12 Popular Types of Fences For Your Yard | EverFence

12 Types of Fences and How to Choose One

A fence is a classy, utilitarian addition to any property, including residential and commercial ones. Whether you’re looking to install a fence for the first time or replace your current one, it’s helpful to know what types of fences are available on the market and how they can meet your expectations—for style, function, and budget purposes. 

When choosing between several types of fences, it also helps to weigh the benefits of fencing against the costs. After all, the more informed you are, the easier it might be to decide on the fence that best fits your preferences.

 Below, we’ll dive into 12 different types of fences, guiding you along the way on how to choose the right one for your property.

Basic Design and Structure of a Fence

Before exploring the different types of fences you can choose from, let’s briefly cover what constitutes a fence’s structure. 

 In general, the basic design of a fence includes parts such as:

• A vertical post that acts as the main support for the entire fence
• A decorative cap, which adds a finishing design to the fence.
• Vertical panels called pickets form the body of the fence.
• A rail supports the pickets.
• An end post cap to protect the ends of the posts.

.Although these components form a fence’s basic structure, not all fences are limited to these components. Some fences contain more elaborate structures, designs, and materials than others. Regardless, the structure of any fence type can be customized to fit a property owner’s specific preferences and provide security, privacy, or curb appeal. 

The Different Types of Fences

Now, let’s dive into 12 different types of fencing for yards:

#1 Wood Picket Fence

The wood fence is the most popular fence type for yards, gardens, and pools, mainly because it is aesthetically pleasing and versatile. Of the various types of wooden fences on the market, picket ones are commonly used as yard enclosures. (1)

sA wood picket fence may be installed with thin or thick wood panels, depending on the type of wood used and the exact spacing required for the fence’s final design

.Common types of wood materials used in picket fences include redwood and cedarwood. However, your preferred choice of wood material for the wood fence—picket or otherwise—will depend on its pricing, quality, and intended applications

#2 Wood Plank Fences

Plank fences are another common type of wood fencing for yards. Although they are similar to picket fences, planks can be installed horizontally or vertically, often with more stylistic variations. Horizontal planks typically have a higher installation cost than their vertical counterparts because they provide a more elegant, higher-end finish to a fence. (2)

.As with pickets, there’s flexibility when it comes to the material you install for planks. It comes down to the type of climate protection you’re looking to achieve with the fencing, especially if you anticipate the wooden fence will constantly be exposed to harsh elements. You can also add stains to wood planks to make them glossier and heighten the fence’s aesthetic.

#3 Slat Fences

Another variation of wooden fences involves using slats, which are very similar to pickets’ material and size. Unlike pickets, the wood panels of slats have little to no spacing in between, and the rails connecting them may or may not be exposed. (3)

Modifying the spacing between slats, the stains on them, and the railing you use can transform the final aesthetic of your wood fencing, making it look more modern, minimalistic, or sleek.

#4 Lattice Fences

You can also crisscross strips of wood to make a lattice fence, which mostly functions as an aesthetic barrier that allows light and air to pass through the enclosure while preventing unwanted animal intrusion. Lattice fencing is great for yards, pools, and patios and can be stylistically enhanced to improve curb appeal by adding climbing plants. (4)

#5 Wrought Iron Fences

For property owners looking to invest in much lower maintenance fencing options, a wrought iron fence works great for enclosing yards. Of the different types of yard fences available, metal ones tend to last the longest because they require less frequent replacement, if any. 

Wrought iron fences are sturdy and act as reliable security barriers, making them excellent options for safeguarding pets or animals on farms from predators. Another pro of installing wrought iron fencing in your yard is that it doesn’t fade or discolor, unlike certain types of wood fence material.

#6 Ornamental Iron Fences

If you are wanting the classiness of wrought iron but seek a lighter touch, an ornamental iron fence may be the best fence type for you. Ornamental iron looks similar to wrought iron, however, it is made from different materials that make it more affordable and easier to repair. 

While this fence type is less durable than wrought iron, it is still extremely sturdy and long-lasting. Plus, the lightness of ornamental iron creates a more delicate and intricate design perfect for elevating the allure of your estate. 

