Choosing the Right Type of Fence For Your Home

Fences protect homes from trespassing, thieves, and animals. They also boost curb appeal and define property boundaries. However, choosing the right fence type depends on many factors. Your options vary by style, purpose, and budget. Here are a few of the most popular types of Maisey Fence LLC for your home:

1. Wood

Wood fences are popular for homeowners who want to enhance their security, provide privacy and create an aesthetically pleasing home exterior. They are relatively easy to install and can last decades when properly maintained with routine sealing and staining.

types of fence for you home

Most wood fences are made of either pressure-treated lumber or natural woods such as redwood and cedar. The most critical components of a wood fence are the posts and rails. Posts are typically 4 x 4 lumber and are embedded in the ground or concrete, so they must be strong enough to support the weight of the fence and withstand the elements. Rails are horizontal planks that run along the length of the fence and are used to hold the in-fill boards, which are the vertical planks that make up the bulk of the fence.

The in-fill boards can be made from a variety of materials, and the type of in-fill board you choose will influence the final appearance of your wood fence. Pinewood is a common option for in-fill boards, and it has a light shade that makes it easy to stain with a color of your choosing. Cedar is another popular in-fill wood choice because it naturally resists decomposition and maintains a classic look that many homeowners prefer.

Another option for in-fill boards is cypress, which is typically used in southern regions of the US. Cypress is very durable and resists rot, insect damage and decay. It also has an attractive finish and can be stained to match your home’s trim or siding. However, cypress does have a distinct odor that may be problematic for some homeowners with respiratory issues.

2. Vinyl

A vinyl fence is an excellent option for those who want a stylish, modern fencing solution that can meet the many demands of being a property line marker, a security and privacy protector, a gate guardian and more. They are known for their sleek appearance and can be enhanced with decorative elements to add even more curb appeal.

A well-known advantage of a vinyl fence is that it requires far less maintenance than wood or iron fences. They do not need to be regularly re-stained and they are also not as susceptible to scratching or rusting. For most homeowners, this means that a vinyl fence can be kept in nearly new condition for years to come with very little time and money spent on routine maintenance.

Additionally, a vinyl fence is non-toxic and does not emit harmful chemicals into the environment. This makes it an ideal choice for families with kids and pets who need to be careful about ingesting anything that could harm them.

Another benefit to a vinyl fence is that it can often be installed much faster than a wood or iron fence. This is because it comes in pre-fabricated panels that are ready to be installed. This can save homeowners a lot of time and money on a project that would be quite difficult for an amateur to undertake successfully on their own.

Most importantly, a vinyl fence comes with a lifetime warranty. This can provide peace of mind as the fence battles formidable foes like winter weather and strong winds. Lastly, a quality vinyl fence will usually not fade in the sun and can keep its crisp white color for decades.

3. Aluminum

Aluminum fences offer homeowners a variety of colors, styles, and heights. They can complement almost any home and are a good choice if you’re looking for a fence that will last a long time. Unlike some other materials, such as wood, aluminum is resistant to rust and can withstand high winds, rain, and hail.

In fact, an aluminum fence is the perfect option if you live in an area with frequent storms. It also resists the sun’s UV rays, which can cause other types of fencing to warp over time. Because of this, you’ll get a longer-lasting and more attractive fence when you choose an aluminum option.

Because of their attractive look, aluminum fences add value to your home and may make it easier to sell in the future. Additionally, they discourage burglars and can help keep your children and pets safe on the property.

The style of aluminum fence you choose will depend on your priorities. If safety is a major concern, choose one of the spear top styles or modern double-rail designs. If you want a more traditional look, consider the traditional picket and spear design. For a modern house, you can select a fence with arcs and curves that accent the shape of the house.

Because they are light, aluminum fences are easy to install. Typically, a homeowner who’s confident in their DIY skills can put up an aluminum fence in the course of a weekend. However, you can also choose to have it installed by professionals.

4. Steel

Steel fences are durable, strong, and visually appealing. They can withstand harsh weather and last for many years with little maintenance. However, they are prone to rust if exposed to water or dirt frequently, so it’s important to keep them protected with an appropriate coating. They also need regular cleaning to remove any dirt buildup.

A steel fence will make your home or property feel more secure, and it is a great choice if you want to protect a garden or children’s play area. It can also increase the value of your home or business by making it appear more stately.

Most metal fencing types are constructed of tubular steel or aluminum, with hollow posts, rails, and pickets. This reduces cost and weight, while still being as strong as wrought iron. It can also accommodate more detailed ornamentation, such as tight curves, scrolling, and rope-like twists. It is often shipped with the posts, rails, and pickets disassembled to make transportation easier.

Both materials can be fabricated into a wide variety of shapes and styles, including the popular corrugated metal panels that look like wavy roofing shingles. They have ridges and grooves that can add interest to a simple fence design, but they’re more effective for creating a unique or industrial style than the smooth panels of other metal fencing options.

Unlike wood or chain-link fencing, steel and wrought iron fencing offer superior security. They are difficult for trespassers to scale, and their thick vertical pickets help prevent them from being cut or bent. On the other hand, metal fencing with gaps or holes in the mesh, such as chain-link and wire, is easily defeatable with a screwdriver and offers limited privacy.

5. Chain Link

Although chain link fences aren’t the most attractive option for your home, they are effective for security and easy to set up. They also provide many options for customization at a comparably low cost. For example, the precise combination of height, gauge and diamond size of the mesh, finishing elements like gates and post caps, and privacy options create a wide variety of looks to suit many tastes.

It’s a common sight to see chain-link fences around government establishments, industrial and commercial sites, sports fields, and residential yards. They offer great protection, and are very easy to install for homeowners who prefer DIY projects. Unlike wood or vinyl fencing, which require staining and repainting to protect against the elements, a metal chain-link fence is easy to wipe down or spray with a hose to keep it looking its best.

Since the wire mesh is so hard to scale for humans, it offers a challenge for potential intruders and presents a visual deterrent. It’s also very easy to move and replace individual sections of the fence if they become damaged.

Slatted chain-link fencing is a good solution for adding privacy to a property. The slat inserts weave between the links and come in a wide variety of colors to fit different aesthetics. While they don’t give 100% privacy, they dramatically reduce visibility and are a popular choice for commercial property owners. Homeowners who don’t mind maintenance can add vines and plants to their chain-link fencing for a more decorative look. This is a great way to enclose gardens and yard areas, prevent pets and children from running out of the yard, and increase the value of their home.