Fencing Materials Pros and Cons

Adding a fence to your yard can add instant style and safety. Here are some pros and cons to consider when choosing the right material for your property.

Wood

Wood is perhaps the most traditional and historic material when it comes to fencing. From white picket fences to log barriers, wood has been the material of choice for hundreds of years. It can come in practically any style you like, can be easily painted or decorated, and is relatively inexpensive. It is the cheapest to repair, and since it is usually installed with small gaps in between the boards it allows wind to pass through and can withstand gusts fairly well. If locally sourced lumber is used the fence should be able to withstand the area’s temperatures, insects, and humidity well.

Some downsides when it comes to wood is that warping and splitting will occur over time. To help prevent this you should seal or stain the wood every 2 years or so. If thin wood is used it can be more prone to breakage and wood rot is a possibility as well.

Plastic

Plastic or vinyl fencing has some positive benefits to it. It will last longer than wood as far as material deterioration is concerned and is waterproof and mostly impervious to rot and insect damage. It is available in a variety of styles and can provide more privacy since there is less likely to be gaps in the material.

Some drawbacks to choosing plastic are that it could melt in high temperatures, and it is not generally able to be painted. It’s synthetic texture is not the most aesthetically pleasing and since there are no gaps for air to pass through it could topple in a high wind situation. Although it shows dirt more prominently than other types it is easy to clean.

Metal

The three most popular forms of metal fencing are aluminum, wrought iron, and steel. Nothing can match the strength of steel, but it is generally too heavy and expensive to use for residential homes, so it is best for industrial properties. Wrought iron is a better option for housing but is still an expensive choice. However, it’s versatility and durability is excellent. Aluminium is the most budget friendly option when it comes to fencing and finding aluminum fence gates in Tampa, FL.

Aluminum can be installed by the home owner or a professional company, works well on sloped landscapes, and comes in a large variety of shapes, styles, and colors. The only con when it comes to aluminum fence gates in Tampa, FL is that there may be gaps which could mean less privacy. Otherwise it is an affordable and durable material worth consideration.