Top 4 Types Of Fence Material And How To Choose The Right One
Many homeowners, including you, might overlook the fact that the fence is one of the most significant structures of your property. It helps frame your home, keep prying eyes out, and enclose your property to keep stray animals from getting inside your house.
But, to serve its purpose, you have to be careful in choosing the fence material. It’s because the fencing material you choose can influence the fence’s durability, enhances your home’s curb appeal, and determine its return on investment on how well it functions according to your and your home’s needs. Once you find the right material, you can then hire a reputable fence company Fort Worth to ensure proper and stress-free installation.
If you are opting to create or fortify your property’s fence and are still unsure about the material to use, fret not. This article enumerates four fencing materials available. You’ll also learn what factors to consider when choosing the suitable fence material for your home.
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Wood Fence Material
Wood is a classic material for residential fencing. It is highly versatile and has numerous design options—from full blocks of wood fences that completely shield your property from prying eyes to a low-profile wood picket that beautifully frames your home. Aside from its versatility, wood is also more cost-saving than others. This fence material is also a more sustainable option, making it suitable for eco-conscious homeowners.
If you choose wood fences, please note that they require serious maintenance. Otherwise, your wood fence will warp, swell or develop harmful splinters. While durable, wood fencing also has a shorter lifespan, particularly in rainy or high-humidity areas.
But, its lifespan can be determined from the tree where the wood fence comes from, and the most common trees are:
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Cedar
Native to Canada and Northwest America, cedar is a type of softwood. However, it doesn’t mean it’s the least durable of the bunch. Cedar is a durable wood type that can last decades, especially when treated. Even if left untreated, cedarwood can outlive other wood varieties and is naturally resistant to decay and insects.
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Pine
Pine is a common choice for wood fencing. This type of softwood is easy to work with and is one of the cheapest options you can find. Pine fences naturally resist insects but should be pressure-treated to defend against mildew, weather damage, and fungus.
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Oak
Oak wood is a traditional option for ranch fencing because of its durability. It’s a type of hardwood that can last up to three decades when maintained and treated properly.
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Redwood
Redwood is another popular wood fencing choice due to its natural resistance to insect infestation, warping, and rotting. It is said to be more durable than cedar and can last up to 25 years with proper maintenance.
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Metal Fence Material
For homeowners looking for durable fencing material without the high maintenance requirements of wood, metal fences are the next best option. Like wood fences, metal fences are also available in various types, including:
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Steel
For centuries, steel has been the top metal fencing material. Durable and robust steel fences are meant to last a lifetime. With the proper condition and maintenance, the condition and appearance of steel fences last long.
However, steel is prone to rusting. It’s often treated with a rust-proof coating to minimize that risk. And, due to its durability, steel fences have higher price tags and often lack design and style options.
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Wrought Iron
Wrought iron can be an excellent alternative to steel fences if you’re looking for design versatility that can’t be delivered by steel fences. It gives an air of sophistication that other metal fences don’t. It’s also a common choice for ornamental fencing, providing a safe and durable enclosure for your home but still ensuring aesthetics.
Like steel, wrought iron is also sturdy and can maintain its integrity for years, boosting your property’s overall security. However, its durability comes with a price and may require regular maintenance and treatment to prevent rusting.
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Aluminum
Aluminum is a suitable choice for homeowners on a tight budget because it is lightweight and cheaper than other types of metal fencing. Aluminum fences are relatively low maintenance. You only need to paint it occasionally to prevent rusting and protect it against outdoor elements. Also, since aluminum is a recyclable material, it’s a great option if you want to reduce your carbon footprint.
However, its lightweight structure may not be a great choice if you’re adding a fence to amp up your property’s security. So, if security is not your main concern for building a fence, then you can choose aluminum fences.
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Plastic Fence Material
Aside from wood and metal, you can also find plastic fences today. Loved for their lightweight structure and sometimes cheap price tag, plastic fences offer versatility in terms of look and are low maintenance. Here are the two most popular options for plastic fences:
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Vinyl
Vinyl looks like wood but without high maintenance requirements. This rigid fencing material is available in various styles and designs to fit your home’s aesthetic needs. Although it’s not as sturdy as metal or wood, vinyl fencing can withstand general wear and tear. Moreover, vinyl is suitable if you plan to install the fence yourself since it’s easy and quick to assemble and install. Most vinyl fences are available in individual panels that can be snapped together.
That said, vinyl hates moisture. When installed in areas prone to rain or has high humidity, vinyl fences can develop mildew, mold, and algae, leaving ugly stains. Although it doesn’t swell or splinter like wood, extreme weather fluctuations can cause this material to become brittle or may crack over time.
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Composite
In recent years, composite fencing has become a preferred choice for homeowners over traditional wood fences. Composite fencing is made from a mixture of recycled wood and plastic.
