moisture content
Higher knot count, increasing the risk of splitting and instability
Poor chemical retention, making pressure-treated pine less resistant to rot
Inconsistent sizing, causing gaps between pickets and uneven lines
Stored outdoors, leading to pre-warping before it’s even used
This type of lumber is not built to withstand Kansas City’s humidity swings, freeze-thaw cycles, and sun exposure over time.
What Makes Contractor-Grade Wood Different?
Contractor suppliers like Stephens Pipe & Steel and Master Halco work directly with fencing professionals — meaning the wood is selected, processed, and stored with performance in mind.
Here’s what you get with pro-grade wood:
Select-grade cedar and pine with tighter grain and fewer defects
Kiln-dried properly and slowly to ensure even drying
Stored in controlled indoor environments
Dimensionally consistent, which means tighter, cleaner installs
Higher chemical retention for better rot and insect resistance
If you’re investing thousands in a new fence, the quality of the wood is one of the most important factors in whether it lasts 5 years… or 25.
Real-World Differences You’ll See in Your Fence
Fences built with contractor-grade wood look straighter, stain more evenly, and age far better than fences built with big-box lumber. But don’t just take our word for it — here’s what you’ll notice:
With Big-Box Wood:
Warping and twisting in as little as 3–12 months
Split pickets and posts that lean or crack
Pickets cut from lower-grade lumber full of moisture
Frequent repairs or early replacement
With Contractor-Grade Wood:
Straighter lines and consistent gaps
Fewer callbacks and repairs over time
Better resistance to sun, rain, and temperature changes
A fence that maintains its shape, color, and curb appeal
When you choose Picket Pros, you’re getting a fence that stays standing and looks great for the long haul.
Why Picket Pros Doesn’t Cut Corners
At Picket Pros, we know that cutting corners on materials is a shortcut to callbacks, customer frustration, and early failure.
That’s why we:
Source cedar and pine from Stephens Pipe & Steel and Master Halco
Use galvanized steel posts or true 4x4s depending on soil type and project needs
Build with contractor-grade screws and fasteners, not staples
Offer optional staining and sealing for added longevity
Our fences are designed to last decades, not just seasons — because that’s the reputation we’ve built our business on.
👉 Check out our most popular services:
Local Expertise with Quality That Shows
Our team lives and works in the Kansas City area — and we’ve seen first-hand how poor materials don’t hold up in our climate.
We proudly serve:
Each area has different soil conditions, zoning requirements, and climate exposure — and we tailor our approach and materials accordingly.
Want to Know What Your Fence Will Cost?
We offer a free online Fence Cost Estimator where you can draw your fence line on a map, select your materials, and get instant pricing based on local material and labor costs.
🎯 Try it now:
👉 Use the Fence Estimator Tool
It only takes a minute and can help you compare options for wood, vinyl, and ornamental fencing.
Cedar vs. Pine vs. Vinyl
We help homeowners choose between fencing materials based on durability, price, and maintenance preferences:
Cedar Fencing
Beautiful natural look
Long lifespan when sealed
Natural resistance to rot and bugs
👉 Cedar Fence Installation
Treated Pine
Affordable
Requires staining/sealing
Can warp if not sourced properly (avoid big box!)
Vinyl Fencing
Maintenance-free
Clean, modern appearance
Available in privacy, ranch rail, and picket styles
👉 Vinyl Fence Installation
Why DIY Fences Often Fail
Many homeowners start with good intentions — a weekend project, some YouTube tutorials, and a truck full of pickets from Home Depot.
But without:
Proper post-setting technique
Knowledge of zoning and HOA restrictions
Access to quality materials
…most DIY fences have a short lifespan, look uneven, or need replacing within a few years. Worse, some projects violate city codes and must be torn down altogether.
With Picket Pros, your fence is:
Permitted properly
Built with long-lasting materials
Installed by experienced crews
Backed by our workmanship guarantee
Invest Once. Build It Right.
A well-built fence is one of the best long-term investments you can make in your home. It boosts privacy, security, and property value — but only if built with the right materials and the right contractor.
If you’re getting quotes and see a big price difference, ask your contractor where they source their lumber. It makes all the difference.
Ready to Build a Fence That Lasts?
Call Picket Pros today at 913-358-5305, or visit picketpros.com to schedule your free estimate.
Want pricing now? Try our instant Fence Estimator — no phone call required.