Home & Garden
What Kind Of Fence Is Best For Your Yard?
Find out the pros, cons and costs of wood, vinyl, wrought iron and other fencing materials.
Having a fence can enhance the privacy, safety and curb appeal of your home. Some fences simply add a break between crowded houses and street traffic, while others are designed as an added layer of security between a home and the outside world. And many are installed to keep pets contained.
There are a number of factors to consider when deciding what type of fence is best for your home and your needs. Fortunately for you, we've pulled together everything you need to know to pick the perfect fence for your property at the best price for your budget.
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Fence Application
Before you decide how big your fence should be or what it should be made of, you need to determine what you want it to do.
Provide Privacy: If you live in a cramped neighborhood or near a busy street, you may simply want a fence to break up the line of sight. PVC/vinyl and wood are great materials to consider if you want to build a fence for privacy reasons.
Provide Security: Any type of fence can provide a barrier to entry between your home and the outside world, but those made of aluminum or wrought iron offer greater security than other materials.
Contain Your Pets: Keeping your animals in your yard (and potentially other animals out) is easy with the right fence. It needs to be tall enough that your pet can't jump over or climb it, and its construction needs to be free of any openings or gaps through which they could escape. Aluminum and PVC/vinyl are popular materials for containment fences.
Keep in mind that most fences offer a combination of privacy and security. A fencing installation professional can assess your property and determine the size and type of fence that's best for your yard and needs.
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DIY or Hire a Professional
Many homeowners can install simple fencing themselves. However, due to time constraints and the physical demands of the work, you may want to hire a professional for the job.
A DIY install will save you money, but you'll also run the risk of mistakes. Fixing those mistakes later on may cost more than if you'd hired a professional in the beginning.
If you're installing a large privacy or security fence, hiring a trusted contractor is your best option. He or she is more likely to deliver quality results and complete the work on time. When hiring, interview at least three professionals and get your price quote in writing before construction begins.
Before installing any fence, check local, county and state codes to ensure your structure is compliant. The work may require additional permits.
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Fencing Materials
Depending on your needs, personal tastes and budget, you may find that you prefer certain fencing materials over others. As with any construction project, there are pros and cons to consider with each material.
Wood: Wood fences provide greater security and privacy than many other materials, but they also tend to cost more. According to HomeAdvisor's True Cost Guide*, the average cost to install a wood fence is $2,750.
The type of wood used will greatly impact your bottom line. Pressure-treated pine is a popular, economical option. If you opt for cedar, redwood or other tropical woods, you can expect to pay significantly more for materials.
The downside to wood fences is that they require more ongoing maintenance than other materials. Many homeowners apply a weather seal annually to increase the duration of their fence. Get a custom estimate on your wood fence installation
Chain Link: Chain-link fencing is an affordable option popular with pet owners. It's an economical, efficient way to contain animals, though it isn't the most aesthetically pleasing option.
If curb appeal isn't your primary concern, chain-link fencing may be the right choice for you. It's effective, durable and can last for years with little to no maintenance. The average homeowner spends $2,060 to install a chain-link fence. Get a custom estimate on your chain-link fence installation
PVC/Vinyl: Vinyl fencing is a popular alternative to traditional wood or metal rail fences because it is durable and weather-resistant. A vinyl fence can last as long as 10 years with little to no ongoing maintenance.
The disadvantage of vinyl fencing is that its initial installation cost tends to be higher than with other materials. The average homeowner spends $3,590 to build a PVC/vinyl fence. Get a custom estimate on your vinyl fence installation
Aluminum & Steel: Aluminum and steel are durable, long-lasting fencing materials. The average homeowner spends $3,660 on an aluminum or steel fence installation.
Aluminum fencing comes in many styles and is ideal for damp, humid or oceanside conditions. It is, however, vulnerable to pressure from large dogs or active children, and it's not recommended as a security fence or barrier against intruders.
Steel is the strongest fencing material available, and it's perfect for dry, inland climates. Steel fencing does need ongoing maintenance, though, and requires regular sanding and repainting to prevent rust buildup. Get a custom estimate on your aluminum or steel fence now
Wrought Iron: Wrought iron fencing doesn't offer much in terms of of privacy, but it is a visually appealing way to increase the security of your home. The average homeowner spends $2,690 to install a wrought iron fence. This makes it a pricier fencing material, but it is a long-lasting option that requires minimal maintenance. Get a custom estimate on your wrought iron fence installation
Electric: Electric fencing is an increasingly popular option for pet owners who want to contain their animals. And though electric fencing is more discrete and less expensive than a physical structure, it isn't 100 percent effective for keeping pets contained.
Electric fences also don't stop other animals from entering your yard, and they won't operate during a power failure. Homeowners also need to check the voltage on a regular basis to ensure proper operation.
The average homeowner spends $1,200 to have an electric fence professionally installed. Get a custom estimate on your electric fence
Ready to find the right fence for you? Get started now with a custom estimate!
* — All pricing estimates in this article are based on HomeAdvisor's True Cost Guide, a searchable database that gives homeowners an idea how much they can expect to pay for home projects in their area.
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Sources:
How Much Does It Cost To Build A Fence?
How Much Does It Cost To Install A Wood Fence?
How Much Does It Cost To Install A Chain-Link Fence?
How Much Does Vinyl Or PVC Fencing Cost To Install?
How Much Does Aluminum Or Steel Fence Installation Cost?
How Much Does Wrought Iron Fence Installation Cost?
How Much Does It Cost To Install An Electric Fence?