The materials you use for garden fencing dictates how well the fence performs and how long it can last. This means you should really consider weighing out the pros and cons of these materials before you fix in on a decision. To help you figure out which works for you and your space, here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of the commonly used materials for garden fencing.
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Wood Fencing
ADVANTAGES: Wood is usually preferred because of the natural vibe it gives off. Its rustic charm is incomparable and it is relatively cheaper than the other alternatives. They are also very manageable which means they can be easily cut into different sizes and shape that works for you.
DISADVANTAGES: They are more susceptible to deterioration since they are not synthetically made. Therefore, wooden fences require much more maintenance and this can get real expensive in the long run especially if the wood is not acclimated to the surroundings. Termites and other pests can also join the party and deal serious amount of damage on your planks and posts.
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Chain-link Fencing
ADVANTAGES: Chain-link is considerably the cheapest among the other materials usually used for garden fencing. They are also very flexible which could offer you a lot of options on how to orient them in the space you want. Additionally, they are durable and are produced to be rust-free (for a long time that is) which means less maintenance is required.
DISADVANTAGES: Some find chain-link fences to be unattractive or straight up poignant (because they are commonly used in prisons and holding facilities). They look rugged and are not as decent-looking as some of the other materials. Moreover, it does not increase privacy at all because it is easy to climb over to and it is obviously riddled with holes (so it doesn’t block sounds or noise too).
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Vinyl Fencing
ADVANTAGES: Vinyl has been rapidly increasing in popularity over the past few years and became a good alternative for wood and chain-link as a garden fence material. It is relatively stronger than wood and it lasts longer too. Vinyl is also more flexible than wood and is not high-maintenance since it can remain rust free and cleaning is very easy.
DISADVANTAGES: The benefits of this material are made up for its price. Aside from that, damages on the fence are hard to address so a professional might always be needed. It also reacts with other elemental circumstances which sometimes causes it to form cracks.
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Wrought iron Fencing
ADVANTAGES: Wrought iron fences are known for their gorgeous designs and classy feel. Moreover, they are durable, strong and extremely resilient. Therefore, they are good for security and decorative purposes. They are also rust proof (when painted over) and are not susceptible to pest infestations.
DISADVANTAGES: They are really heavy so you would want to have professionals install them for you. They also develop rust spots on parts where paint chipped off. Therefore, wrought iron fences require a routine check-up for every month or so just to ensure that they are well coated. More importantly, this is the most expensive option out of the others in this list which makes it a bit unnecessary for those who are on a budget.
Knowing the material you’ll use for garden fencing is serious because it dictates the outcome and utility you’ll get from your investment. So jot down these pros and cons and weight your options carefully. You can also ask a professional near you regarding what is best for your space.