How to Choose the Best Material for a Fence for Your Home

If you want to install a new fence at your property, you probably have a lot of questions. Will it look good? How much will it cost? Will it protect your pets or children? 

Here’s another very important question: what material will the fence be made out of? The answer to this will define the fence’s strength, aesthetics, lifespan, cost and more. That’s why you have to pick the best material for a fence first. 

Read on to learn how to choose between five popular fence materials and pick the right one for your needs.

Pros and Cons of Fence Materials

To easily choose between fence materials, start by understanding the pros and cons of each. Here are five major fencing materials to consider.

1. Chain Link

Chain link fences are tough and cheap. They divide a property efficiently but don’t always look great. Also, they don’t protect a property well (without adding barbed wire).

Pros: 

• Inexpensive
• Strong and long-lasting
• Little maintenance needed
• Coatings, colors, and other aesthetic choices available

Cons: 

• Not especially attractive
• Easy to climb over (without barbed wire)

2. Vinyl

Vinyl fences often look like wood but won’t split, crack, burn, or attract pests. They also don’t create splinters or require much maintenance.

Pros: 

• Strong and durable
• Easy to install
• Simple to maintain

Cons:

• Difficult to fix on your own if damaged
• Higher initial investment than wood or chain link

3. Aluminum

Aluminum fences are attractive and come in a variety of styles. They’re easy to take care of but take extra time to install.

Pros: 

• Affordable
• Won’t rust
• Easy to maintain
• Adjustable to slopes/hills

Cons:

• Provides little privacy
• Installation takes additional time and effort

4. Steel

Steel fences are the strongest type, which is perfect for security. They’re easy to maintain, but hard to install. The material is also expensive.

Pros: 

• Ages extremely well
• Provides great security
• Endures repeated impacts
• Requires almost no maintenance

Cons:

• Expensive
• Complicated to install

5. Wood

Wood is a beautiful and sustainable material that comes in many diverse styles. However, it can be damaged by insects and weather and over time can require a lot of maintenance.

Pros: 

• Durable and impact-resistant
• Wide variety of aesthetic possibilities
• Can be used for privacy or decoration
• Less harmful to the environment than other materials

Cons: 

• Can rot or attract termites
• Owner must check for damage or infection
• Needs occasional painting, re-staining, and repair

Have you decided on the best material for your fence? You can get a free quote online for the type of fence you’d like Best Vinyl to install for you. Order the beautiful fence you want today!