Right now, imagine a neighborhood where all the backyards have gates and fences. Done? How many of those privacy fences were made of wood? What about vinyl fences? Did you see a lot of chain link fences?
Chances are you imagined only one type of fence, but the truth of the matter is that there are tons of different types, and not a single one of which is definitively superior to any other. Deciding which fencing material to go with ultimately comes down to what you want or need the fence for.
To help you make a more informed decision, here are a few pros and cons of the most popular types of fencing.
Wooden Fences.
Wooden fences are one of the most traditional types of fencing. After all, they’re aesthetically pleasing, and relatively low-cost. In fact, the average wooden fence costs between $518 to $1907 to build. However, wooden fences require yearly maintenance and repair, which aren’t often expensive, but can be time consuming.
Vinyl Fences.
Vinyl fences are a popular alternative to wooden fences, since they come in the same style and colors, but are more durable and lower maintenance. After all, vinyl is a type of plastic, so it won’t rot or wear out. The only maintenance a vinyl fence requires is periodic cleaning. That being said, vinyl fences can be more expensive than wooden fences. A vinyl fence can cost up to about $2114 to install.
Chain Link Fences.
Chain link fences, on the other hand, are a completely different story. While wood and vinyl fences are primarily used as privacy fences, chain link fences are used more as a way to keep children and pets in a yard, and unwanted critters out. Unfortunately, chain link fences aren’t quite as aesthetically pleasing, and can cost anywhere between $452 to $2170 to build.
Wood, vinyl, and chain link fences are three of the most popular and cost effective types of fencing. If you’d like something that’s aesthetic and private, get a wood fence. If you want something that’s low maintenance, get a vinyl fence. If you want something effective, get a chain link fence.
If you have any questions about wooden, vinyl, or chain link fences, feel free to ask in the comments. Good references here.