Redwood, cedar or pressure-treated pine last the longest. A fence can last about 20 years, if made of a turnout resistant wood. Then posts are usually the first to go; panels survive longer because they typically don't touch the ground. Fences must withstand year-round exposure to the element.
Vinyl fencing: Vinyl fencing can last 30+ years with minimal maintenance required. Unlike wood that can warp, rot, or shrink over time, vinyl is rigid and resilient. It is resistant to pests, rain, snow, temperature changes, and other elements. That is why vinyl fencing is the longest lasting fence material.
Redwood is arguably the most extensively used type of wood for wood fencing and even though it comes at a high cost, redwood's quality, durability, and aesthetic value make it among the best options.
Steel. Like aluminum, steel is a resilient material, making it a great option if you're ready to invest in a new fence. Galvanized steel chain-link fencing is especially long-lasting. It holds up well to wind and rain, and small sections can be easily replaced if any damage occurs.
Wood fences last an average of 15 years but can have a life span of up to 20 years depending on a handful of factors—like the type of wood used, external forces like weather, and how well-maintained it is.
Vinyl fence is increasingly becoming the preferred choice for homeowners looking for a maintenance-free fence option. A long-lasting, easy-care alternative to wood, vinyl fence won't rot, warp, peel or splinter. Plus, you won't waste time and money on sanding, staining or painting every few years.
When selecting wood grades for fencing projects there are several choices: clear grade, premium, select, and construction. These grades are preferred over quality, standard or better grade wood, which are less expensive but have flaws that can ruin a fence's appearance and leave it more likely to deteriorate.
Cedar wood fencing can last twice as long as pine fencing while maintaining a better overall appearance. It also doesn't warp or buckle as easily and requires less maintenance.
Vinyl can be constructed as a privacy fence to create a secure boundary around your home, or as a decorative, open-picket design. Wondering about the versatility of vinyl? It's among the most versatile types of low-maintenance fencing. If your home is on a hill, vinyl can be easily cut to follow the slope of your yard.
There are a lot of fence material types and styles to consider, but vinyl remains the top choice for a low maintenance fence.
Mildew and Rotting: Staining can help reduce mildew and avoid wood rot. Color Matching: With many color option of semi-transparent and solid color stains available, you can easily match or accent colors on the home. Longer Lifespan: Wood fence staining can greatly increase the life of your fence.
Save Money During the Off-Season
Whether it's because there were some surplus materials sitting in a warehouse, or because your contractor didn't have to pay their employees for overtime, fencing projects are generally cheaper during the fall and winter months.
A chain-link fence is typically the least expensive option, while a wrought iron fence is among the most expensive. You can get a new fence for as little as $500 if you do it yourself and choose a simple design and material. Or, you could spend as much as $8,500 on a complex fencing project with multiple materials.
Vinyl fencing
Vinyl fences are easy to maintain because you can clean graffiti and other stains using soap and water. The long life span and low maintenance expenses make vinyl fences cheaper than other types of fences.
Treated lumber is a pine that is often a more cost-effective option as it is treated with chemicals to resist rot, decay, and insect damage. It is also a more durable option than cedar, making it a good choice for areas that experience heavy rainfall or high humidity.
If you're looking to make a lengthy investment, consider the fact that cedar fences will stand, with no maintenance, for up to 25 years. Meanwhile, pressure treated pine last up to 15 years, provided you are regularly maintaining it.
The natural oils and resins in cedar wood help it naturally last much longer than a pine fence. Depending on the company and manufacturer, a cedar fence may last 20-30 years, whereas a well-maintained pine fence only lasts 5-15 years (or sometimes 20 years). However, it all comes down to maintenance.
If privacy is your main goal, you'll want a fence that is at least 6-feet high to prevent nosy neighbors or curious passers-by from peeking in. To be extra safe, choose a 7- or 8-foot high fence. Before you start building, however, double-check that local regulations allow you to build a fence to this height.
Materials – Wood fences are made from various types of lumber, i.e., cedar, pine, and redwood. The cost per plank depends on its size and type. Cedar and redwood are resistant to insects and rot, so they're unsurprisingly the most expensive option.
The most common types of wood used for fencing are pine, cedar, redwood, cypress, and spruce. Before making any purchases, you have many things to consider like climate (weathering and the posts coming in contact with the soil), the scope of your project, the budget, the type of fence, and what you can afford.
You can often guess who owns a fence by looking at where the frames are – the builders or property owners should have put the fence up facing away from their own property so their neighbour gets the 'good' side.
Wood Fences
Cedar may last for 15-30 years, spruce may last for 4-7 years and pine may last for 5-12 years. Treated wood, however, increases this longevity: pine and spruce may last for 20 years and cedar may last up to 40 years.
By far, spring and summer are the most popular times for buying a new fence. However, the best time of year to install a fence is over the winter.