Great Fencing Materials for Your Next Fencing Installation

Wood picket, Aluminum slats, Vinyl, Chain-link, Composite, Bamboo, Stone & Brick Walls – there are so many options in 2022. They’re popular because each fencing type has its own distinct look, feel, and installation process.

But while each material serves a specific purpose, certain characteristics make one material better suited for a certain application than another. Furthermore, depending on your property’s size, shape, local regulations, and climate one material may be more suitable than another.

Below we’ll list 8 popular fencing materials you can use for your next installation, along with the pros and cons of each material.

1. Wood Picket

Although Wood Picket fencing was mass-produced in the 19th century, they’re still a popular residential fencing installation choice today in 2022. They create a warm and inviting atmosphere in any yard. Each board has enough spacing between them to allow light through, while still being close enough together to create a sense of privacy.

Pros: Wood pickets are generally affordable and easy to install. They can also be painted in any color you’d like, allowing for great customization options.

Cons: Unfortunately, wood is susceptible to rot, warping and insects. They’re also not as durable as other materials, so if your kids love to play rough and are prone to accidents, you may want to look for a more durable material.

2. Aluminum Slats

Aluminum slats are known for their sleek and modern look. They come in black or white, and can be powder coated to match any exterior. Aluminum is also durable and resistant to weather, making them a highly popular choice for commercial and residential use.

Pros: They require very little maintenance, and when powder coated are corrosion-resistant. Aluminum is also incredibly lightweight and easy to install.

Cons: They can be pricey and are not as strong as steel.

3. Chain Link Fence

You’ll see chain link fences in parks, backyards, and commercial properties. However, they’re also used in residential homes, especially in farms and ranches. It’s affordable and easy to install, making it a popular choice for many homeowners. They are made from a mesh of metal wires that can come in different sizes and colors.

Pros: They’re extremely easy to install and replace, budget-friendly and low-maintenance.

Cons: Unfortunately, they can be an eyesore in residential properties. Not everyone is fond of the industrial look.

4. Composite Fences

Wood fencing gets a bad rap due to them being prone to warping, rotting, and insect damage. Composite fences, however, offer the strength and beauty of traditional wood fencing without maintenance. A composite fence is usually made from recycled plastic and wood fibers which makes them last longer than natural wood.

Pros: They are strong, long-lasting, and require very little upkeep. Additionally, they can be designed to look like real wood, giving you the rustic look without having to deal with maintenance.

Cons: Composite fences are more expensive than regular wooden fences and can also be prone to expansion in harsh climates. When the material expands, it can create gaps between the panels and posts.

5. Bamboo Fencing

Like composite fencing, bamboo is a long-lasting alternative to real wood that has a great look. It has a natural and eco-friendly appearance that can be used to add a unique touch to your yard, making your home stand out. It also creates a beautiful tropical backdrop to your garden or patio.

Pros: Bamboo is lightweight, flexible, and easy to install. It’s also eco-friendly since it’s made from a renewable resource.

Cons: Unfortunately, bamboo can be expensive and can be damaged if you have water-logged soil.

If a bamboo fence is routinely cleaned and properly maintained, expect it to last between 15-20 years.

6. Cedar

Cedar is highly sought-after among homeowners for its privacy and beauty. It has tight grain and a distinguishable red hue, making it ideal for adding a touch of class to any yard. It is also naturally resistant to warpage or shrinkage, decay and insects.

Pros: Cedar is long-lasting and strong. It can also be painted or stained in any color if you dislike its natural red hue. When compared to other woods such as Pine, Cedar is not a soft and splinter-prone wood.

Cons: It requires a high degree of maintenance, especially if you want to maintain its natural hue. Cedar is also flammable, so if you live in an area prone to brush fires you may want to consider a different material.

7. Vinyl Fences

Vinyl is plastic-based and made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and is popular due to its variety. Vinyl comes in different colors, and styles and can be changed to look like wood. You’ll typically see these fences in residential properties in the appearance of a picket fence or privacy fence.

Due to Vinyl’s versatility as a fencing material, it is also used in commercial and industrial settings.

Pros: They’re highly customizable and durable. Vinyl is also low-maintenance, easy to clean, and budget-friendly.

Cons: Although they can be altered to replicate wood, Vinyl still has an artificial look to it. It also doesn’t hold up well in extreme temperatures and can be prone to cracking and color fading.

8. Stone Fences

Stone fences are a classic fencing material used by many homeowners for centuries. They instantly add grandeur, charm, and elegance to any property and are often seen adorning old estates or gardens. They’re also fairly unique, and many property buyers will gladly pay extra for a stone fence over any other type of fencing.

Pros: Stone fences are incredibly durable and can last up to 100 years without having to be replaced or repaired. They also look great!

Cons: They are expensive, require professional installation, and are heavy so they’re not easy to transport. Additionally, if your fence does sustain damage i.e cracks or holes, expect to pay a fair amount. Stone masons are few but much in demand, so you may also struggle to find someone who can repair them.

These are just a few great fencing materials you can use for your next fencing installation. Be sure to consider the pros and cons of each material before making your decision. Additionally, always hire a professional fencing contractor to ensure your fence is properly installed. Good luck!