Wood, Iron, Vinyl & Aluminum

Fencing comes in all different types; made from all different kinds of materials. The most common kind of fencing are wood, iron, vinyl and aluminum. Each of these materials provide different and unique benefits for each new and different situation you may encounter. Fencing situations can include being used for: privacy, property marking or containment and/or used as a means of blockade; keeping unwanted guests (either in the form of people or animals) out of certain areas. Based on these different situations, some materials can be more or less appropriate for the job at hand.

Wood

Wood fencing is the oldest type of fencing; used by early settlers as a means of keeping livestock at bay. This fencing, called “split-rail fencing” was often set in a zig-zag pattern and was the precursor to modern wood panel fencing. Because of certain wood’s durability (often cedar), the abundance of the material, and the relative cheap cost, wood is an incredibly common choice for everything from residential or commercial privacy fencing to residential beautifying in the form of picket fencing. Treated wood holds up well in almost all weather conditions and is fairly easy and cost effective to patch or replace should anything happen.

Iron

Iron, in the form of “wrought iron” has been used for years throughout the fencing industry. “Wrought Iron” is a bit of a misnomer though, as it is typically mild steel that is used to construct these “iron” fences. The reason for this is because true iron is in limited supply and the cost, relative to the construction, would be outrageous to most consumers, mainly because of the limited availability of true wrought iron. Another benefit of using steel “iron” is that steel can be galvanized to prevent weathering and corrosion, which is not an option with iron. Iron fencing is mostly used as decoration, but can also be used for balustrades and railing.

Vinyl

Vinyl fencing is made using synthetic plastics from various recycled sources. Vinyl fencing, introduced in the 1980’s, was first used within the agricultural industries as a very low cost, yet durable and effective, solution for long lasting blockages to keep horses out of crops. Since then, vinyl fencing has become known for usage for agricultural fencing, temporary fencing solutions and residential use. Vinyl fencing is generally easy to clean, holds up well in most weather conditions and typically requires little to no upkeep.

Aluminum

Aluminum fencing is a low-density, metal fence that easily resists corrosion. Because this type of metal fencing is lightweight, durable and more cost-effective than other metal options, it has become a popular choice for residential fencing (but it also used in commercial work). Aluminum fencing is used for both commercial and residential use. Aluminum fencing tends to be easy to clean, is semi rust-resistant and requires little to no maintenance. Aluminum can also be used as panel fencing, with panels manufactures in a variety of sizes.

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