Popular Types of Fences
There are several types of fences and fence styles to choose from when renovating or adding to your home. Knowing the benefits and disadvantages of each can help choose the best one to fit your needs. A few fence types are traditional picket, farm fences, chain link, wrought iron, lattice, hedges, and vines.
Traditional picket fences are often seen as a symbol of conformity, normalcy, security, and wholesomeness. These are among the fences the HOA easily approves if time is of the essence. Additionally, you can adjust the height to be higher or lower depending on personal preference. Lastly, choosing vinyl rather than wood for a picket fence, will lessen the amount of maintenance required. Click here to learn more about Vinyl Fence Maintenance.
Farm fences are popular among areas with fewer people where privacy is not as essential. Farm fences can help deter unwanted guests if paired with barbed wire or thorny shrubs, and while they can look unfriendly, they are a reminder of a simpler past and pair well with farmhouse architectural styles. Chain link fences are among the cheapest fencing options, while they do not provide a lot of privacy, they are a decent barrier that doesn’t need a large amount of upkeep. Adding a coat of vinyl will protect it, and if rust or dirt accumulates, an occasional hose down will help keep it clean.
Wrought iron fences look heavy, and stately, and tend to be pictured with a private, upscale home. A great benefit of these types of fences is they are easily customizable to fit your personal aesthetic and they pair well with an automatic or sliding gate. If you take good care of them, you can expect them to last for years, but maintaining them requires frequent washing and coating with rust-resistant products.
Lattice fences and hedges are the most suitable options when opting for a cottage-inspired or vintage look. Lattice fences come in a variety of colors and stains though require pertinent upkeep to prevent dirt and rot. Hedges, although they require near-constant maintenance like trimming, watering, and fertilizing, can act both as a barrier and part of your landscaping. It is best to install these around a pre-existing wall made of stone or something similar.
These are just a few popular choices among the types of fences available. Once you choose a style, you need to pick your materials, read this article on Fence Materials to learn more.
References
Pham, H. 13 Types and Styles of Fences with Pictures, (2023). Porches and Patios, Homenish.