You Have Lots of Fencing Choices for Your Home

As the weather heats up, homeowners are spending more time outdoors. As you enjoy your yard, you may have noticed that your fences aren’t what they used to be. Or maybe you just need a new fence where you don’t have one. TrustDALE certified fencing experts can help out. But before you call, you’ll have to start thinking about the type of fence you want. When it comes to residential fencing, you have lots of fencing choices for your home.

Selecting a Residential Fence

Residential fences come in all types of materials and all sorts of construction styles. The fence you choose for your home will have a lot to do with what you need your fence to do. Of course, personal style will play a part, too. Some fences are best for security, while others are more ornamental. Fences come in a wide range of prices, too. You could go for a cheap fence that will go up quickly, or you could spend on high-end custom construction. There are lots of choices, so TrustDALE is here to help break down some of the most common residential fencing materials to help you make your decision.

Wood Fencing

Wood is the most common material for residential fences. It is easy to work with and available in a wide range of styles and prices.

One of the most classic wooden fence styles is the picket fence. A picket fence is made by installing posts into the ground, attaching horizontal rails between the posts, and then attaching evenly spaced vertical boards called pickets. The term picket originally referred to sharpened logs that were sunk into the ground to form a defensive fence. Today’s pickets are just vertical boards but usually maintain the pointed top. A white picket fence is often considered a hallmark of American suburban life. That should come as no surprise, as picket fences are one of the most popular residential fencing options in America. It doesn’t do much for security, but it can set off an area, making it clear where the residential property begins, and it does not obstruct views.

Another very popular type of wood fence is the wood panel fence. Wood panel fences are solid fences usually about six feet tall. Unlike picket fences, they provide a complete visual screen, so they are often used in backyards for privacy and security. These fences can range widely in price based on the type of wood and details of construction. A simple treated-pine fence is relatively inexpensive. Fences made of cedar or more expensive woods can cost more. The price may also increase as homeowners add decorative elements, like post caps or lattice.

Aluminum Fencing

While wood is the most popular style of fencing, aluminum fencing offers some of the most economical fencing options. Aluminum fencing can mimic the look of almost any other type of fencing, often at a significantly reduced cost. Aluminum fencing is mostly impervious to weather, although it may occasionally need refinishing. If you’re looking for a good-looking decorative fence, aluminum can be a great choice and will keep costs down. But if you’re looking for security, skip the aluminum. Aluminum fencing is easily bent and broken.

PVC Fencing

Like aluminum, PVC fencing is low-cost and mostly weatherproof. However, PVC has some disadvantages. The material is mostly weatherproof, but it is much less sturdy than wood and many other materials. PVC also needs to be cleaned regularly to look its best, as dirt and pollen can cling to a PVC fence. However, to enclose an area at the lowest possible cost, PVC is your best option.

Wrought Iron Fencing

Wrought iron is one of the most traditional materials for fencing. It is also one of the most expensive. Wrought iron fences can function both as a security barrier and a decorative feature.

Historically, wrought iron was a term for iron worked by hand by a blacksmith. Before advancements in the production of steel, wrought iron was used to make many metal utensils, such as nails, horseshoes, pipes, and many other items large and small. Today, what we call wrought iron is usually mild steel, which is similar to wrought iron in many ways.

Wrought iron fencing can range in price. On the low end, factory-made wrought iron modular fencing can cost $150 or more for each 6-foot unit. Meanwhile, some custom-made highly-artistic decorative wrought iron can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars for a complete fence.

Chain Link Fencing

Chain link fencing is mostly used in non-residential settings. It is a favorite for many uses where security is important. Its main drawback is the ease with which it is climbed. So in high-security applications, it is often topped with barbed wire or razor wire to prevent climbing.

Chain link fencing was invented in the 19th century by engineers with experience in the cloth-weaving industry. Chain link fence is basically metal wiring woven in patterns based on cloth weaving.

For residential use, there are many ways of dressing up a chain link fence. One technique is to hide it behind thick hedges or cover it in leafy vines. Another way to make chain link more attractive and to increase privacy is to insert vertical slats through the holes, creating a much more solid fence. Some homeowners may install screens on a chain link fence for the same reason.

Bamboo Fencing

Bamboo is an exciting new option for many applications that once used wood. Bamboo is technically not wood. It is actually a very large, tall grass. But as the harvested bamboo shoots dry, they harden into a woody substance with many uses. One use is as material for residential fences. Bamboo shoots can be held in place with a frame to create a robust and hard-to-breach wall.

Alternatively, homeowners can plant live bamboo to use as a fence. Bamboo grows quickly, making it sustainable as a material and useful as a plant. Planting just a small amount of bamboo can quickly result in thick stands of bamboo that act as privacy screens, windscreens, and medium-security barriers.

Finding the Right Fencing for Your Home

When you’re ready for a new fence, you may be overwhelmed by the choices. It’s always a good idea to learn as much as possible about your different options of materials. But it also helps to have a knowledgeable guide at your side. These TrustDALE certified fencing companies can help you select the very best fencing for your needs. And remember, every TrustDALE certified business is backed by Dales $10,000 Make-It-Right Guarantee™.