Good Fences Make Good Neighbors

Should You Install A Wood Or Chain Link Fence?

3 March 2016

Hugh Bryant

It's not uncommon to be on the market for a new home and come to realize that many of them may come without fencing. That means it will be up to you to install one once the home is purchased and you've moved in. The two most common types of fencing are wood and chain link. Familiarizing yourself with the different aspects of each fence will make your decision that much easier in the end.

Cost

For many people, cost will be one of the most important factors, so it makes sense to understand what it will take to complete your fence. How many feet of material will it take and whether you need to hire anyone to install it are two of the biggest questions to ask yourself. If you have even a moderate amount of home improvement knowledge, you can probably install both fences over a weekend with a bit of help from a friend. But the cost of material is a different story. Chain link goes for about $7 per foot, while wood fencing can go for about double that amount. This clearly makes chain link the most cost effective option for fencing between the two.

Privacy

Privacy is another large consideration for most people. It can be annoying to be having a family barbecue with everyone able to watch your every move, especially if your backyard happens to lie near a busy street. This may seem like a cut and dry issue as wood is clearly the superior choice in privacy, but there are options available to reduce visibility with a chain link fence. For instance, there are bamboo slats that can be interwoven between the chain links. The chain link can also be used as a trellis for ivy or grapes, anything with big flowers or leaves that can enhance privacy.

Maintenance and Life

Finally, the continued maintenance and sturdiness of each style also plays a factor. Both require minimal maintenance and benefit from a regular washing. However, taking into account your home's location and regular weather patterns will prove to be a wise choice in the long run. Some areas are prone to frequent days of high winds, which easily damage a wood fence. Precautions can be taken, of course, but in the end, chain link fences are very hardly ever damaged by wind.

Whichever fence you choose will add value to your home, so don't be afraid to start out with chain link and switch to wood over time. Having a fence will also give your children and pets a safe place to roam. Contact a fencing company like Fence Pro for more information.

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