Picking The Right Fence For Your Home

When visualizing life in your dream home, having the beauty and security of a fence is often part of the picture.

Adding a fence on your property is a big home improvement, so understanding your choices and making the right one for your family is important.

What To Know Before You Shop

There are several reasons you might want to install a fence.

• To designate the boundary of your yard
• Privacy
• Safety
• To keep kids or pets contained
• Decorative
• To keep critters out of your garden or yard

You'll also want to consider any homeowner's association rules or local ordinances regarding fencing that apply to your situation. This may include specifications and materials.

Once you consider these factors, you'll better understand what kind of fence you'll need for your home improvement project.

Materials And Uses

• Wood
  Wood is a popular choice because it comes in lots of styles and sizes and can be painted or stained in any color. Cost varies depending on the type of wood and style. Some have separate parts that need to be assembled. Others come in panels for easier installation. It's a great choice for privacy and containing kids and pets.
  
  Wood fences require maintenance. They have to be painted and resealed, and fasteners may have to be replaced. Weather can cause wood fencing to rot or warp, and insects can damage it. Repairs are usually easy, and you can paint or stain replacement parts to match what's already there.
  
  
• Vinyl
  This is also popular, and styles are similar to wood fences. White is the most common color, but a few other colors are available. It requires almost no maintenance. Vinyl won't rot or warp but does get brittle eventually, making it more prone to damage. Repairs are more expensive because the entire panel has to be replaced. It's good for decorative, border, and privacy fences.
  
  
• Chain Link
  This fencing is made of steel and is budget-friendly. It's a good choice for providing a border for your yard or keeping animals out. Although it's sturdy, it can be climbed easier, and some pets may be able to jump over it or dig under it. It doesn't require much maintenance and is made to last a long time. It's not a good choice for privacy. Although inserts and covers are available, they aren't as aesthetically pleasing as other fencing options.  
  
  
• Aluminum, Steel, or Iron
  These are primarily decorative and safety fences. They come in sections for easy installation. Their sturdiness depends on how thick the metal is. They don't offer much in the way of privacy.
  
  
• Composite
  Composite fencing is made from recycled wood and plastic, so it's an eco-friendly choice. It comes in a few basic colors and styles. It's made to look like wood or stone. There's practically no maintenance. Taller heights provide privacy and help keep pets and kids in the yard. Some come in panels, and others have various types of snap-together planks. Color will fade some over time and will be more pronounced in areas with high UV exposure. Because they are made from various recycled materials, some variation in color between planks may be noticeable. They can be very expensive, but you won't be spending money on paint or repairs later.

The right fence is an important home improvement project that can add value and beauty to your property. It can also provide peace of mind for parents and pet owners and make your property a little safer.

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