For some, the decision to add a yard fence is purely based upon aesthetics. Perhaps you picture the white picket variation of years past adding charm to your lot, or want to complement your hardscape with a matching mate. For others, especially those with children, pets or even pools, adding a fence may be born out of necessity, like safety concerns or privacy issues.
Along with the varied reasons why homeowners fence in their yards, there is an assortment of choices for fencing materials and styles. We spoke with local professionals to break down the most common types of fencing, the pros and cons of these choices and what’s on trend right now. After you’re well-versed in fencing types and are ready to install, take a peek at our homeowner’s checklist before picking up the phone.
Aluminum Fences
Built to have the same appearance as old wrought iron, aluminum fences provide low-maintenance relief for homeowners. These types of fences won’t rust, and with homeowners leaning towards natural, darker colors in recent years, aluminum fences can easily blend in with landscaping. “A lot of people want their fences to disappear,” says Josh Holland of Cornerstone Fence and Deck (www.cornerstonefenceanddeck.com) in Lancaster. “They want to know it’s there, but they don’t want to be sitting on their porch looking at it.”
Holland says that aluminum fences have surged in popularity in the last two years, especially when homeowners have discovered that this type of fencing can be affordable. “It looks more expensive than it really is,” he says. “I’ve done the aluminum for multi-million-dollar homes to row homes in Lancaster County.” Craig Horning and Barb Shopf, both of Lancaster’s Integrity Pools & Spas (www.integrity-pools.com), agree. They say powder-coated aluminum fencing makes up about 95 percent of their installations around pool areas.
Though there are drawbacks, like the fact that they can bend, aluminum fences are versatile; they are made to be repairable and can easily be reshaped.
Vinyl (PVC) Fences
Like aluminum, vinyl (PVC) also weathers well and blends naturally into landscaping. Holland says this type of fencing is an attractive choice for homeowners. Vinyl breaks down into three main categories: picket fence (the traditional, all-American style, less popular now); yard fence (rails on top and bottom, which help with corralling children and pets); and privacy fence (high, can cramp a small backyard). Holland says for those with limited space, his company recommends a mix-and-match approach, a growing trend for the past three years. Cornerstone often installs aluminum fencing on the back of the lot, then adds complementary colored privacy fencing on the sides to block the view of neighbors.
Vinyl fences are not completely maintenance-free, however. All three styles of vinyl fences, especially when installed under trees, need to be wiped occasionally with soap and water.
Wooden Fences
The epitome of privacy comes with theinstallation of a wooden fence. This type of fence has plenty of perks, from drowning out traffic to hiding an oasis. Typically built on-site, wooden fences are also more customizable than other types and can be fancy or intricate. Just think of Japanese garden styles with peaked roofs stretching high towards the sky.
But not every wooden fence is an intricate piece of artwork. In fact, according to Holland, most are plain. And while privacy wooden fencing does not allow prying eyes in, it also does not allow much air circulation to a backyard space. Shopf says very few of her customers choose wooden fencing for their pool area: “They can feel like you’re boxing yourself in, like a playpen.”
Local fencing professionals say that the popularity of wooden fencing has diminished in recent years for varied reasons, from cost to care. The price for wood has gone up, and wooden fences don’t often carry a lifetime warranty like other types of fencing.Wood splinters and warps with time, and manufacturers can’t ensure homeowners will be diligent in their care.
Additionally, these types of fences require much more maintenance than other types; they can rot and decay over time and need constant cleaning. Holland suggests pressure washing, water treating and staining wooden fences, like you would a deck, at least once every two years.
Yet, despite the drawbacks, Holland notes that some homeowners won’t be swayed from installing wooden fencing in their backyards. They simply prefer it. “Some people just like wood,” he says. “There are people out there who don’t mind doing the work.”
Underground/Hidden Fences
If keeping pets fenced in is your top concern, consider the installation of a hidden, underground fence. These types of fences can be customized to your yard, even allowing homeowners to “box out” certain areas, like fish ponds or flower beds. Lancaster’s DogWatch of Susquehanna Valley (www.dogwatchfence.com) owners Bob and Lynne Leed say one of the biggest misconceptions about this type of fencing is that there’s an electric current jolting animals. Instead, a secure, FM digital radio signal works between collars and the wall unit. And since hidden fences are installed underground, there is no yard maintenance around them, like constantly trimming tall grass by fence posts.
“It makes life so less stressful. You just open your door and let the dog out to do its business, then come back in,” Lynne says. The Leeds say that indoor containment units work in similar ways to outdoor units; custom wire installation in certain rooms can keep animals from wandering, without garish baby gates blocking doorways. “It gives you a peace of mind,” adds Bob. “We let our dogs out and we know where they’re going to be.”