Are you looking to install a fence on your property?
There are a lot of benefits to fence installation. Fences improve the aesthetic of your yard, increase the value of your home, and improve your security and privacy. But how do you know which fence material you should choose?
Check out these seven easy tips on how to choose the best fence material for your property.
1. Consider Your Needs
When choosing a fencing material, the first thing you need to figure out is why you’re installing a fence in the first place.
For example, if your main concern is privacy and boosting your property value, then wood fencing is a great option. If you’re solely concerned with the containment of children and pets when putting up a fence, then your material options are wide open.
Once you’ve assessed your needs, it’ll be easier to choose the right fence material.
2. Consider Maintenance
Maintenance is a huge concern when choosing a fence material.
Wood fencing requires the most maintenance, as you’ll need to repaint and restain it every couple of years. Vinyl and aluminum fencing, on the other hand, require very little maintenance. If you end up deciding that your fence needs to be restained or repainted, consider hiring painting contractors in your area.
However, if you find that a small section of your vinyl or aluminum fencing gets damaged, it can be harder to find replacement parts. Wood fences, on the other hand, are always repairable and replaceable.
3. Understand Your HOA Regulations
Additionally, it’s very important that you understand your homeowner’s association regulations.
In many cases, the type of fence you can build will be governed by your HOA. In addition to making sure your fence meets the right material requirements, you’ll also want to make sure it meets the right height requirements.
If you don’t follow HOA guidelines, you risk having to pay fines, so make sure you check these out before installing a fence.
4. Understand the Pros and Cons of Different Fencing Materials
Of course, you also need to understand the pros and cons of different fencing materials. Here’s what you need to know about each fencing material:
Wood
Wood is undoubtedly the most popular fencing material out there. Not only does wood provide homeowners with a heightened sense of privacy, but it’s also one of the most attractive options on the market. Plus, wood is very affordable compared to other fencing materials.
However, keep in mind that the price of your wood fence can vary greatly depending on the height and size. Additionally, as we mentioned before, wood fences tend to require more maintenance than other materials.
However, if you keep up with the maintenance of your fence, it can easily last a lifetime.
Aluminum
Aluminum fencing is one of the more basic and attractive fencing options on the market.
While it doesn’t provide the same amount of privacy as other fence materials, it’s relatively maintenance-free. The only maintenance you have to worry about is when you decorate or paint it.
Also, while aluminum will cost you more money upfront than wood, due to lack of maintenance, it ends up being cheaper in the long run.
PVC Fencing
If you’re looking for the cheapest fencing material on the market, then PVC is the material for you.
Typically, this type of fence uses PVC to replace wooden pickets and stakes. Although it’s not nearly as sturdy as real wood, it can certainly hold up to strong weather conditions and wear and tear.
Vinyl
Vinyl fencing is durable, strong, and comes in a wide range of prices. This is a great fencing material option, as you never have to worry about rotting, warping, or blistering.
Additionally, for those who enjoy home renovation projects, vinyl fencing installation is one project you can easily tackle on your own. Most vinyl fencing systems come in pieces that can be snapped together, making the installation process a breeze.
Like aluminum, vinyl also comes with a higher upfront cost. However, the lack of needed maintenance will make up for the upfront cost over the years.
Vinyl fencing may also not be the best option if you live in a climate with extreme temperatures, as this can cause it to crack and turn brittle.
Steel
Heavy, powerful, and long-lasting, you certainly can’t deny the strength of steel fencing. While rust may be a concern for some, most steel fences are covered in powder to prevent this issue. Steel fencing is also a great option if you live on uneven land, as it can be stacked.
The downside to steel is that it can be quite expensive, and it lacks versatility. We also don’t recommend that you attempt to install this fencing material yourself due to its weight.
Wrought-Iron
Wrought-iron fencing is known for being both durable and beautiful. It requires very little maintenance, and it works well for those who are seeking decorative, creative designs in their backyard.
Wrought-iron is extremely strong and resilient, and you can expect it to last years on end. It’s also very hard to break, making it a great option for those who are installing a fence for security purposes.
However, wrought-iron tends to be on the more expensive side of fencing materials. And, it can also develop rust spots if you live in a humid climate.
Chain-Link
Chain-link fencing is durable, inexpensive, and typically maintenance-free. Additionally, it’s also very easy to install.
The major downside to chain-link fences is that they’re very basic in appearance. However, you can easily dress up your chain-link fence with a vertical garden.
SimTek
A SimTek fence is made from a combination of galvanized steel and recycled polyethylene plastic. This fence material can withstand significant impact, and it’s also resistant to UV light.
You can check out this guide to find out more about SimTek fencing.
Best Fence Material: Which One Will You Choose?
Now that you’ve mastered the basics of how to choose the best fence material for your property, it’s time to decide which one is right for you.
Get started today, and before you know it, you’ll have a beautiful new fence on your property.
If you enjoyed this article, be sure to check out our other blog posts. They are packed with helpful tips for around the home, design inspiration, and more!
