As demand for wood skyrocketed in recent months while supply dwindled, fencing companies have reached for new options to complete swimming pool barriers, backyard fencing and more.

Several major lumber mills in the United States and Canada had cut production since the spring, but people staying home all spring and summer had launched into renovation projects that had been long put off, driving up demand and prices.

“Business has been busier because more people are using their space because they’re home,” says J.C. Wilcox, president of Western Fence in Altadena, California. “People are thinking: more pool space, more outdoor space.” However, he says the wood shortage has affected projects. “I ordered wood a month ago, and it just came in today.”

Lumber prices hit a record high in August, according to the National Association of Home Builders. Softwood and pressure-treated lumber have both become difficult to find, and tariffs from Canadian mills have boosted the prices as well. Many lumber distributors have even rationed the amount of lumber they can deliver to each client until more supply comes through, leaving builders to struggle to find materials to complete projects.

Meanwhile, sales in backyard swimming pools and its accompanying fencing have increased, leading fencing companies to find new sources of building materials. For those wanting to maintain the wood look and privacy that the boards provide, many builders have turned to wood alternatives, such as composite wood, often created with a blend of recycled wood pulp and plastic. In this case, even composite wood can be difficult to find these days. As a result, fences and other projects have ended up costing even more to the homeowners.

“A lot are doing alternatives - the smaller mesh chain link, vinyl, wood-tone vinyl, other materials,” Wilcox says. But in the end, it’s the woodsy look people still want. “Everybody’s trying to keep natural if possible.”

Some fence builders have found other alternatives that leave wood out of the equation altogether. For example, Oasis Composite Fencing by Fortress uses recycled bamboo and polyethylene to create its blend. It’s an easy sell because of its maintenance-free qualities. It does not require regular painting or staining, as traditional wood requires upkeep. It also does not splinter or crack and does not attract insects. It can also be built for security – making the fence difficult to climb.

“I think wood, in general, has been on the down side,” Wilcox says. “People are getting more low maintenance about having to paint, especially since paint is getting more water-based. They’re shooting for something they don’t have to do again and are definitely looking for longer-term solutions.”

For more information about maintenance-free composite fencing, visit Fortress Fence.