Worldwide, the fencing industry was valued at $28 billion USD. The world might be getting smaller and more connected, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t appreciate a little privacy.
Homeowners and business owners choose to put up fences for a variety of reasons — privacy, security, or even just to keep their pets in the yard. You might be one of them. With all the options out there, you might be wondering what is the best fencing material to choose.
The truth is there isn’t a one-size-fits-all option. Let’s look at some popular fence types to help you decide which fence material is right for you.
- Wood
Wood has long been a popular choice, particularly for it’s aesthetic. Its style is versatile and you can create looks from traditional to contemporary and everything in between. You can paint it or varnish it to create a number of different looks, all of which are quite handsome.
Wood is easy to source and is a sustainable building material, bringing down the cost. It is durable and you can count on it to keep out intruders.
It does require a bit of maintenance to keep it in nice condition. It can be vulnerable to insects and water, but problems with these can be avoided by using insecticides and properly sealing the wood. If wildfires are a concern in your area, wood may not be a good option.
- Aluminum
Another versatile and inexpensive option is aluminum. This fencing material comes in a variety of styles and can be painted any color you want.
You might think that an aluminum fence would look “cheap” or not be very sturdy. It’s quite the opposite actually. Aluminum fencing is a durable option that requires little maintenance.
You won’t have to worry about insects, fire, and even rust isn’t too much of a problem. Aluminum is lightweight, however, and may bend if something strikes it during a storm or hurricane.
- Steel
If you want something stronger than aluminum, look at steel fencing.
If security is high on your list of important factors, a steel fence is the way to go. You often see this type of fencing around high-security areas for a reason. A burglar would be hard-pressed to enter your home or business with one of these bad boys in place.
Steel fences can also be produced in a variety of looks, allowing you to customize the look of your fence. One downside is that it does rust, particularly if installed near the ocean where there is salt in the air.
- Wrought Iron
If you want an elegant metal fence, you can’t go wrong with wrought iron. The material can be molded and shaped into a wide variety of designs and looks. It’s perfect if you want to add a touch of charm to a historic home or elegance to your business.
Wrought iron can be a bit more expensive to install and you’ll have to do a bit of upkeep. You’ll have to sand and paint on occasion and prolonged exposure to wet weather can lead to rust.
- Chain Link
Chain link is wildly popular because it is inexpensive, requires no maintenance, and is extremely durable. It’s not necessarily a pretty option, but what it lacks in looks, it makes up for in pretty much everything else.
It’s easy to install and doesn’t require any upkeep. Outsiders can see through it, but this is easily remedied by adding slats or a privacy screen.
Chain link is also a great option if you’re looking for sturdy, yet inexpensive fencing for your commercial property. Chain link can be cut so to add an extra element of security, you’ll need to add barbed wire. Check out these reputable industrial fencing contractors for more information.
- Vinyl
Vinyl fencing is an attractive option both for its looks and resilience. It comes in a variety of colors and styles so you can personalize the look however you like. Like metal, it is impervious to insects and rot, but also doesn’t rust.
It requires little maintenance and you never have to repaint it, unless the color has faded too much due to sun exposure. Cleaning is simple, just wash it down with soap and water on occasion.
Vinyl includes plastic components, which turns some environmentally-conscious people away. It also doesn’t do very well in places with extreme temperatures. Though vinyl won’t necessarily catch on fire, it can be damaged by high temperatures.
- Composite
Composite fencing is a newer option that is gaining popularity in recent years. Made from a mixture of plastic and wood fibers, about 95% of the materials have been recycled. This is great news for those looking for environmentally-friendly fencing material.
Composite fencing is solid and makes a great privacy fencing material. It looks a lot like wood, adding that beautiful aesthetic to your business or home, but isn’t prone to insect, warping, or rotting problems like wood.
Maintenance is simple and the material doesn’t require painting. In fact, you can’t paint it so you won’t be able to change up the look in the future if that’s important to you.
Another downside is that this is an expensive option. However, the lack of maintenance makes it cheaper over time.
The Best Fencing Material for You
We’ve looked at some great materials for fences but as we said, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all option. The best fencing material for you will depend on your priorities and what appeals to you visually.
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Cover photo by Kristina Paukshtite from Pexels
