Choosing the right fence is often a matter of preference, but there are some practical items to consider too. Fence materials include wood, metal, and vinyl, each of which has something to offer. In this article, we’ll discuss various types of fences and their cost.
First off is wood. From traditional white-washed picket fences to horizontal privacy fences, wooden fences are highly popular among property owners.
One reason for wood’s popularity is the rich aesthetic it naturally brings. Cedar is a particularly popular option when it comes to fencing since it has a natural reddish color. Wooden pickets can also be easily stained a variety of colors if desired.
Wooden fences also allow for a great deal of privacy. For many homeowners in particular, this is a high priority, and it’s wood’s primary advantage over materials like wrought iron or aluminum. A tight board-on-board construction can keep intruding eyes out while maintaining a beautiful aesthetic.
Wood fences are typically less expensive than other materials, though it does depend on the exact materials, desired height, and total length. On average, the lumber is about $7 to $15 per foot, depending on the height and picket width.
As great as wood is for natural looks, wrought iron is ideal for bringing both class and security to any property.
Iron is strong. A tall wrought iron fence topped with pointed finials is not only a great way to keep intruders out, but it’s also highly resilient and low-maintenance. Iron’s only real enemy is rust, which is why wrought iron fences are typically powder coated or painted with rust-inhibitive primer and paint.
On top of its natural toughness, wrought iron also presents a wide range of customization options. It can be painted virtually any color, topped with various styles of finials, and laced with elaborate patterns, making it a great way to enhance the aesthetic of your property.
In terms of cost, wrought iron tends to lean more toward the pricy end. As of 2022, wrought iron may cost as much as $24 to $34 per foot for the material alone. However, given that a wrought iron fence isn’t likely to need replacement any time soon—or even all that much maintenance—that investment could well be worth it.
Another resilient material is vinyl, especially when it comes to weather resistance and tensile strength. Modern vinyl fences have their own unique advantages over other materials too.
One of vinyl’s main advantages is the fact that it can be molded into any shape imaginable. This makes it easy to produce fence components that slot together, resulting in a snappy installation process. Their natural flexibility and relatively light weight also make them quick and easy to build.
Vinyl is also highly resistant to weathering, especially modern compositions that incorporate titanium oxide into the material. Titanium oxide makes vinyl resistant to UV rays, while the material itself is highly flexible, preventing the kinds of damage that usually befalls wooden fences. Its smooth surface is also easy to clean—just spray it down with a hose!
Vinyl tends to hold the higher ground in terms of pricing, usually $25 to $40 per foot. For a fence that’s likely to last you decades, that’s a great deal of value, especially since most come with a lifetime warranty.
When choosing between metal, vinyl, or wooden fences, it comes down to your preferences and needs. To help you decide, consider the following.
First, think of what you want your fence to do. Wood or vinyl are great for privacy fences, while wrought iron is ideal for decoration and security.
Another thing to consider is aesthetics. For a natural or rustic look, wood is the way to go, while wrought iron will give you more possibilities in terms of articulate designs. Finally, vinyl tends to look neat and tidy.
Finally, there’s the matter of maintenance and durability. Wrought iron is by far the most durable. Wood can be tough, but it may chip or rot, while vinyl’s flexibility makes it highly resilient against incidental nicks and scrapes.
If you’re not quite sure what materials to choose for your fencing, we can help. Check out our past projects, or contact us to get a free estimate.
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