11 Types of Fences and How to Choose One

Low-End Security Fences: Chain-Link

Best for: No-maintenance and budget

Even if you don't care about privacy, marking a border, or dressing your yard up with a decorative fence, you may well feel the need to secure your property. Chain-link is one of the go-to types of fencing for this function because it's no-maintenance and cost effective.

It comes in different heights, so if you're concerned about security, use a type that is at least 6 feet tall. Such a fence can also serve to contain small children or dogs on a property. It's quite durable because the metal is galvanized.

Despite its pros, chain-link fencing also has some cons. Because it's see-through, it won't double as a privacy fence. People also frequently try to disguise it for aesthetic reasons, since it's one of the least attractive types of fence.

Medium-Range Security Fences: Steel

Best for: Durability and medium security

Steel fences are a compromise between cheaper (chain-link) and more expensive (wrought iron) metal fencing. They're durable and better looking than chain-link fences, but don't offer privacy given their structure.

High-End Security Fences: Wrought Iron

Best for: Security

Like chain-link and steel fences, wrought iron fences are metallic, low-maintenance, and can provide security. That's where the similarities end.

On the plus side, wrought iron fencing is one of the most attractive types of fence and is very sturdy. It is often capped with highly ornamental finials, but the spaces between the verticals are too wide to control many dogs.

Other cons include that it is costly, doesn't double for privacy, and can rust in some climates. However, when elegance is called for in a fence, it's hard to beat wrought iron. It's an especially appropriate material if you seek a formal landscape design.

Standard Wooden Privacy Fences

Best for: Privacy

Most quality wooden privacy fences will double for security. But if privacy is your main concern, you are not limited to hardscape fences. A hedge of plants can serve as a "living privacy fence."

If you care about low-maintenance landscaping, maintaining plants is generally more time-consuming than maintaining a hardscape fence. If you do decide to go with a hardscape fence, you still have a choice to make between various types (which come with varying degrees of maintenance).

A wooden fence has to be stained, especially if it's made of non-rot-resistant wood (such as pine). By contrast, there's little maintenance with a vinyl fence, but if you're willing to put the work into maintaining a wooden fence, your decision may come down to aesthetics. Some people just like the look and feel of wood better than vinyl. Wooden privacy fences run the gamut from very plain to very ornate.

Ornate Wooden Privacy Fences

Best for: Design enthusiasts

There are all kind of different ways to improve on the appearance of a standard wooden privacy fence. For example. the choice of wood can change the look and style of your fence. Cedar is a sophisticated choice with a price tag to match. If money is no object, you can even go higher-end than cedar like teak.

You don't have to go with the standard vertical paneling. Panel orientation can also be horizontal or diagonal. But a vertical orientation is the cheapest; the longer boards required for other styles cost more.

To complete the look, a wooden fence can be capped off with lattice or finials. You can further adorn it with hanging pots, window boxes, and more if you don't mind attaching the required brackets.

Semi-Privacy Fences

Best for: Semi-privacy

Privacy fences are designed to shut out prying eyes completely with solid paneling. Some people want a touch of privacy while still maintaining a looser, airier feel, so a privacy fence that has gaps between the vertical paneling is the perfect compromise.

Vinyl Fences

Best for: Privacy and security

The two materials most commonly used for fencing are wood and vinyl. Whether you choose wood or vinyl for your security or privacy fence comes down to personal tastes and budget. Ironically, while some people feel that vinyl "looks cheap" when compared to a classic wooden fence, it is vinyl that is usually more costly.

Lattice Fencing for the Garden

Best for: Gardeners

Although we've surveyed only security and privacy fences so far, there are other purposes a fence can serve (for example, to mark a border or to serve as support for plants). Since these purposes are less essential in nature, aesthetics are bound to be a stronger consideration when making your selection. A lattice fence is a great option for gardeners who want to introduce a trellis into their yard that doubles as a property marker.

Metal Panels

Best for: Modern design

Some fences are merely there to mark a border, so your choices are not restricted by the kinds of considerations necessary when getting a privacy or security fence. Instead, you can buy based on your personal aesthetic tastes.

A fence composed of horizontal metal panels strung between brick columns is one example of a decorative fence and offers an intermediate level of privacy. It's a great choice for sleek, modern design, but it's on the high end of the price scale.

Classic Picket Fences

Best for: Traditional design

The classic wooden picket fence is a better choice than metal panels to mark a border for homeowners who are landscaping on a budget. Design-wise, in contrast to a metal-panel fence, a picket fence evokes the feel of the traditional cottage garden. Indeed, picket fences look best when plants are grown either in front of them or behind them (or both). Not only will the plants soften the look of the fence, but the fence will serve as a nice backdrop for the plants.

Vinyl Picket Fences

Best for: Low-maintenance aesthetics

As when choosing a privacy fence, you have an option of either wood or vinyl when selecting a picket fence. If you want a picket fence solely for the aesthetic qualities it brings to a yard, then there's a good chance you will choose wood over vinyl. Otherwise, the decision will again come down to the major pro of vinyl (low-maintenance) vs. its major con (cost).