A Quick Guide To Choosing The Right Type Of Fence

The first step in choosing the right type of fence for your situation is to identify your reasons for building a fence in the first place. Ask yourself:

• Does it need to provide privacy?
• Does it need to provide security?
• Does it need to keep pets or livestock in?
• Is it for visual effect?
• Or is it simply a boundary marker?

Some fences, of course, can provide all of the above. But you’ll be looking at higher cost for those, so it makes sense to weigh the upsides against your budget.

Then, it just comes down to choosing a style and material that fit your needs and your budget.

The common styles of fence

Post and board or split rail

This is an aesthetic, cost-friendly type of fence that doesn’t provide much in the way of security or privacy, but does provide a nice boundary marker.

You have horizontal pieces fastened to the posts, which leaves a large space you can see through. A well built post and board fence is effective for keeping large livestock in.

Wood

Your standard wood fence is made of posts with horizontal members (usually 2x4’s) strung between. ½-inch thick boards are nailed vertically to the horizontal pieces to complete the fence.

You can get some privacy with a fence 5’ or higher, especially if you keep the boards tightly spaced. There’s a higher cost of ownership than any other fence, since the boards need to be stained periodically, and will eventually need to be replaced.

Wood fences are desired because they have an attractive, natural look, and can provide both security and privacy.

Wire

Wire is a highly cost effective option for a fence that is temporary or utilitarian in purpose, like when you need to keep chickens or dogs in a designated area. The material cost is low and installation is relatively fast.

Digging and concrete are not always necessary, but a well-built wire fence can still be stout and holdup to rambunctious animals like pigs. The fence can be taken down later as well, and can be rolled up for storage or installed elsewhere.

Chain link

Chain link is your economical option for security. Wood beats it out for aesthetics, but chain link doesn’t necessarily look bad. It just doesn’t mesh as well with nice landscaping. On the plus side, it has a low cost of ownership and lasts a long time.

Vinyl

The modern alternative to wood is vinyl panel fencing, designed to mimic the style of wood fencing. It’s easy to clean and doesn’t require maintenance, but it has a noticeable shiny texture that looks unnatural. Wood is a better option for aesthetics.

What’s right for you?

If your only concerns are utility and cost, and especially if you need a temporary fence, choose some wire livestock fence. It comes in a variety of wire patterns and sizes and is the most cost-effective to purchase and install.

‍If cost-effective security is your top concern, choose chain link. It won’t have the aesthetics of wood, but it will provide an effective barrier. Additionally, you can add barbwire to the top to make it harder to climb over. This is a good option for backyards backed up to forest or public access where you don’t need a welcoming look.

‍If cost is less of a concern, wood is hands down the best choice. Wood provides everything you could need in a fence, and looks nicest by far. Wood also provides the most curb appeal and re-sale value.

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If you need wood fencing or livestock fencing (wire or post and board), Trackwest can help. You can reach us by filling out a contact form here.

See some of the fences, hardscapes and artificial turf lawns we've done here.