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How to Determine the Right Fence Material
How to Determine the Right Fence Material
25/Apr/2025

A good fence does more than outline your yard; it also gives you privacy, protects your pets and kids, boosts curb appeal, and can even increase property value. When it comes time to choose a fencing material, however, the decision isn’t always as simple as picking the one that looks nicest. You've got to weigh factors from climate considerations and maintenance needs to budget and style preferences.

How to Determine the Right Fence Material

If you're thinking about installing a fence or replacing an old one, then you're at the right place. In this brief article brought to you by Mr. Handyman, we give you a breakdown of the most common fence materials along with the pros and cons as well as tips for making the right choice for your home.

Existing fence giving you trouble? Mr. Handyman is here to help with expert fence repair services. Our workmanship comes with a 1-year guarantee, so rest assured we get the job done right.

Start With a Few Key Questions

Before picking a fence material, ask yourself these questions:

  • Why are you installing the fence? Is it for privacy, security, curb appeal, or keeping children and pets in sight?
  • What’s your budget? Some materials are more affordable upfront, but others can save money long term with less maintenance.
  • How much upkeep are you willing to do? If you’re not into staining or repainting every couple of years, then you’ll want something low maintenance.
  • What are the weather conditions in your area? Wind, moisture, heat, and sun exposure will affect how well your fence holds up.

Once you’ve got your priorities down, we can dive into your options.

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Wood Fencing: Classic & Customizable

Wood fences are a timeless favorite with its traditional aesthetic. They can be built in a variety of styles, whether that's picket, board-on-board, shadowbox, and so forth. They’re also easy to customize with paint or stain. Cedar and redwood are popular choices due to their natural resistance to rot and insects.

The drawback of wood fencing is the maintenance requirement. They call for regular staining, sealing, and/or painting. Without this, they can easily warp, rot, and fade over time.

PRO TIP: If your wood fence is starting to lean, show signs of rot, or has broken boards, Mr. Handyman can help you repair rather than replace.

Vinyl Fencing: Clean & Low Maintenance

Attention, homeowners who want privacy and minimal upkeep! Vinyl fences have come a long way and now come in a variety of colors and textures that mimic wood. They’re great for privacy and tend to last for decades without much effort.

With that said, vinyl fencing has a high upfront cost and can become brittle in extreme cold. They also have less flexibility in design compared to wood.

Metal Fencing: Strong & Stylish

Metal fences like wrought iron, aluminum, or steel are ideal if you're looking for something secure and long-lasting. They're especially popular around front yards, pools, or properties with a traditional or elegant design.

While they are durable, they offer limited privacy and can rust or corrode if not properly maintained. Their heavy weight also makes them more challenging and costly to install.

Chain Link Fencing: Practical & Affordable

Chain link is not the most beautiful option, but it is one of the most affordable and durable fencing materials. They are practical and functional for side yards, back areas, or commercial properties.

Like metal fences, these chain link fences offer little to no privacy. Their industrial appearance is also a turnoff for many homeowners.

Composite Fencing: The Best of Both Worlds

Made from a blend of recycled wood fibers and plastic, composite fencing gives you the look of wood without the high upkeep. It’s ideal for homeowners who want long-term performance and eco-friendliness. They're also great at resisting fading, rot, and insects.

Of course, there are disadvantages too. Composite fencing is more expensive than wood and even vinyl. They also come with fewer color options, and they are heavy and hard to install.

Hire a Trained and Uniformed Handyman Today

Whether you're working on a home improvement project or need some panels in your composite fencing repaired, the experienced and regularly-trained handymen at Mr. Handyman are here to help. We provide transparent pricing and even back our workmanship with a 1-year guarantee.

Still have questions or concerns? Contact Mr. Handyman to consult with a knowledgeable and courteous handyman. Our team is ready to take your call or message today.

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