Fencing can do a certain job, such as preventing your dog from getting into the pool, or it can be installed as a decorative feature to please the eye. When you know what your Maryland fencing is going to be used for, it is much easier to select the right fencing type for your property.
Why install fencing?
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Define the border of your property and discourage trespassing.
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Increase privacy in your back yard.
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Keep your dogs or farm animals from running away.
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Add a touch of elegance to enhance you home’s exterior.
Fencing materials
If you ask 5 people to tell you what image comes to mind when they hear the word “fence,” you’ll probably get 5 different answers. Because fencing can serve so many purposes, there are many fencing materials to choose from depending on your needs.
Wood fencing
Wood fencing is very versatile in terms of its appearance, size and use. It can be made form pressure-treated pine, as well as redwood, cedar, spruce and a few other tree species. Wood can be cut to the width and height you need, making it a perfect material for privacy fencing. Installed without gaps, wooden panels create a solid wall between you and your neighbors.
Another great thing about wooden fencing is that it can be stained or painted any color you want. If you are looking to match fencing to your outdoor furniture, deck or home siding, it’s very easy. And in case you want to get creative, there is plenty of room to play around with the look of your wooden fence. From lattice tops to custom board styles and fence post finals, there are many aspects you can customize to achieve the look you want.
Vinyl fencing
Vinyl fencing has been around since 1980s and has earned its place on the fencing market. It’s attractive, durable, easy to install and, unlike wood, it’s not susceptible to rot, fungus or termite damage. So if it so great, why even bother shopping around? First of all, vinyl fencing is more expensive than wooden fencing. Although in the long run you are saving on maintenance, the initial investment can be high, depending on how much fencing you need.
Second of all, you can’t do as many custom modifications with vinyl that you can do with wood. In fact, you can’t even paint vinyl fencing, so you have to choose from one of the colors available from manufacturers. And lastly, it just doesn’t look like wood, no matter how hard it tries. And if your entire home landscaping revolves around the wood look/cabin style, this could be a deal-breaker.
Metal fencing
Metal fencing is used mostly as a security measure, pool fencing and for decorative purposes. There are different types of metals a fence can be made of, wrought iron, steel and aluminum being the most popular ones.
Wrought iron fencing is the most expensive and decorative of the three. Due to its low carbon content, it has “grain” similar to that of wood grain. This grainy texture gives wrought iron character and unique look many homeowners find attractive. Wrought iron fencing is often custom-made for each project, which explains the high price.
Incredibly strong and virtually maintenance-free, steel fencing is often used in commercial and industrial projects, but can also be used on residential properties as pool fencing and property border. It comes in many colors and sizes, and for an untrained eye may even pass for wrought iron.
If you are looking for a cheaper alternative to wrought iron, aluminum fencing may be the winner. It’s not as strong as the other two metals, but it does great in residential use, such as pool fencing or decorative fencing. And there is a bonus: it doesn’t rust!
So, which fencing will you choose? Generally, if you are looking for a privacy fence, wood and vinyl are your two best options. Metal fencing doesn’t provide much privacy and is typically used as a safety or security measure around homes, gardens and pools. It can also be purely decorative when installed to complement the landscaping. Need help choosing materials or building your fence? Contact our professional fencing sales consultants at Leisure Specialties to get your fence up.