What Fencing Type Lasts the Longest?

What fencing type lasts longer? Alamo Decks & Fence are a professional fence company who can help you decide which product to use.

Deciding on the right fence for your home takes some planning, consideration and research to accomplish. There’s a lot to consider, from materials and designs to colors and privacy levels. Not only do you have to make sure the fence fits into your home’s architectural style, it must maintain the value, function and appearance of your property. Durability and longevity are the two biggest factors to consider when installing a new fence.

Wood Fences

As the most common type of fence, wooden fences can be constructed out of cedar, pine, or spruce. How long your wood fence lasts will depend on which type of wood it’s made of. Cedar fences, with the right maintenance, can last up to 40 years but you will have to make a high initial investment. Spruce is a mid-range valued fence that will give you about a decade of service. Pine is cheapest and will last between five and 10 years depending on climate and how well you care for it.

Treated wood improves durability, so spruce and pine fences that have been properly treated can give you more years of service – up to two decades.  Cedar can last up to four decades when properly treated. Treatment matters, as untreated wood fences can fall victim to decay and rot, especially in moist environments. To prevent this from happening, you will need to coat and treat your fence. You will also need to provide regular maintenance throughout the year, which will involve staining and painting to protect from exposure to the elements.

Metal Fences

While this is the strongest option, metal fences can be quite expensive compared with other materials. Metal comes in wrought iron, chain link, or aluminum. Chain link is the cheapest but it’s not that great to look at – it’s more functional in nature. Wrought iron is expensive but will last the longest. And aluminum is a mid-range option that’s available in many color options. With a wrought iron fence, you will need to apply regular coatings of rust repellent. Aluminum needs the least amount of maintenance out of the three.

Vinyl Fences

Vinyl, also known as PVC, is strong, long-lasting, easy to clean and easy to maintain. Most people choose white vinyl, but there are many other color choices, including black. Plus, you can incorporate a variety of styles, such as lattice and split rail, with plenty of privacy levels to choose from.

In the end, the type of fence that lasts the longest will be the one you give the most attention to. Metal can last for decades, but if you never give it any TLC, it won’t last as long as you would like it to. Likewise, if you treat your wood fence properly, it can give you a much longer lifespan than you intended. Vinyl is the least hands-on choice that will last quite a long time with little upkeep. The one you ultimately choose will depend heavily on your budget, home style and needs.

Contact Alamo Decks and Fence

Here at Alamo Decks and Fence, we specialize in the installation of many fence types, such as wood, chain link, and iron. Not sure which to choose? Let us help you when you contact us at 210-880-9899 for a consultation and free quote.