What to Look for When Buying a New Fence

Is Your Fence Intended to Increase Security?

Security is important for everyone, of course, but the degree to which your home’s fence provides extra protection is going to vary from home to home. You might think it’s necessary that your property have a tall fence made of wood or vinyl in order to provide the security your home requires. Another option is an aluminum fence with spiked pickets. On the other hand, wood picket fences are lovely and have an inviting quality that distinguishes them from high-security-styled fences.

It’s also important that you check with your homeowner’s association if you have one. HOAs usually have rules regarding fencing, and if you’re interested in having an imposing fence for security purposes you may be out of luck. Whether you’re installing a new fence for a small or large yard, always review the HOA guidelines in advance so you won’t have to go through the humiliating process of having to pull out your new fence.

What Are Your Safety Needs?

If you have small children or rambunctious family members or pets, you’ll want to know more about the relative safety of the different types of fence materials. Regardless if you work with an outside company or not, always do your research!

If you prefer that your kids roughhouse outdoors instead of in the dining room, you’ll need a fence that won’t hurt whenever they bonk their heads. Vinyl, for instance, is a soft material that is safe for kids and resistant to chewing by dogs.

Wood, on the other hand, must be regularly maintained to remain safe. If a wooden fence is too old or hasn’t been stained or painted in a while, it could be a breeding ground for splinters. At the same time, wood fences come with many benefits.

Have You Considered Your Fence’s Appearance?

It’s possible the style of your fence isn’t that important to you. If you’re like most homeowners, however, the look of your new fence will have an outsized impact on your home's curb appeal. To find the type of fence that best fits the style of your home and neighborhood, you'll need to familiarize yourself with all of the available materials.

The four major styles of fencing (wood, aluminum, vinyl, and chain-link) each have their own individual features. Wood is perhaps the most popular option because it's so rustic and unique. If you love the style and color of wood, then simply no other material will do.

Aluminum has an elegant, classy appearance and can be found in several different colors. Vinyl is a highly versatile material and works seamlessly with all types of homes. Plus, it's incredibly easy to maintain. Chain link is a utilitarian choice for many, but can also be very attractive — especially when used as a lattice for plants.

It’s worth taking your time when settling on a style of fence because you’re making an investment in your home. An attractive fence doesn’t just protect your home and family, it can also have a significant impact on your home’s resale value.

Is Your Fence Intended for Privacy?

Another attribute of fencing you should consider is its capacity to provide privacy. If this is important to you, only certain materials are going to be effective at keeping out prying eyes. Wood and vinyl, for instance, are customizable to provide all the height and privacy you demand. Worried that a privacy fence might look too cold and impersonal? Don’t be!

There are plenty of skilled fence companies out there that can design your privacy fence in any style you choose. Vinyl fences come in a variety of designs and colors, and wood fences can be stained or painted so that they’ll match your home perfectly. Also, because vinyl and wood are so versatile, it’s highly likely they can be customized in a way that satisfies your HOA’s requirements as well as your own.

What About Durability?

Regardless of the material you settle on, you’ll want your fence to last as long as possible. As you look over your options, it’s important to take the maintenance needs of the different kinds of fences into consideration. Wood, for example, will require more maintenance than the other materials in order to retain its natural beauty.

Also, if you don’t stain or paint your fence with some regularity, the color will start to fade and the wood may even rot or become a breeding ground for termites. On the bright side, however, a damaged wood fence is easy to repair as it usually requires no more work than replacing the affected plank.

Aluminum fencing is extremely durable — perhaps even more durable than wrought iron. Modern aluminum fences are corrosion-resistant and impervious to rust. Likewise, chain-link fences can be constructed from galvanized steel and are as easy to maintain as aluminum. Vinyl is perhaps the easiest material of all when it comes to maintenance. Merely spray your vinyl fence with a garden hose every once in a while to remove debris and dirt, and it’ll appear as good as new for years to come.

What's Your Budget?

As with any home improvement project, the cost of your new fence will play a large part in your decision-making process. If saving money is a priority, then chain-link is probably your best bet. Vinyl and wood usually require a higher investment upfront, but with a long life and a bit of maintenance here and there, they're still highly effective in the long run.

The size of your fence will play a role as well, but not in the way you might think. While you’re going to pay more for enclosing a large backyard, the bigger the fence, the lower the cost per linear foot. Conversely, you can expect to pay more per linear foot for a small yard. If you have any questions, reach out to a couple of local companies for estimates, compare the costs, and then go from there.

Conclusion

Installing a new fence is a big undertaking, and rightly so. It greatly impacts a home’s safety, security, and aesthetics, so it’s worth taking the time to research and seek the necessary answers to determine which material is the right choice. The more you know in advance, the more likely it is that you'll be ready to buy a fence that meets all of your needs, including safety, durability, style, and cost.