7 Types of Fences that Boost Curb Appeal

Wrought Iron

Wrought iron fences are one of the most timeless, durable options available, but they’re also a hefty investment. They run the gamut from simple and straightforward to ornate and detailed—so they’re right at home around a city brownstone or rural farmhouse—and can be capped with decorative finials for added detail. While they offer clear sightlines through your property, this also means that they don’t offer much in the way of privacy or pet containment, so they’re a better option for front yards as opposed to back yards.

Steel Security

If you prioritize safety and security over decorative design, a security fence made from steel might be a more affordable option than wrought iron. It doesn’t offer the same charm as wrought iron, but steel fences require little maintenance and are a solid and safe pick for urban areas or homes that want to level up their security.

Wood

Wood is one of the most common materials used to make fences and can be made from pine, cedar, redwood, spruce, oak, or other tree species, which means they range in price and durability. Arguably the most versatile in design, wood fences can be painted, stained, or left natural, and come in a wide variety of styles that provide a range of privacy like classic picket, lattice, or modern horizontal panels. While wood fences are easily mended with replacement pieces or a fresh coat of paint, they’re highly susceptible to warping, rotting, and staining, so they’ll almost assuredly change in appearance as they age.

Horizontal Metal Panel

For those that live in urban areas where front yards are the primary outdoor living space, metal panel fences split the difference between privacy and security. Similar to wood fences with horizontal panels, fences made from steel or aluminum panels are customizable in terms of privacy, as you can space each horizontal piece out as much or as little as you desire. Steel and aluminum fences require less maintenance than wood exposed to the elements, as they won’t warp, stain, or rot, plus the horizontal panels offer a non-traditional design element to a modern house.

Vinyl

Among the newer fence options available today, vinyl fencing is made from plastic-based substances that require basically no maintenance, and stand up exceptionally well to the elements. Vinyl fences can be found in an array of styles, mimicking the classic picket or lattice designs popularized in wood, but unlike wood, are made from non renewable resources that are also not biodegradable. Due to the slick nature of the product, vinyl fences can’t be painted or refinished, so take care to choose a color that will stand the test of time.

Chain Link

There’s a reason chain link fencing is so prevalent in our modern world: it’s affordable, requires little to no maintenance, and it provides an extra layer of security for homes and businesses. Chain link fences are made from woven steel wire, which can be coated in PVC or painted for an updated appearance, and even though they’re often considered unattractive, they’re a great option for keeping pests out of gardens, adding a bit of security to your property, and containing pets prone to escape attempts. For security purposes, be sure to choose a chain link fence that’s over six feet tall to prevent potential intruders from climbing and jumping over.

Specialty Fencing

While we’ve covered the main types of fencing homeowners seek out, there’s a plethora of specialty fencing available for specific tasks as well. For example: Gridded garden fencing is useful for keeping pests away from cut flower and vegetable gardens, a host of livestock fencing types can keep animals from wandering off the farm, and pool fencing provides an extra level of safety between kids or pets and pools.

Reposted by KVCore

Article Link: https://www.realsimple.com/types-of-fences-that-boost-curb-appeal-7566160