Fence Types

It used to be that you had a choice of just a few fence types but today, the market is flooded with the old standards as well as new options designed with high technology. As you will see from the following, choosing a fence system depends on the purpose. For example, some fences are installed for containment in keeping children and animals in, some are built to provide privacy from neighbors, and some are installed simply for aesthetics.

Chain Link

Also known as hurricane fencing, many people enjoy this type of fence in that it is so versatile and affordable. You can choose chain link in rolls ranging from 25 to 100 feet long and heights from four to six feet. With a chain link fence, you can add a gate or two for easy access and today�s options include fencing that is vinyl coated in a brown or green color. For keeping the pets and children contained while allowing access to see, a chain link fence is perfect.

Chicken Wire

Almost everyone has heard of chicken wire and of all fencing material, this is the most affordable. Chicken wire is not used as a permanent fence but one that can be used to contain small animals and keep wild animals out of a garden or flowerbed.

Electric Fence

While an electric fence used to be used only for livestock, today�s homeowners have found that this is a great way to keep the family pet safe inside the yard and wild animals outside the property. This type of fencing comes in a number of options that can produce a mild shock to one with more powerful. The electric fences made specifically for residential use also have controls that allow the strength of the shock to be controlled from a convenient control panel located inside the house.

Post/Rail Fences

This type of fence is most often used in rustic or country settings. Many times, people will put up a post and rail fence system to define a specific area of the yard. This might be a place for the family pet or your beautiful flower garden. Rails come in round or split and range from eight to eleven feet. The posts are available in three to five feet and designed to accommodate two or three rails. Just remember that if you want to use this type of fence for your pet, you will need to add wire fencing or some type of chicken wire to the back of the fence so the little pet does not slip through the rails.

Vinyl Fence

This type of fence has only been on the market a short time but has captured the attention of homeowners in that it is maintenance free. You can choose from a number of options that resemble rail and wood panel fences. The huge benefit of vinyl fencing is that it will not rot like wood. Therefore, if you are looking for a type of fence that is aesthetically pleasing and easy to maintain, the vinyl fence is a great choice.

Welded Wire

Welded wire is most often used as a temporary fencing system for gardens or animals. Similar to chain link fence, this too comes in rolls, ranging from 25 to 60 feet rolls and from three to six feet high.

Wood Fences

A wood fence is often installed for privacy while also providing a nice aesthetic. If you have a charming cape cod, you could buy a four-foot food fence to create some privacy, contain the yard, while also enhancing the look of the home. If you need a fence to block out neighbors, noise, or an unsightly view completely, then an eight-foot wood fence would be a great choice. The nice thing about wood fencing is that it comes in a number of woods and it can be stained or painted to create whatever look you want.