Fencing Materials Comparison - Landscaping Network

There are a wide variety of material choices for residential fences. Your climate, the style of your home and the purpose of the fence will all play a role in selecting the best material. Whether you choose wood, vinyl, wrought iron or another fencing material, you’ll want to understand the basics of fence installation so you can ensure it is designed and built correctly. With quality materials and proper construction your new fence will last for years to come.

TYPE OF MATERIAL	PROS	CONS	COST	STYLE	DURABILITY
WOOD	Can be used to create curves Natural appearance Can be finished with stain or paint	May rot & have problems with pests Costs of lumber are rising making manufactured products more considerable	Between $13-$19 per linear foot	Versatile - many design & style options	Depends on -Type of post -Type of lumber -Waterproofing -Upkeep
VINYL	Reliable products known to last for 10+ years without fading Adaptable to many architectural styles	Color is limited to white, light tan and dark tan For wide gated areas reinforcement is needed to prevent sagging	About $25 per linear foot No-care vinyl installation costs the same as wood fencing with less maintenance issues	Natural stone varies by color and style but itâ€™s important to match the stone on existing architecture	Low grade vinyl is vulnerable to degradation from exposure to high UV light and extreme temperatures
WROUGHT IRON	Today mainly made of modern steel which is better than cast and is much more flexible Less expensive than traditional wrought iron	Iron is the traditional product due to its strength, however rusts quickly if scratched	Residential grade at 6' height runs $22 per linear foot Residential grade at 3' height runs $14 per linear foot	Wrought iron is typically used in traditional homes such as colonial or Victorian	Forms have to be precise to reduce chances of a wave or a bulge
ALUMINUM	Strong Long lasting Visually diverse & widely available	Doesn't rust but is not as strong as iron	Between $24-$32 per linear foot	Modern architecture Ideal for straight lines	Some aluminum fencing is more durable than steel, but not as stiff
BAMBOO	Perfect for decorative screens and privacy fencing Easy installation Environmentally friendly	May rot Expensive compared to other fencing options Needs occasional maintenance to keep tidy	Between $9-$11 per linear foot	Asian inspired gardens Urban or city rooftop gardens	Some are carbonized for richer color, others are burned to give a light and dark tortoise shell effect
CHAIN LINK	Strong Long Lasting Great for sports courts	Not the most attractive looking fencing type Mesh or slats must be added for privacy	Between $12-$14 per linear foot	Used in gardens with sport courts, dog areas, or any area needing a temporary fence or boundary fence	A thicker galvanization means a stronger fence overall which is more resistant to rust and corrosion
PICKET	Now offered in vinyl, picket fencing is a long lasting alternative Vinyl means long lasting, low maintenance, and money-saving	Wood picket fencing has problems with the contact of the wood with the earth, and usually needs to be replaced after a short time	Between $11-$14 per linear foot	Colonial, traditional, rustic and country style homes can be accented with a picket fence	Depends on the material of wood or vinyl Vinyl will last much longer, but will be a little more costly in the beginning