Pop culture would have us believe that suburban Americans live in blissful neighborhood harmony, with not a fence in sight. Yet, statistics surrounding residential fences tell a different story.
According to recent research, the $8.3 billion fencing industry is growing at a rate of over 4% per year, in line with increased interest in home improvements.
Are you one of those homeowners who want to beautify or secure their property by adding a fence? Here’s your quick and easy residential fencing guide.
Types of Residential Fences by Purpose
Before you choose your fence, you must figure out the reasons for fencing your yard. The most common ones are to:
- Contain pets and children
- Increase privacy
- Improve security
Once you know what you’re looking for, you can start your search for the residential fence that suits your needs.
When you search for the best fence company near me online and look at some websites, you’ll come across a variety of available fencing materials and styles.
The Best Materials for Residential Fences
One of the best residential fencing tips is to select a material that’s easy to care for and durable. Fencing your yard is an expensive undertaking, so you must make sure you pick a fence that’s going to go the distance.
These are some of your choices when it comes to residential fencing:
Wrought-Iron Fences
Elegant and durable wrought iron fences suit homes with a classic design and can give your property a luxury look from the roadside. They’re best to contain animals and children and offer some security without detracting from your views.
This type of fencing is a timeless choice and can last for many decades. They do require ongoing maintenance against rust, and they’re one of the most expensive types of fences.
Steel Fences
Steel fencing has also been around for hundreds of years, and you can choose a design with a wrought iron look. As an alloy of carbon and iron, it’s a durable choice but prone to rust.
Often, manufacturers coat steel with zinc to increase resistance to rust. Steel is another attractive high-end choice that lasts for many years when well maintained, and it comes with a price tag to match its durability.
Aluminum Fences
Aluminum looks like steel, except it’s much lighter and more affordable. Coated aluminum is a low-maintenance option for this type of fence that boosts its resistance to rain and snow.
Thanks to its lightweight, malleable properties, fencing contractors can install these fences quickly, saving on labor costs. These same properties mean aluminum’s not as strong as other metal fencing options.
If you prefer eco-friendly fencing materials, aluminum is a top choice for you, since it’s around 99% recyclable.
Chain-Link Fences
Chain link fencing won’t do much to increase the appearance of your property, but it’s an outstanding choice for containing pets.
It’s a low-maintenance, affordable, easy-to-install, and durable choice, too. If you don’t like the look of a chain-link fence, you can grow vines on it or plant flower beds to conceal it.
Wood Fences
Wood is one of the most versatile fencing options for homeowners. You can choose low-profile picket fences or tall wooden walls that provide complete privacy.
This classic, attractive type of fence does require a lot of maintenance to remain at its best. It’s prone to warp from moisture, sun damage, and insect infestations unless you treat it regularly.
Even with ongoing maintenance, wood fences don’t last as long as other types of fencing.
Vinyl Fences
Vinyl fencing has advanced in leaps and bound in recent years. You can choose designs that look like wood, but they require a lot less maintenance.
Despite its excellent durability, vinyl isn’t impervious to moisture and can develop mold, algae, and mildew. To keep your vinyl fence in good order, you should rinse it with a hosepipe every so often.
Vinyl fencing costs around the same as wood fencing but can get much more expensive when you opt for larger fence designs or better-quality vinyl.
PVC Fences
PVC looks like vinyl and costs around the same too, but it’s nowhere near as durable. Apart from that, PVC makes for a great privacy and security fence and is another low-maintenance option.
Like vinyl fencing, PVC is prone to mildew, mold, and algae build-up in moist conditions.
Popular Fencing Styles
Most fencing materials work for a host of designs to suit their intended purpose. These are some of the most popular choices among homeowners:
Classic Picket Fences
White picket fences never lose their appeal. They’re great to look at, and you can have them made from wood, PVC, or vinyl.
Picket fences work best for improving the appearance of your yard and will keep small pets and children off the road.
Taller, semi-privacy slatted fences have a similar design with flat tops and closely spaced planks.
Lattice Panels
Heavy-duty lattice fences are elegant and decorative. They’re usually made of wood like pine, whitewood, or cedar.
You can also get PVC and vinyl lattice panels if you want a low-maintenance option. Most lattice fences have decorative posts and post caps, as well as wide top and bottom rails.
Rail Fences
Wooden split rail fences belong in the agricultural realm, where farmers use them to contain animals. Post and rail fencing, or estate fencing, is an expensive upmarket version of these fences.
Post and rail fencing typically features stout posts with decorative caps and three rails. You can get it in wood, vinyl, or PVC versions.
Great Homes Deserve the Best Fences
We’ve all heard the adage, ‘good fences make good neighbors,’ but the right residential fences do so much more than mark your boundary.
Modern designs and materials help beautify your yard and increase the curb appeal of your home. An attractive fence inspires pride in your home, encourages the whole family to spend more time outdoors, and increases your leisure options.
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