Before choosing a new fence, you need to ask yourself which material is best for you and who is using your yard.
Are you in the market for a new fence for your home? With so many options out there, it can be hard to know which kind is the right one for you, especially when you have a family or pets to consider. Before choosing a residential fence, ask yourself these essential questions about the primary purpose of your fence, and who will be using your yard.
Which Material Best Matches Your Needs?
The type of material you want for your fence should be based on your needs- do you want privacy or security, or is the fence for simply aesthetic reasons?
Wood
Wood is one of the most versatile materials and can be used in almost any way you’d like. Wooden fences can be great for privacy and keeping your children and pets safe when playing in the backyard, and wood is one of the easiest materials to paint or stain. However, wooden fences also require a bit of maintenance. Since the material is organic, it will break down and is susceptible to damage over time. Additional treatments, such as stain or sealant, are required for wooden fences to last a long time.
Vinyl
Vinyl is another solid option for a residential fence, as it is lightweight, durable, and looks expensive while actually being quite affordable. This material comes in many different design options, and are usually white and look very clean, making it a quintessential backyard fence for families. One of the downsides to vinyl is that while it is durable, it can become brittle over time. Also, if security is your main concern for your yard, vinyl isn’t the best option.
Chain link
Chain link is one of the most practical material options for those who are on a budget, but still want a very durable fence. However, since the fence is see-through, it provides no privacy for your yard.
Aluminum/Steel
Aluminum or steel are very durable materials, and a fence made from either material will be very long-lasting. The metal has a sleek and clean look and can be used in many different styles and designs. Aluminum is also one of the best materials for security and requires very little maintenance.
Who Is Using Your Yard?
Next, you’ll want to have an idea of who will be using your yard. Do you have kids or pets to think of, or will you be the only one using your yard?
Kids
While it’s true that your fence is a way to keep your children within the boundaries of the backyard, they’re also crucial for keeping kids safe. If your yard has a pool or your family is thinking of installing one in the future, a pool fence is needed for safety reasons. Most materials are acceptable for backyards that are just meant for playing, but wooden fences may cause splinters or other small injuries. If you choose a wood fence, we suggest getting a fence with finished or sanded wood.
Pets
If your main concern is keeping your pets safe in the yard, then you have a few more things to consider before choosing a fence. If you have a dog, you must consider the fence height, and decide on a fence that your dog won’t be able to jump over. Also, dogs tend to love digging, so you’ll need to think about fence depth as well. Fences with slots are usually not a dog’s best friend, as they love to chase other animals, and if their face fits through a slot, they’ll use all their might to try and fit their body through as well. This can cause some serious fence damage that you won’t want to deal with.
Choose Hercules Fence
When it comes time to decide what color is right for your new fence, trust the experts at Hercules Fence. For more information and to learn how we can meet your custom fencing needs, contact Hercules Fence online or give us a call at 800-395-9597. We will ensure your investment serves your family for years to come! For updates and to see projects we’re working on, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Google+, and Pinterest.
