If you’re in the market for a new fence, be glad you’re not in the U.K. right now. Stormy weather has toppled many a backyard fence, leading to a national shortage of available fences — just in time for the biggest outdoor home improvement season.
According to The Telegraph, many hardware stores have run out of traditional lap fencing, and certain buyers are paying up to £80 per panel on the “black market” for fences.
Are you thinking about getting fencing for your backyard? There are a lot of available options that can help to provide you with outdoor privacy and security without negatively impacting your landscaping. Here are several popular options for backyard fences, and what you can expect from them.
Chain Link Fences
- Chain link fences are a popular choice, and some of its main draws include being low-cost and highly durable. They’re also great for keeping in pets. In areas where the surrounding countryside might be worth seeing, chain link fencing doesn’t cut off your yard visually.
- Not surprisingly, though, chain link fencing isn’t always the most aesthetically pleasing option, which is why it’s more frequently a choice for commercial fencing rather than residential. It also lacks privacy. With good landscaping, though, chain link can be an acceptable solution.
Wood Fencing
- Wood fencing, either natural grain or painted (the well-known white picket), is a traditionally popular choice with homeowners. It has a look that can blend well into the surrounding landscaping, and it offers varying degrees of privacy depending on how closely together the boards are.
- One disadvantage of wooden fencing is that it’s more likely to require replacement over time owing to rot and insects, and requires some basic upkeep such as painting and staining. It is also typically more expensive.
Vinyl Fencing
- From a distance, vinyl looks a lot like the traditional white picket fencing many homeowners aspire to have. Like other non-wood options though, vinyl is very low maintenance, not requiring future re-painting.
- Vinyl doesn’t splinter, making it potentially better for homes where kids like to play.
- Vinyl does have some drawbacks. PVC (vinyl) does not expand in the cold, which can lead to the fence being more brittle and thus easier to damage in the winter. Without cleaning, vinyl can also become home to algae growths.
What fencing options do you prefer for security or outdoor privacy? Let us know in the comments.