07/01/2024

When selecting a new fence for your yard, the options can be overwhelming! How high do you want your fence? What style do you prefer? Is your fence going in the backyard, front yard, or both? Most important of all, what fence materials will you be using? Fence material types mainly encompass wood, vinyl and metal fencing, each with different variations (red oak or cedar, aluminum or iron, etc.). While selecting the style and color of a fence is one thing, the type of material you choose will determine your fence’s longevity, care, customizability, and overall quality. Thankfully, Hohulin Fence can assist you in selecting the best fence material based on your location, needs and preferences. Get started picking out your wood, vinyl or metal fence by calling Hohulin Fence today!

What About Wood?

Wood is a classic choice of fence material! Whether you select a standard wood like cedar or something more unique like redwood, your fence is sure to impress. Although as beautiful as a wood fence can be, it’s a material choice that can require more care than other materials. This is to say, if you don’t want to worry about fence maintenance, wood might not be your best option. However, if you don’t mind consistent upkeep, wood fencing can add incredible value and aesthetic appeal to your property. Some of the pros and cons of wood fencing include:

Pros:

• Timeless Beauty – Whether a basic or intricate design, wood fencing has a natural style and beauty that’s difficult to emulate with other fence materials.
• Plenty of Customization – Wood fences can be cut into various shapes, heights and styles. From lattice tops to shadow box designs, you can find the custom style that perfectly matches your home’s aesthetics.
• Great for the Environment – Because wood is a biodegradable, renewable resource, a wood fence is one of the most environmentally friendly additions you can install.
• More Affordable – While prices for materials can vary, wood fencing is commonly the most affordable fencing option (except for chain link fences).

Cons:

• Consistent Care – As long-lasting as wood can be, it’s still susceptible to moisture and insects, leading to wood rot. That’s why painting, staining and cleaning your wood fence is necessary to protect your fence against potential deterioration.
• Less Durable – Again, wood can incur its fair share of issues due to exposure to water and insects. Wood boards and panels can rot or warp, severely impacting your fence’s lifespan and durability.
• Continued Costs – As you care for your wood fence, you must consider painting, staining, and occasionally repairing rotting or warped boards. As a result, you’ll likely spend more money maintaining your fence over its lifetime than with other fence materials.

When wood is the right choice: If you want an affordable, natural-looking fence with the potential for privacy but don’t mind yearly maintenance and cleaning, wood fencing is an excellent choice.

Maybe Metal?

If you’re unsure about wood fencing, another option is metal fencing. Metal fencing is incredibly strong and can be designed ornately or plainly. Additionally, there are different options for metal fencing, such as aluminum or wrought iron, giving property owners a choice between strength and style. However, with age and weather, metal fencing can face its fair share of issues, as is often the same with wood fencing. Some of the pros and cons of metal fencing include:

Pros:

• Exceptional Durability – As you might expect, metal fences are incredibly durable and long-lasting. Because of the strength of metal fencing, it’s often a top choice for those wishing to increase their property’s security.
• Less Need for Maintenance – While wood succumbs to the ravages of termites and other wood-eating insects, metal doesn’t have this issue. Plus, with corrosion-resistant coatings available, metal can even stand up against most weather conditions.
• Aesthetically Versatile – Metal fencing comes in various styles and designs, ranging from simple and functional to elaborate and decorative. Whether for your home or business, there’s a metal fence style that perfectly complements your property’s aesthetics.

Cons:

• High Cost – Metal fences are one of the more expensive fencing options. This increased expense is due to a more involved installation process and a higher cost of materials.
• Rust is a Possibility – While metal fences are impervious to all the issues that plague wood fencing, there’s one issue unique to metal: rust! Even with corrosion-mitigating coatings, time and continued exposure to moisture will eventually result in your fence developing rust.
• Not So Private – The advantage metal fencing possesses in security, it lacks in privacy. Most metal fence designs don’t include solid panels, which leaves your yard in plain view of neighbors and passersby.

When metal is the right choice: If you value your security yet wish to add greater aesthetic appeal to your property and don’t want to maintain your fence continually, metal fencing is a great choice.

Vinyl’s Value?

When neither wood nor metal fencing will do the trick, vinyl fencing is always an option. Because vinyl fencing is synthetic, it’s widely available and designed to be tough. Best of all, property owners can select from numerous styles and colors that best match their property and preferences. In fact, since its introduction, vinyl has quickly become one of the most preferred fencing material options. Some of the pros and cons of vinyl fencing include:

Pros:

• Minimal Maintenance Concerns – Similar to metal, vinyl fencing needs little attention to ensure it continues to look and function the same. Vinyl doesn’t require painting, staining, or pest treatment and does not need corrosion-resistant coatings, as the material is already resistant to deterioration.
• Increased Strength – For the same reasons maintenance isn’t required for vinyl fencing; it also ensures an extended longevity compared to other fencing materials. Because vinyl doesn’t rot, rust or break down, it won’t become weaker and will stand tall for years to come.
• Unique Styles – Because vinyl is a manufactured material, it can be made into many unique styles. Those installing vinyl fencing can choose from colors and designs unavailable in wood or metal. Some vinyl fences even mimic the look and style of wood fencing!

Cons:

• More Liable to Cracks and Breaks – Although vinyl is a significantly durable material type, it’s not as strong as metal and can break if impacted hard enough. Sometimes, severely cold weather can also cause vinyl to crack.
• Not “Natural” – While many vinyl fence styles emulate the style of wood fencing, they don’t have the same natural feel. Ultimately, those who prefer traditional style fencing find vinyl less visually appealing.
• Not Easy to Repair – Even though vinyl fencing doesn’t require consistent maintenance like wood, it’s not nearly as easy to repair. While fixing something like a wood fence only requires the repair of individual boards, vinyl repairs can require the replacement of entire panels, making it a more costly endeavor.

When vinyl is the right choice: If you want the resistance of a metal fence combined with wood’s style and aesthetic appeal, vinyl fencing is your best choice.

What Will You Choose?

Now that you know better the good and bad of the most popular fence materials, which will you pick? Do you value privacy over security? Aesthetics over longevity? No matter your preferences, Hohulin Fence can help you select and install fencing that perfectly matches your home or business. To learn more about Hohulin Fence and our wood, metal and vinyl fence installation, call 309-965-2241. Our main office is located at 116 S Harrison St, Goodfield, IL 61742.