The wood creates an authentic and natural-looking fence, while the plastic retains its strength, making it a more durable and longer-lasting option. Since it’s made from recycled materials, composite fences are a sustainable option. Its longevity also outperforms most wood fences and is highly resistant to mold and rotting.
The downside, though, is that it’s more expensive than other types of fencing, so homeowners skip composite fencing. In fact, it’s even costlier than traditional wood fences. But if you have an adequate budget, and are looking for a fence material that is both sustainable and durable, choose composite fences.
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Masonry Fence Material
For the ultimate fence that will last for centuries, look no further than masonry materials. A masonry fence requires special skills and tools vastly different from traditional fencing. Masonry fences can create a solid wall around your property, even more so than the standard privacy fence. That said, you can also use it with other materials, particularly metal fences, to control cost.
Generally, there are three types of masonry material you can use for fencing:
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Natural Stone
A natural stone fence offers a classic, rustic appeal and is the best material for longevity and durability. Moreover, natural stone fences provide a rugged, unique look since they use stones in varying shapes, sizes, and colors. Or you can also paint it in uniform color to fit your curb design.
That said, building a stone wall can be difficult and will require professional help. This is particularly true when hauling large pieces of natural stone.
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Bricks
Brick fences can bring class and style to your home, which other materials can’t give. It can be a solid structure meant to block a view of your home or a structure of brick pillars with metal fencing to accent your yard and your property’s curb appeal.
Long-lasting and durable brick fences can last for centuries and are available in various colors, but red is the traditional option.
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Concrete
Concrete fences use natural stone and concrete, architectural finishes, and stucco to create an aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting fencing system. They are often preferred for their functionality and strength, requiring little to no maintenance. It’s commonly used in commercial and industrial fencing, but it’s also seen in residential homes.
Like other types of masonry fences, concrete is a permanent structure. They are also a considerable investment, costing more than the average metal or wood fence.
How To Choose The Right Fence Material?
As you can see, there are numerous types of fence material out there, and choosing the right one can be daunting. In this section, we’re sharing four things to consider to help make you make a well-informed decision.
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Consider Your Needs
First, you need to consider why you’re installing a fence. Do you want to improve curb appeal? Are you concerned about your property’s privacy or security? Or do you want to provide a safe area for your pets and kids to play in?
Take a moment to understand the reason for the project, and let that guide you to decide what type of fence works best for you.
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Budget
By now, you should know that fencing materials have varying costs. So, before calling a fence specialist, consider how much you can afford to spend. Consider the size of your property and calculate how much fencing you’ll need and the total budget you can set aside.
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Location And Climate
Your home’s location and average climate can also dictate your desired fencing material. After all, the area’s general climate can have different impacts on different materials. For instance, a humid climate or tropical areas may cause wood and metal fences to be more susceptible to rotting and rusting. By considering your location and its prevalent climate, you can determine which material best suits your home.
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Maintenance
Fencing is a significant investment, regardless of the material you choose. Thus, you want to make sure it is well-maintained to improve longevity. That said, some materials require more maintenance than others. For instance, wood has high maintenance to prevent rotting, whereas vinyl and stone require little to no maintenance.
Types of Fence Installation Cost
Fences not only serve to protect your property and add to its curb appeal, but they also provide privacy and security. The cost of fence installation varies depending on several factors, including the type of fence, the material used, and the size of your property. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of fence installation costs to help you make an informed decision.
- Wood Fencing: Wood fencing is one of the most popular types of fences due to its classic and timeless appeal. The cost of wood fencing installation varies depending on the type of wood used and the size of your property. On average, wood fencing installation can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $4,500.
- Vinyl Fencing: Vinyl fencing is an increasingly popular choice due to its durability and low maintenance. The cost of vinyl fencing installation is generally higher than that of wood fencing installation, with an average cost of $3,500 to $7,500.
- Aluminum Fencing: Aluminum fencing is an affordable and durable option that adds a modern touch to any property. The cost of aluminum fencing installation typically ranges from $2,000 to $5,000.
- Chain Link Fencing: Chain link fencing is one of the most affordable options and is commonly used for commercial properties. The cost of chain link fencing installation is generally lower than that of other types of fencing, with an average cost of $1,000 to $3,000.
- Wrought Iron Fencing: Wrought iron fencing provides a sophisticated look and is highly durable. The cost of wrought iron fencing installation is generally higher than that of other types of fencing, with an average cost of $2,500 to $5,500.
It’s important to note that the above costs are just estimates and can vary depending on several factors such as the size of your property, the height of the fence, the quality of the material used, and the cost of labor in your area. Therefore, it’s recommended to get a detailed quote from a professional fencing company to determine the exact cost of your fence installation.
Takeaway
Whether you’re installing a fence for the first time or want to replace an old one, understanding the popular types of fencing materials and several factors to consider before choosing one can help you find the right fence material that fits your needs. This article has provided you with the information and equipped you to make the best decision for your property, so use this to your advantage.