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Chain Link Fence vs. Wood Fence

Among the most prevalent fence types for residential and commercial purposes, chain link and wood fences stand out. Both offer robustness, security, and privacy potential, albeit with distinct merits and drawbacks.

Both chain link and wood fences, encompassing wood picket and wood privacy styles, fulfill various roles, from containing children or pets to enhancing security and augmenting property aesthetics.

Chain link fences find favor in residential settings due to their affordability and ease of installation. Available in four and six-foot heights, the four-foot variant prevails due to its cost-effectiveness. Nevertheless, the six-foot alternative delivers enhanced security, making it more formidable to climb.

Comparison to Wood Privacy Fences

In contrast, wood privacy fences promise comprehensive seclusion by aligning boards without gaps. This makes them an ideal choice for homeowners seeking to shield themselves from neighbors or foster an air of seclusion in their outdoor space.

However, wood picket fences offer diminished privacy, featuring spaced pickets that allow glimpses through. This quality may suit homeowners keen on monitoring their children or pets, or those interested in showcasing their landscaping.

Why Chain Link Fences Are Popular

Chain link fences remain popular across residential and commercial settings owing to their affordability and simplicity of installation. Furthermore, they boast durability, withstanding substantial wear and tear.

Nonetheless, chain link fences inherently lack privacy unless complemented with plastic slats. The six-foot version of chain link fencing affords more privacy compared to the four-foot variant. Additionally, chain link fencing can sport vinyl covering in black or green, or it can take on a California-style appearance, incorporating wooden posts and caps for a distinct visual identity.

Other Factors in Consideration

Cost – The expense of a fence hinges on material choices, quality, and dimensions. Additional boards in wood fencing, thicker chain link materials, and the incorporation of post caps can escalate costs. Generally, chain link fencing proves more budget-friendly than wood fencing of comparable size.

Durability – Chain link fencing typically undergoes galvanization for added protection against environmental elements. The longevity of wood fences varies based on wood type. Midwest Fence employs Durazyme®-treated Western Red Cedar, bolstering its rot-resistance and minimizing warping, twisting, or discoloration. Nevertheless, chain link fences generally boast a longer lifespan than wood counterparts.

Maintenance – Chain link fences necessitate minimal upkeep, while wood fences might require repainting or restaining every few years. Though treated lumber is less susceptible to decay, it still requires maintenance to shield against elemental harm. On the whole, chain link fences demand less maintenance than wood alternatives.

Part 2: Choosing Between Wood Privacy and PVC Fencing

For those with children or pets seeking enhanced privacy and security beyond the realm of chain link or wood picket fences, the options of wood privacy and PVC fences present themselves as alluring alternatives. These choices offer a blend of elegance and visual appeal, delivering the desired privacy and security while maintaining a stylish aura.

Wood privacy and PVC fences stand as the epitome of combining style with practicality.

Wood privacy fencing caters to diverse requirements, but it needs consistent maintenance to preserve its original allure and may require occasional repairs as it ages. The impact of weather and the elements can occasionally leave certain wood fences vulnerable compared to alternative fence types.

Per square foot, wood fencing usually carries a higher cost than chain link fencing. However, the material expenses for wood fencing are generally lower than those for other non-chain link fence types.

When considering the total cost of a wood privacy fence, it’s imperative to account for ongoing maintenance, potential repairs, and a potentially shorter lifespan.

The precise installation cost of a wood privacy fence hinges on the volume of wood needed, a factor determined by the fence’s height and style.

Diverse styles of wood privacy fences abound, ranging from simple alternating boards to more intricate designs featuring tongue-and-groove, interlocking boards, and basketweave patterns. Moreover, there are louvered wood privacy fences employing elongated boards, fences adorned with decorative capped posts, and those displaying gracefully curve-cut tops.

The rich array of style options significantly contributes to the popularity of wood fences. With an array of styles to choose from, a wood privacy fence can cater to every taste.

The type of wood employed, the color of the stain or paint, and the incorporation of additional elements like latticework or trellises further enable the customization of a wood privacy fence’s appearance.

Vinyl Fencing

Vinyl fencing has garnered favor among homeowners for its minimal maintenance demands, impressive durability, and accompanying lifetime warranty. Vinyl fences eschew the need for painting or staining and can be effortlessly cleaned using a hose and water. They exhibit resilience against environmental factors, withstanding rotting and warping.

The spectrum of vinyl fence styles has expanded beyond basic privacy panels to encompass picket and rail fences, even featuring simulated wood grain. However, the prefabricated nature of vinyl fences results in fewer style alternatives compared to the versatile on-site construction of wood fences. Additionally, vinyl fences are available in a limited selection of predetermined colors.

For those seeking a low-maintenance fence primed to endure the years, vinyl fencing stands as an attractive choice. However, it’s worth noting that vinyl fences may entail higher initial costs than their wood counterparts.

While vinyl fences are initially pricier than wood fences, the lifetime warranty and absence of regular upkeep may offset the higher expense over time. Vinyl fences also exhibit heightened durability, often outlasting wood fences for many years.

For inquiries concerning these fence options or any other types, don’t hesitate to engage a Midwest Fence professional for a complimentary consultation. Reach out at 651-451-2222.

In our subsequent article, we’ll delve into Trex composite and ornamental iron fencing.

Part 1: What Kind Of Fence Should I Get?