#7 Vinyl Fences

Vinyl is another type of cost-effective fencing material, which makes it ideal for busy homeowners looking to install low-maintenance fences. A vinyl fence mostly has a neutral finish that is easy to clean and maintain—even with harsh weather. 

Vinyl fencing is also versatile and can act as a security enclosure for a yard, garden, or farm. But it can also help boost curb appeal.

#8 Composite Fences

As the name suggests, composite fences constitute a mixture of materials, typically a combination of sawdust, plastic, or resin. The panels on these fences may be connected with or without spacing, making the fences ideal privacy and security barriers. (5)

The con here is that installing composite fencing can be costly, especially if there’s a need to dig the ground where the posts will be installed and then place the fence posts in concrete.

#9 Chainlink Fences

Chainlink fences are cost-effective yard fencing options when protecting your backyard from intrusion. These fences are easy to install and can be reinforced by adding slats, posts, or gates. When installed, a chainlink fence is durable and doesn’t require frequent replacement, except when damaged.

#10 Specialty Fences

If you’re looking for a custom fence to serve specific needs, such as safeguarding animals on a farm, protecting your yard pool from intrusion, or creating a visible (or nearly invisible) property boundary, this would be the best fence option for you. 

A specialty fence can be anything from barbed wire galvanized and customized to your preferences or vinyl reinforced with certain polymers.

#11 Metal Panels

Instead of using wood panels to fence off your yard, you can use metal, which provides the same functional characteristics, except it’s heavier. Furthermore, metal panels are typically more expensive but can be used along with other materials like wood or plastic to achieve a unique, customized finish.

#12 Curved Lattice Wood Fences

If you’re an adventurous property owner, you can take the aesthetic design of the lattice wood fence a notch higher by curving the arches at the top to achieve a vintage look. The main goal with such a fence would be to increase your property’s curb appeal. However, the curved lattice fence can also act as an additional privacy barrier.

Tips for Choosing a Fence

When deciding which fence to invest in, it’s important to think both short- and long-term. Chances are you won’t be installing a new fence each year, so it’s crucial to choose one that will satisfy your needs—aesthetically, functionally, or otherwise.

So, what are the key considerations for choosing a fence? 

Fence Style

For most property owners, style is likely to be among the top considerations for installing a fence. Although you’re looking for a fence that will provide you with sufficient privacy and secure your belongings (including pets) from intruders, its style should satisfy your taste. After all, when someone drives up to your property, the fence is one the first aspects they’ll notice, so boosting your property’s curb appeal may be worth the stylistic investment.

Whether it’s wood, vinyl, or metal fences, yard fencing comes in various styles. And, there’s no limit to the possibilities for stylistic optimization, especially when working with a trusted fencing expert. 

Installation Costs

Another important consideration for choosing a fence is the upfront fence installation cost. Whereas wood picket and chain-linked fences are on the cheaper end to install, installing metal, composite, and specialty fences may be more expensive since they typically require more expertise to establish correctly.

Maintenance Costs

Besides the immediate upfront costs of installing the fence, it’s also important to know how much the fence will cost you in maintenance. Wood fences typically require more maintenance when it comes to cleaning and staining them or replacing the panels. However, you can reduce the need to replace metal fences often if you paint the iron with corrosion-resistant paint.

However, for wood fences, it’s important to know which wood material works best for your specific property, especially maintenance-wise. Grades of wood quality typically range from lower-end standard wood to higher-end premium quality. The higher-end material will typically offer features like long-lasting resistance to insects, rot, and harsh weather, which reduces the maintenance burden over time. 

Learn More About Fencing with EverFence

Investing in the right fence can boost your curb appeal, provide the privacy you need, and prevent intruders from entering your property. At EverFence, we believe property owners can achieve value for the money they invest in a fence by getting the right guidance to choose a fence that matches their needs and expectations. 

To that end, we provide fast service, a lifetime guarantee on the fences we install, and unmatched value for your money. Learn more about our wide variety of yard fencing products today!