6 Best Fence Options for Your Home

By Pro.com

Once you’ve found your perfect home, with just the right size and location, you may realize you've put some aspects of your yard on the back burner. If you’re considering adding a fence, or looking to mark your property line, you can think of a fence as the frame around your picture-perfect haven.

You may want to install a fence for privacy, or to mark an area of your property, and you can achieve the aesthetic you want as well as the functionality you need for your family and property. There are a variety of materials and styles that will suit your taste, needs and budget.

1. Privacy Fence

Made of vinyl or wood, these are usually installed in panels, and great to keep pets or kids safely in your yard. They are typically 4 or 6 feet tall; wood fences can be stained or painted to match the surroundings, and vinyl is low maintenance, easily cleaned with soap and a garden hose.

(Credit: romakoma/Shutterstock)
(Credit: romakoma/Shutterstock)

2. Picket Fence

If your style is more classic, try this option. They are traditionally made of wood. Small wood fences are cheaper than larger ones; wood is extremely long-lasting as a fencing material. You can also find these made of PVC, which is probably the least expensive of fencing materials, and can withstand exposure to the elements for years.

(Credit: Susan Law Cain/Shutterstock)
(Credit: Susan Law Cain/Shutterstock)

3. Split Rail Fence

Classic and durable, and typically used more for ornamentation. This fence type lends a rustic look along an easy to define property boundary.

(Credit: Cynthia Farmer/Shutterstock)
(Credit: Cynthia Farmer/Shutterstock)

4. Chain Link Fence

Low maintenance and low cost – this fence does the job of keeping others out (or in). To beautify them, you can add slats to them, or plant shrubs in front of them for more privacy.

(Credit: rSnapshotPhotos/Shutterstock)
(Credit: rSnapshotPhotos/Shutterstock)

5. Wrought Iron Fence

These usually custom made, and need to be sanded and painted every few years to maintain their appearance.

(Credit: chrupka/Shutterstock)
(Credit: chrupka/Shutterstock)

6. Composite Fence

Typically a “greener” version of fencing, composite is the binding of two or more recycled materials, such as wood fibers and plastic, to create a strong, lasting fence that resists fading and warping. These fences are extremely low-maintenance and can provide to look of real wood.

(Credit: nsm/Shutterstock)
(Credit: nsm/Shutterstock)

 

 
 

Pro.com is a website founded in 2013 by service industry entrepreneurs and former Amazon executives to simplify home services -- especially research on contractor fees and qualifications.

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