As a homeowner, you take great pride in the appearance of your home and your property. As such, when it comes time to install a fence, you need to make the right choice.
But what types of fences are available to you? Furthermore, with all the options at hand, how do you choose the right fence materials? Are some better than others?
We’re not here to tell you what to do, but we can help you make an educated decision. Keep reading to learn more about the different types of fences and how to choose which material is best for your property.
Privacy
The best kind of fence for your home is the one that hits all of your checkmarks. What are you looking to get out of your fence?
If you’re like most homeowners looking to install a backyard fence, you probably want a material that will provide you and your family with some privacy.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ with friends, creating a safe place for your kids to play, or need an area where your dog can run free, privacy is an important thing to consider.
Different types of fences offer different levels of privacy. Here’s a quick breakdown (assuming the fence is 6ft.):
- Chainlink fences – no privacy
- Chainlink fences with slats – limited privacy
- Vinyl fences – complete privacy
- Wood fences – significant to complete privacy (depending on plank spacing)
- Aluminum and wrought iron fences – no privacy
- Trex/Simtek composite fencing – complete privacy
If you want to enjoy your yard without feeling like your neighbors or people passing by are always watching, you need to invest in fencing materials that provide adequate privacy.
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Security
Home security is important. In most cases, the more privacy you have in your backyard, the more secure it’s going to be for you and your family. This is especially important if you want to feel safe letting your kids play in the backyard on their own.
However, you must also consider the height of your fence installation. For example, if your fence is under 6ft. tall, it’s going to be easy for people to see into your yard and/or scale the fence.
Additionally, fences with large gaps, such as aluminum fencing and wrought iron fencing will make it for people to reach through the slats to grab lawn ornaments, decorations, pets, etc.
Durability and Life Span
Life span and durability are two of the most important things to consider when choosing between the different types of fences. While they can certainly go hand-in-hand, they are not the same thing.
For example, if you’re wondering how long a vinyl fence lasts on average, the answer is somewhere between 20 and 30 years. However, vinyl fences can also get torn up during severe hail storms.
Wood fences are prone to having the shortest lifespans because wood is incredibly vulnerable to the elements. The planks can rot and become fragile over time.
Conversely, Trex, Simtek, and chainlink fencing are long-lasting and exceptionally durable. They hold up to harsh weather and time quite well. Aluminum and wrought iron fences are also incredibly durable and resilient.
Costs
If you’re like most people preparing for a fence installation, you must consult your budget or save for home renovations. We generally recommend allowing the fencing contractors to install your fence, rather than attempting a DIY installation.
However, the price of materials and labor together can add up quickly. You may need to downgrade to a more affordable fence material if you want to have it professionally installed.
However, when considering the costs of different types of fences, you also need to think long-term. For example, a Trex or Simtek fence might be more expensive to install initially, but it will last much longer than a wooden fence.
Opting for a wood fence now may save you on initial costs, but you’ll have to replace it much sooner.
If you’re working on a tight budget, a chainlink fence may be the best kind of fence for your needs. It will be the most affordable option and will last a long time before it needs maintenance or replacing.
Maintenance and Upkeep
When looking at your options for fence materials, you should also consider the amount of maintenance and upkeep each one of them requires.
As noted earlier, chainlink fences require almost no maintenance. You won’t need to worry about exposure to the elements, cleaning, etc.
Vinyl fences are relatively resilient to the weather, although heavy hail storms can lead to damages. Additionally, white vinyl fences show dirt, lawn clipping, and other debris prominently.
Wooden fences show less dirt and debris, but require regular maintenance to keep them resistant to moisture, wood rot, and breakdown. This is true whether you paint or stain the fence.
Trex, Simtek, and other composite fences give you the aesthetic appeal of wood fences without any maintenance. They are naturally resistant to weather and moisture and hide dirt and debris well.
Aluminum and wrought iron fencing are relatively hassle-free. Once installed, you won’t need to worry about cleaning or repairs. However, they won’t have enough surface area to provide any real privacy.
Aesthetics
No matter where your priorities lie, you must always think about the visual appearance or aesthetics of your home. Some fence materials are more attractive than others. However, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences.
For example, some people absolutely love the clean white look of vinyl fencing. However, other homeowners don’t like the “plasticky look” of vinyl and prefer something a little more natural, like wood fencing.
Similarly, while chainlink fencing is durable, functional, and affordable, it’s not the most visually appealing fencing material. It also offers little to no privacy.
However, some of the most attractive types of fences are also some of the most expensive. This includes composite fencing, stone/brick fencing, and vinyl.
What Types of Fences Are You Interested In?
Are you planning a fence installation in the near future? If so, you need to consider the factors listed above to ensure the fencing materials you choose will work well for their intended purposes.
And if you’re struggling to pick between the different types of fences, reach out to your local fencing companies to find out about pricing.
If you want more homeownership advice and renovation tips, you’re in the right place. Before you go, read through some of our other articles to find more inspiration.
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