Looking Forward to Fencing

Jan 12, 2017 | Fences

Looking Forward to Fencing 

How to Pick the Right Fencing for a Spring Upgrade

As you sit inside this winter, huddled around the fireplace with a warm blanket and a hot mug of cocoa, you may find yourself dreaming of spring and summer. Long days spent by the pool, the smell of barbecue filling the air., admiring your new fencing. Along with these sunny dreams comes the long list of home improvement projects you’re definitely going to tackle this year, right?

Well, we can help! Today we’re going to take a look at different kinds of fences – so if you’ve been thinking about replacing an existing fence or adding a new one, check out our handy guide to home fencing and find the right fence for your needs. We’ve graded each type based on four categories:

Security – How well the fence will protect your home and/or add privacy
Maintenance – How much maintenance is required to upkeep the fence
Cost – How much the fence will cost to install
Curb Appeal – How valuable the fence may be for future resale

Wrought Iron
Security: 3/5
Maintenance: 2/5
Cost: 1/5
Curb Appeal: 5/5

Wrought iron fencing is often considered the cream of the crop, an elite material for highly stylized fencing jobs. This premium reputation is matched only by the premium price tag – wrought iron fencing is often custom fabricated, which can make the materials alone significantly more expensive than other fencing types. Add to that precision workmanship and more decorative features, and the bill can really start to add up. Wrought iron has its drawbacks too – it’s prone to rust and require lots of additional upkeep. But if appearance is the most important factor to you, wrought iron tops the list.

Aluminum
Security: 1/5
Maintenance: 3/5
Cost: 2/5
Curb Appeal: 3/5

Aluminum fencing is often considered the little brother of wrought iron, a more economical material that can mimic the high quality look of a wrought iron fence at a fraction of the price. Aluminum fencing is also lower maintenance since, once installed, it typically doesn’t require much upkeep. One of the few downsides to aluminum fencing is that, although it’s made of metal, it’s hollow and can be dented or bent fairly easily – meaning it’s not a top choice as a security or privacy measure, or in areas with frequent severe weather.

Wood
Security: 5/5
Maintenance: 1/5
Cost: 3/5
Curb Appeal: 4/5

When it comes to fencing materials, wood is often the universal winner. If you’re looking for a 6’ wooden privacy screen or a decorative white picket fence, wood might be a good choice for you. In terms of curb appeal, wooden fences offer a certain rustic aesthetic that can increase the feeling of warmth and coziness that your home offers.

The quality of the material (and the cost) can vary greatly depending on what type of wood you choose. For example, an oak or pine fence might be significantly less expensive than cedar or redwood. But cheaper material also isn’t as resilient, so you may find yourself having to replace boards here and there over the lifetime of your home. Staining and sealing the wooden planks along your fence can greatly increase their durability, allowing your fence to maintain its integrity over time.

Vinyl
Security: 2/5
Maintenance: 4/5
Cost: 4/5
Curb Appeal: 2/5

Vinyl fencing is most commonly used as a wood alternative – it can mimic the look of a wood fence without the high cost of installation and ongoing upkeep. Vinyl fences require almost no maintenance, and can be manufactured to almost any size and style specifications. It may not be as pretty as a cedar or redwood fence, but vinyl will keep your yard private and can effortlessly match the look of your home.

Chain Link
Security: 4/5
Maintenance: 5/5
Cost: 5/5
Curb Appeal: 1/5

Chain link fences aren’t attractive – there’s no other way to put it. But they are extremely cost effective and relatively secure, making them worthy for consideration as a possibility for the homeowner on a budget. Especially a backyard fencing solution, chain link can be a great option for homeowner’s with an ample yard or outdoor pets. It may not be pretty, but it gets the job done when it comes to keeping animals in (and out) and creating a barrier between your home and the rest of the world.

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