Wouldn't cedar pickets hold up longer than pine pickets? Though I suppose if you give the fence an annual coat of Thompson's or other preservative, the species of wood won't matter much.
Getting pickets allows you to build your own fence. Many of the panels are assembled cheaply. Like noted above many are only two rail. Some are assembled using nails that won't hold as well as screws. If you use panels at least buy more 2x4s and add another rail. Also use 2x4's to tie each panel together by putting a 2x4 across where 2 panels adjoining them together.
I used cedar pickets from Fox Lumber.
Mine was built on site, no panels. It has 3 treated rails, cedar pickets and galvanized poles. It has been in place for 11 years now and I have not replaced a single thing, except to have two loose posts fixed with some extra concrete. It catches all the wind from the north and south with nothing to block it and is still standing.
Hope I didn't jinx myself!
Mike
Check out SSS Fence on Council. They have quality products.
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