What are the Various Types of Fencing for Homes?

Image of house with a white fence by WikimediaImages

There’s a reason the image of a home with a white picket fence is so appealing to many people. In the US, it symbolizes an ideal, comfortable suburban life.

Perhaps your dream home (and dream life) involves a different kind of fence. Perhaps that’s a timber fence, an aluminium fence, or even a high-tensile fence for goats. If you plan on living in a home with a patch of land, it’s a good idea to know the types of fencing that are available to you and that will fit your style.

Introduction

Fencing types, like types of roofing and types of windows, will suit different homes depending on various factors, including architectural house style, outdoor living plans, climate, location, and so on.

Fences should be functional as well as aesthetically pleasing. Some fences last longer than what one might expect, such as the oldest fence in NYC, which was built in the 18th century. Your fence doesn’t have to last that long, but ideally, it should stay strong for up to 20 years.

Luckily for you, there are a lot of options. The global market size for fencing was valued at 27.88 billion USD in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% between 2022 and 2030. This is largely due to a rise in new home construction, remodeling, home improvement, and commercial construction.

With so many types of fences available in the market, it can be confusing to choose the best one for your needs. To help you make your decision, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best fencing options. Remember, if you’re building wooden fences from scratch, you will require millwork shop drawings for the best (and safest) results.

Best Types of Fencing

1. Wooden Fencing

We’ll start with the most basic kind of fence – which can still be stylish and classic depending on the type of wood, the budget, and the design.

Wood fences are popular across the US and Canada in semi-urban and rural areas, and are graded based on the wood’s appearance. In descending order, types of wooden fencing are rated clear, premium, select, standard and quality.

• Often, the most convenient option is using the most popular wood in your region.

• Cedar, redwood, fir, cypress, spruce and pine are generally excellent options. Read all about the best types of wood you can use.

• A wood fence can add an air of warmth and cosiness to your home.

• The cost of a wood fence will depend on the thickness of the used planks and the quality of the wood, as well as height and length.

• Wood fences are available in panels, lattice, posts, pickets, and logs.

• It is important to pick a type of wood that can withstand the weather variations in your region. Ideally, it should also be termite resistant and season proof.

• Wood fences can be naturally color-treated or painted.

• Note that wood is not fire resistant and might not remain stable during changes in temperature – it will contract and expand.

• To enhance its endurance and ensure proper screwing, you may require professional assistance.

2. Brick Wall Fence

A brick wall fence will provide you with security, privacy and style. These types of fencing are popular and can be seen wrapping around many commercial buildings, residential buildings, institutions, and other buildings.

• Brick walls can be combined with barbed wire, iron fencing, etc.

• Weather and fire resistant.

• A brick boundary wall can be expensive to build.

• Furthermore, the width is usually between 9 and 12 inches. Hence, your area of land use will be reduced. This is a critical factor in places where space is already limited, such as urban areas.

3. Vinyl Fence

Vinyl fencing is plastic-based, easy to clean, and comes in various neutral finishes.

• Low maintenance and resilient.

• Good for garden, farm and pool fencing. Can also be used for decorative and security purposes.

• Available as pre-assembled panels and user-friendly kits.

• Does not require staining or painting.

4. Chain Link Fence

If affordability is a concern, chain link fencing is a good option. It is made up of galvanized steel links that are twisted together and fixed to poles of mild steel, concrete or galvanized iron.

• Chain link fencing is often used in commercial buildings and construction sites due to its low maintenance and affordability.

• Latches, gates and posts can be added.

• Quick and easy installation.

• For corrosion resistance, it can be coated or galvanized.

• Prevents entry of stray animals.

• To reduce noise, wind and dust, as well as add privacy, fence slats can be added.

• Unfortunately, it is not the most attractive type of fencing, so it’s best if it’s not visible from your home.

• Does not provide privacy, unlike wooden, brick or vinyl fencing. However, slats, nets, and plants can be added for privacy.

• Longer life than barbed wire fencing, but shorter than stone or brick.

• The biggest drawback is that it is not secure. They are easy to climb, and most residential chain link fencing is only about 4 to 5 feet high.

5. Iron Fence

If you want security, durability, and style, iron fencing is your knight in shining armor. Wrought iron in particular will lend your home an elegant, somewhat traditional look. You can even add unique designs and pieces at the top.

• Iron fencing is strong and resistant to most damage. Will not rot or warp when exposed to moisture.

• High level of customization due to iron’s malleability.

• Installation is more time and labor intensive than other fencing types due to the heaviness of iron.

• Subject to rust and corrosion.

• Requires regular maintenance & repainting every 1 to 3 years. Also needs to be sanded for rust.

• This fencing is expensive, and also often requires custom manufacturing.

• Its use can be limited in hilly areas or graded yards. A mild slope is manageable, but steep slopes might require customization.

6. Boulder Fence

A boulder fence (also called a boulder wall) is one of the most common fencing types in mountainous or plateau regions, where boulders are easily available.

• A boulder wall will give your home a rustic, earthy appearance.

• Easy maintenance.

• Strong, durable, and provides ample privacy.

• Resistant to changing weather and fires.

• Time-consuming to build.

• Skilled artisans may be required for aesthetically pleasing arrangement. This is important if you want to add value to your property.

Conclusion

Which fencing type is your favorite? Is there one you think should be considered? Let us know in the comments!

We hope this article has given you an idea of the types of fences that may suit your next construction project. As always, it is best to make use of woodwork shop drawings and metal shop drawings before you begin laying foundations.

If you’d rather not go through the hassle of developing them in-house, BluEntCAD is at your service. We provide millwork shop drawing services and metal shop drawing services to casework companies, woodworking companies, custom furniture manufacturers, signage manufacturers, prefabricated home designers, and decks & fencing manufacturers.

Ready to build great buildings with millwork drafting and shop drawings? Contact us now!