Having considered your preferences for a fence installation, let’s look at fence types to determine the most suitable options for your requirements. This article will focus on chain link fences and wood picket fences.

Chain Link Fencing

Due to its affordability, durability, and ease of installation, chain link fencing remains a popular choice among homeowners. Thanks to galvanized steel, chain link fences boast remarkable durability and resistance against rust and corrosion. They prove particularly resilient in regions with high winds or heavy snowfall.

With various color options such as green, black, and white, chain link fences can be tailored to your aesthetic preferences. 

For added privacy, privacy slats can be incorporated. These fences prove versatile for an array of projects, including backyards, playgrounds, schools, and more.

When compared to other fence types, chain link fencing typically offers an economical choice. However, pricing can fluctuate based on factors like the specific chain link variant chosen and any supplementary elements included in the fence design.

Wood Picket Fences

Given their range of design possibilities and customizable features, wood picket fences rank among the favored choices for homeowners.

Comprising spaced wood slats, wood picket fences facilitate airflow and visibility. However, their design translates to limited privacy. Furthermore, these fences are typically only four feet in height, which can compromise their security.

Despite these considerations, wood picket fences retain their popularity due to their affordability and ease of installation. They offer an array of styles, including classic Colonial wood picket fences, French Gothic wood picket fences, as well as the elegant Wedgewood and Capped Rail picket fences.

Maintenance demands for wood picket fences exceed those of other fence types. Regular staining or painting every few years is necessary to shield them from the elements. Although this process can be time-consuming and costly, the end result can significantly enhance the visual appeal of your property.

If contemplating a wood picket fence, it’s crucial to meticulously weigh its advantages and disadvantages. While not universally suitable, they can lend a touch of beauty and style to your residence.

Should you seek further insights into wood picket fences or any other fence variety, do not hesitate to connect with the professionals at Midwest Fence for a complimentary consultation. Reach out at 651-451-2222.

In our upcoming article, we will delve into wood privacy fences and PVC (vinyl) fencing.

Building The Right Backyard Fence

Deciding to build a backyard fence happens for a variety of reasons. Pets, children, protecting a garden, securing a pool, providing safety or simply adding a new look to a property are all reasons.

Making the decision to build is one thing, ensuring you have the new backyard fence you imagine is another. There are a variety of considerations when deciding to build, and we look at a few in this blog post.

Building Your Backyard Fence To Last

Building a backyard fence to last takes planning, care and attention to detail during fence construction. There are plenty of online resources with help for DIYers looking to build a backyard fence as a weekend project.

Ensuring a fence is built to last requires quality materials and proven construction techniques. While these can be learned online, there is value in considering using an experienced, proven Twin Cities fence contractor for the job.

Right Style For Your Backyard Fence

Deciding the style of fence you seek is among the first choices. Should it provide privacy, or allow sunshine and wind to pass through it?

Identifying the height of the fence to do the job you seek is another step. Is it designed to keep dogs and children enclosed and safe? Or, are you seeking some security, making it more difficult for people to get into your yard.

Right Material For Your Backyard Fence

Providing security is also a consideration for the material you are using. While stronger fence materials provide better security, the aesthetic of the choice is likely even more important.

Seeking a more natural look to the fence? Try installing a wood fence, which come with a variety of designs and construction styles, either pickets spaced apart, or tongue-and-groove boards fit together and attached to cross beams.

Weather-resistant aluminum fencing provides the traditional look of an iron fence as well as security as the strongest fence material.

Chain link is also an option, providing security and containment as well as allowing light and sun through.

Our next blog post will identify other factors to consider when building a backyard fence, including cost and environmental considerations.

Do I Need A Fence?

Scalloped cedar wood picket containment fence need itIf you are a pet owner or your neighbors have wandering pets, your life can be made easier with a new fence to contain your property. Maybe your neighbor’s unsightly yard has given you thoughts of moving to a new neighborhood.  No need to move, you can have an attractive privacy fence installed. There are many reasons why people buy fences. Are you wondering “Do I need a fence?”- here are three things to consider.

Need Containment?
Pets

A common concern for pet owners is dog containment. Consequently, a smart cedar picket fence can enhance the appearance of your property and also keep “Rover” safely at home. Therefore, Ornamental steel and aluminum systems have a classic look. Additionally, Ornamental fences are typically maintenance free and are equally effective at containing pets.

Children

Homeowners with small children looking for a lower cost way to keep their little ones safe may choose a chain system.  Hence, chain link fences are a great way to contain any size yard at an affordable cost. Galvanized chain link systems have been available for many decades. Vinyl coated black, green and brown can be more attractive options. In summary,  if you live in a neighborhood with an HOA, be sure that they allow chain link systems as many do not.

Need Privacy?

Visually blocking out the things that are beyond your borders is easily completed with a Privacy fence.  It will provide a layer of security as well. These fences have many benefits but are often not allowed in front yards due to city regulations. Privacy fences can be made of cedar, vinyl or composite (Trex) materials.  Cedar would require a level of upkeep (staining, board or post replacement, etc) but with vinyl and composite, effort would be minimal.

Need Security?

Fences can add a great amount of security to your home and for your family.   A high quality, sturdy fence will be extremely effective in keeping animals or intruders off your property.  Also, it will improve the appearance of your home, and can enhance privacy as well as the aesthetics of your landscaping.

In the end, the reasons you purchase a fence are unique to your needs and a qualified fence professional can help you make the right choice.