Six Main Types Of Fencing Materials

Fencing can come in a wide variety of materials, with each building material offering different benefits and drawbacks to the finished fence. Understanding the differences between the vast numbers of options available can help you choose the best fencing option for your needs.

Wood

Wood is perhaps the most common material used for fencing, and it provides durability and a natural aesthetic to your yard. Most wood building materials are pressure treated, which means that they can withstand water exposure without rotting or warping easily. Additionally, different types of woods will provide different colors, and can be stained or painted to completely customize the look of your fence. However, wooden fences will need to be resealed every few years and maintained regularly to prevent water damage from rotting or warping the fence.

Bamboo

Bamboo fencing is a strange material. Like wood, it is natural looking and fairly durable. However, unlike wood, bamboo is more water and rot resistant, does not need to be sealed, and requires little maintenance. However, bamboo fencing cannot be painted, so there is a narrower range of customization options for this material.

Stone

Stone fences are more like small walls than actual fences, but they still provide the same basic features. Stone walls can be made out of any type of stone or rock, allowing for complete customization in terms of color and sizing. Additionally, the way in which the stone fence is constructed affects the durability: using mortar to set the stones will provide a great hold that will not be toppled by any weather conditions, while using a dry setting and the rocks' weight to hold everything together makes the fence a bit more fragile, albeit at a lower installation cost.

Vinyl

Vinyl fencing is a synthetic, hard plastic material that provides strong weather- and water-resistance at a low price point. Because it is made out of plastic, it can be customized exactly to your specifications and can even be made to imitate the appearance of wood and other fencing materials. However, it's important to note that vinyl fencing is fairly fragile, and can be broken by falling debris in extreme weather or by any other form of blunt trauma.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass fencing is a highly durable synthetic fencing material that is just as strong and durable as metal, while also being significantly lighter. It is extremely easy to install, and it is a long-lasting option that will stand up to whatever nature throws at it. Like vinyl, fiberglass fencing can be made in a variety of different colors, allowing for a great degree of customization. However, the main downside of fiberglass fencing is the high price point, which makes it less than ideal for homeowners who must remain within budget.

Wrought Iron

Wrought iron provides a classical appearance to your yard and is an extremely luxurious material. It is also amazingly strong and can withstand physical damage and weather exposure very easily. However, it is important to note that wrought iron fencing is extremely heavy, which can make the installation process costly and drawn out. While this material provides a unique aesthetic for your home, it is also more expensive than other fencing material options. Wrought iron has to be continually painted and maintained to ensure that it does not begin to rust, which represents a fairly large commitment of time and money.

For more information on these various fence types, contact a professional company like Askatu Construction.