Different Types of Outdoor Fencing: Which One is Right for You?

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Outdoor fences can serve a multitude of uses and solve a multitude of problems. They may be used for privacy, containment, or simply for aesthetic purposes. Whatever your need, want or desire, there are a great variety of fences in a dizzying array of designs, materials and price points.

    * Wood panel fencing – Sometimes called privacy fencing, this type of fencing is ideal for residential neighborhoods where homes are typically built in close proximity to one another. In addition to providing privacy, wood panel fences also serve as boundaries for small children or pets. They are typically sold in eight-foot panels which are 4 to 6-feet tall. They are usually constructed of pressure-treated wood which can be stained or painted.

    * Privacy fencing may feature overlapping, “shadow box” sections or tongue-and-groove boards. Many privacy fences are topped with lattice, top boards or ornamental top sections.

    * Post and rail fencing – Post and rail fencing, sometimes called split rail fencing, features two to three rails. Post and rail fencing is usually about 3 to 5 feet tall and is sold in 8 to 11-foot sections. Post and rail fences provide a visible separation of property lines.

    * Vinyl fencing – Vinyl fencing is maintenance-free and impervious to snow, ice, rain, rot and insect damage. Vinyl fences often resemble wood panel or split rail wood fencing and are available in a wide variety of colors.

    * Polymer fencing – Polymer fencing provides an attractive focal point to any outdoor space, as it is constructed to resemble wrought iron fencing. Unlike wrought iron fences, however, polymer fences are low-maintenance, easy to install and rust-free.

    * Chain link fencing – Often called hurricane fencing, chain link fencing is an economical type of fencing. It is typically sold in rolls of 25 to 100 feet long and is 4 to 6 feet high. It also includes prefabricated gates which are usually 5 feet wide. For those who desire an alternative to the standard, metal fencing, chain link fences can include weather-resistant vinyl coatings.

    * Welded wire fencing – Welded wire fencing is usually used as a temporary barrier, mainly for pet containment or as animal pens.

    * Ranch fencing – Ranch fences may be of the post and rail or crossback (crisscross design) variety. They are typically used as horse and livestock fencing, and may be used to define the perimeter of an area.

    * Basketweave and lattice fencing – Basketweave and lattice fences feature a series of woven or crisscrossed strips of wood or vinyl which create a decorative pattern. Many basketweave and lattice fences can serve as privacy fences if they are tall enough.

    * Picket fencing – Picket fences are traditional fences which give any outdoor space a traditional, cottage-style feel. They are often used as decorative fencing, yet may also be used for pet containment or to define property lines.
    * Determining which type of fencing is ideal for your home
    * Before deciding which kind of fencing is right for you, ask yourself what purpose your fence will serve. Will you use it for:

·         Security?

·         Containment?

·         Aesthetics?

·         A property line divider?

·         A space definer?

·         A noise barrier? A visual barrier?

Once you have decided what purpose your fence will serve, you can then narrow down your fence choices and decide which fence is right for you.