Fencing improves your home’s privacy, safety, and security. It can also make your exterior look complete and add to your property value—with some types reportedly having an ROI of 70%.
If you want to install a new fence, you should compare prices and designs to find the best fit for your needs. Here are a few different material choices and design ideas to start your search.
Popular Fencing Materials
Each fencing material offers unique benefits in terms of durability, maintenance, and visual appeal.
Wood Fencing
Wood fencing looks warm and traditional while being easy on the wallet—both reasons why it’s been around for centuries. It costs about $10–$30 per linear foot according to Angi, depending on whether you buy a simple picket fence or robust privacy panels.
You can paint or stain the wood to match any home’s exterior. However, it’ll still need regular maintenance and occasional resealing to prevent weather damage and rot.
Vinyl Fencing
Vinyl fencing has become more popular in recent years for its low maintenance requirements and impressive durability. Like other options, you can find it in different styles and colors. The vinyl resists fading, warping, and rotting, and it’s easy to clean with just soap and water.
Vinyl is more expensive than wood, running at about $15-$40 per linear foot by Angi’s estimates. However, the enhanced durability and lower maintenance requirements may make it more cost-effective in the long term.
Metal Fencing
Metal fencing manufacturers use a variety of different materials and styles. Steel and wrought iron are good options for safety and elegance, but they may need more maintenance to keep rust away. Aluminum is a more common material that’s both lightweight and rust-resistant. Each option can fit well with any decor, but it may not be the best choice if privacy is your top priority.
If you know where to look, you can find metal fencing that’s priced comparably with wood. According to Angi, aluminum materials cost $7–$32 per linear foot, not including labor.
Bricks
Brick fences are another traditional and iconic option. They’re durable, offer complete privacy, and can help to block out noise from the surrounding neighborhood. You can also combine them with decorative metal elements for a personal touch.
A brick wall for fencing costs between $15 and $40 per square foot according to Angi. The range goes up to $35–$45 per square foot if your goal is a full privacy wall.
Hedges
If you want a natural and living boundary, you can use hedges for a “fence.” This option can make your lot and yards look and feel lush from both sides. You or a licensed landscaper can transplant and install them in a day. However, you can also start them from scratch by planting a shrub native to the area.
Hedges take some patience to maintain. After planting, you’ll need to prune them regularly for best results. It can take several years for them to reach the desired height and density you want.
Decorative Fencing Ideas
Each fencing material is its own canvas, and you can add decorative touches that boost your home’s curb appeal. Here are a few design ideas to think about:
- Painting: Make a bold statement by painting your wood or vinyl fence a fun and vibrant color. You can also complement your home’s exterior with a more subdued hue.
- Mixing materials: Fencing becomes more interesting when it’s made of more than one material. For example, pairing wood panels with metal posts can add a modern touch to a traditional design. You’ll still benefit from both materials’ strengths.
- Living walls: If you love greenery, try adding planter boxes or structures supporting climbing plants to your fence. As the plants grow along your living wall, they make a lush and green barrier that adds appeal and benefits the surrounding environment.
Making Your Fence More Secure
Fences provide some level of security in themselves, but there are a few more steps you can take to make them more effective.
- Purchase security cameras: Mounting security cameras on or near fencing can help you keep tabs on what’s going on around your home. You can monitor them on the go with a phone or tablet, and many have advanced features like nighttime exposure correction and motion detection.
- Add locks and gates: Choose high-quality, weather-resistant locks that resist tampering. You can also use smart locks that can be controlled remotely.
- Incorporate lighting: Lighting makes a fence feel more striking and dramatic at night. It also has utilitarian purposes by deterring intruders. Solar-powered fixtures don’t need wiring, and motion-activated lights can draw attention to activity near the fence as it happens.
