Which Fencing Material is the Best Choice? by Dale Mac Donald

If you're thinking about building a new fence, whether for decorative purposes or for more practical reasons, you're probably wondering which fencing material you should use. There are lots to choose from, and there is no single best choice for everyone. Let's look at some of the things you should consider.

First of all, what is the purpose of the fence? If it's to keep small animals out of your yard or garden, you're going to need a different material than if you're keeping larger animals enclosed, for example.

Wire or vinyl fences with small openings will work well to keep small animals out, as will solid panels like wood or vinyl. The key here is to ensure that you bury the fence a few inches into the ground (or extend beyond the bottom with chicken wire or something similar) to keep animals from digging underneath it.

If your fence is for more decorative purposes, wood is often a good choice. It's available in many different varieties and can be finished in a number of different ways, such as stain, paint or even a clear finish like urethane.

The drawback to a wood fence is that it tends to require more maintenance over time, such as repainting and replacing damaged or rotten panels.

If you're looking for something with a little less maintenance required, a vinyl fence is a good choice. Vinyl fences can be designed in many of the same styles as wood, such as picket, panel or post and beam, but the color and design is molded right into the vinyl, which means you have little or no maintenance to keep it looking as good as new.

Whichever fencing material you choose, make sure you do your homework first. You'll want to determine what your needs are before you decide on a material for your fence. Even if you prefer the look of another type, if it's a poor match for your needs, you're not going to be happy with it.