re: Fence Suggestions - Wood vs Metal Posts & Pine vs Cedar

I just put up a new fence replacing a pine on pine fence of 20+ years. In that time I've replaced maybe 6 boards and one post that broke. I used Yellawood all the way around with no post installation treatment. I used 5/4 decking for the boards though, about $300 more but worth it. Deck boards don't twist and turn much. The 4x4's from old fence could have been reused but I reconfigured the fence and moved it further out.

2 years ago went 4x6 treated pine posts cemented in the right way. They're not going anywhere. Used 1x6x8 treated pine boards instead of pickets. Stained year 2 and again year 3. Very satisfied and looks sweet with accent solar wall lights every other post (on good side).
The cypress picket idea sounds interesting

Any wood left outdoors in SoLa becomes a termite farm eventually. It's just a matter of time. Wooden fences in wet parts of the yard fall apart 5 years earlier than in dry parts. On a 15 year-old fence of mine the fancy curb-appeal cedar sections look much better than treated-pine sections. The pine hasn't warped by have shrunk greatly. The cedar planks are still snug.

Very annoying thing is that lovely cedar-plank gate on a custom welded frame was hung with lightweight hinges that are now bent every which of way. Odd that an outfit that would make a great welded frame didn't know how to hang a gate with hinges rated for the weight. When you plan a fence start with the gate and pick a competent shop. Posts and planks don't require much experience.