Most Durable Fence Types
Is it time to replace your fence? Besides choosing a fencing company, you also need to consider durability.
A residential or commercial fence can come in all sorts of styles and materials. As such, with so many customization options, most of them will look great in front of your home, business, or property.
Fences have three main purposes. These are to 1.) maintain your privacy, 2.) keep your family and pets inside your property, and 3.) keep unwanted visitors out.
But what is the purpose of a fence that isn’t durable? In this article, we’re going to discuss the different types of fence materials that are most commonly used as well as how durable they are.
If you’re in the market for a new fence for your property, you’re going to want to stick around to find out which fence has the right amount of durability that’s right for you.
What Makes A Fence Durable?
When we talk about the durability of a fence in this article, we are referring to three different things.
- Strength: How good is the material of the fence at keeping unwanted visitors out?
- Vision: How well does a material do at preventing people from looking inward towards your property?
- Maintenance: How well does the material of the fence perform against environmental conditions?
Some of the most common materials that people like to have their fences made out of include:
Cedar & Pressure Treated Wood Fences
Both cedar & pressure-treated wood fences are highly durable fencing materials.
Pros
Besides their durability, when crafted and installed in popular styles such as solid-board, shadowbox, or vertical boards on board fencing styles, these fences will offer great strength, allow for excellent privacy, and provide protection. A favorite fence style from Northern Fence is cedar. The major drawback of cedar wood fences isn’t their durability, but rather their maintenance. More on that below.
Cons
Wood fences do require a bit more maintenance against the natural elements than their counterparts. Be sure to wash frequently and also seal your wood fences with clear UV (ultraviolet light) blocking sealers every two to three years to extend the life of your fence as long as possible. One downside to any solid wood fence, is that during extremely windy conditions, wood fences tend to have little flexibility and may actually break.
Lastly, if your wood fence is left untreated, it can be a lot more susceptible to moisture and insects like termites. Here are some popular wood fence styles to consider if you’re looking to get a replacement.
Chain Link Fences
Chain link fences are a fantastic option for those wanting to protect their property. Let’s go over the pros and cons of chain link fences and also discuss their durability.
Pros
Chain link fences are an excellent option if you’re looking for a less expensive fencing option. Besides that, chain link fences are strong enough for pets and children to stay within the boundaries of the fence. Simultaneously, this also deters wild animals and unwanted visitors from wandering onto your property. Additionally, they are great during strong storms and will survive a heavy wind storm with little to no damage.
Cons
However, chain link fences are not as durable against moisture, as they are susceptible to rust due to their metal construction. Also, while the holes in the chain-link fence are a bonus against wind storms, they don’t provide much privacy from wandering eyes.
Picket Fences (Vinyl, Wood, etc.)
Historically, picket fences were originally used as a sort of colonial stockade with sharpened tips to keep intruders out. You’ll sometimes find fences like these still, but the picket wood, vinyl, fences, etc. have similar durability traits that solid board wood fences have.
Pros
These fences are better suited to withstand wind storms as the wind has the ability to pass through the fence rather than pushing it or breaking the fence down.
Cons
Also, depending on how small of a child, dog, cat, or animal you have, the space between a picket fence may be enough for them to squeeze through. The openings that give them strength during wind storms also give them weakness when wondering eyes are about.
More information here about picket fences.
Wrought Iron Fences
Wrought iron fences are one of the strongest fences you can get. Due to their thick metal construction, they are impervious to all but the most determined of intruders.
Further Reading: 4 Great Reasons Why You Should Install Your Fence This Winter
Pros
Like the picket fence, they do well against wind storms as the wind can pass right between the posts. Also, if you like the look of a picket fence but something that’s a bit stronger and more classy looking with less maintenance, wrought iron fences might be for you.
Cons
However, it’s worth noting that they’re also susceptible to wandering eyes and small children, pets, and wild animals passing through. And like the chain-link fence, they are susceptible to rust from moisture.
Vinyl Fences
Vinyl fences are a great alternative to all of the fences up above. Depending on which style of fence you pursue when using vinyl to build your fence, vinyl fences are reliable since they’re durable against just about any type of weather.
Pros
Vinyl fences also require relatively little maintenance when compared to their wood counterparts while also generally lasting longer too. They’re also less expensive too! Since they are a non-organic material, they are also not susceptible to rot like wood fences are. Also, they offer a little give to wind storms so they won’t break under the strength of the wind.
Cons
While it’s an exceptionally durable fence type that offers great style and low maintenance, vinyl may not be your choice if you prefer the look of natural wood fencing or something classy like wrought iron fencing.
Related: Complete Guide to Installing a Fence
Durable Fence FAQs
The most durable fence will depend on your environment and intended use. For example, taking longevity and low maintenance into consideration, metal fences such as wrought iron and chain link tend to be the longest-lasting and durable. When it comes to resistant to rotting, insects, and UV damage, vinyl fences are the best, making them highly durable in many settings.
Wood fence options such as teak, ipe, and cedar tend to be the most durable. Regular maintenance, such as sealing or staining, can also enhance the durability of any of these wood fencing types.
Typically, vinyl fences are more durable than wood fences. Vinyl fences are resistant to rot, termites, and UV damage. Also, vinyl doesn’t warp or fade as easily as wood, and it requires less maintenance over time. Wood, while durable and offering a natural aesthetic, can be susceptible to termites, rot, and weather damage unless regularly maintained.
When it comes to durable fence stains, oil-based stains tend to penetrate deeper and last longer than water-based stains. For example, semi-transparent and solid stains usually provide more protection against UV rays and weathering than clear stains. When choosing a fence stain, always talk with your fence installer, and check product reviews and ratings for the specific conditions and application instructions.
Final Thoughts On Most Durable Types Of Fences
No matter which type of fence you choose, having a fence is a safer option for your family and property than having no fence at all. In addition, a fence installation provides a higher property value and more interest in your home if you choose to sell your house. With all of this information in mind, you should be ready to decide on the right durability of fence that’s perfect for you and your needs.
If you have any further questions about types of fences and how to choose one, please don’t hesitate to contact us as we’re more than happy to assist you in finding the perfect fence material for your project. Northern Fence is proud to serve the Fox Valley communities and beyond. This include Appleton, Green Bay, and the greater Fox Cities area.
