No matter where you live, a property fence can provide a measure of privacy and security many other landscaping options don’t provide. Whether you are purchasing a new home, looking to re-landscape, or are in need of a fence replacement, you most likely will find yourself amazed at the huge array of fencing options available to you. It can be hard to narrow down your choices in reference to what looks best for your home location, but a good place to start is by comparing the fencing materials themselves.
Concrete and wood are two most commonly used materials, and many people are pleasantly surprised at the various styles and looks, both lend to their landscape design. There are quite a few things to consider about both of these types of fences, including how well they hold up through weather- especially winter weather which may require you to choose good equipment to avoid damaging your fence line.
Wood Fencing Options
Wood is a highly sought after material due to its aesthetic value. Wood fences are highly stylistic and allow for both rustic and modern looks, as well as everything in between. It can be painted, stained, and even carved to create the unique hues and designs you want to serve as a backdrop to your landscaping details.
Maintenance
Wood, as a natural product, does need regular maintenance to stave off rot and decay. Waterproofing needs to be done regularly to keep your wood lasting, and applications of stain and paint can elongate your fence life as well. You also should insist on your wooden fence post be set in concrete or other treated materials to avoid moist soils from coming in contact with the wood which could rot out the structural integrity.
Pros
Wood lends itself well to any landscaping and architectural design, and the warm hues are welcome as a natural effect. It also takes paint extremely well and a well maintained wooden fence raises your property value and curbside appeal. Also, when taken care of properly, wooden fences can last 15 to 20 years easily.
Concerns
This choice is susceptible to rot over time no matter how well you care for it. Sun can also dry, crack, and peel your waterproofing and paint, which will require reapplications. Termites can also take up residence if you don’t spray for them regularly, and areas that have received damage are more likely to draw in other insects and decay over time.
Concrete Fencing Options
Concrete was not always as widely popular as wooden fences, but through the years has gained a steady interest in installation. Many people think of concrete as gray and brick-like, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Concrete comes in many colors and textures and is as highly stylistic as wooden fences are.
Maintenance
Unlike wooden fencing, concrete has very little maintenance associated with it. It can be sealed to help avoid any water seepage into tiny cracks which can create concrete rot or even freezing and splitting, but other than that you don’t have to do much with it. If it gets dirty it can be hosed off, and parts can be replaced if they get damaged for any reason.
Pros
Concrete options come in a huge array of design options as well, and you can mix and match colors, design, and textures to fit your needs. These fences generally go up very quickly, are incredibly durable, and more or less can last a lifetime. They also are hard to damage and are impermeable to rot and decay when properly sealed.
Concerns
Concrete fences are fairly pricey to put up, although that cost is offset by the lack of maintenance you need to pay for through the years. Concrete also cannot be easily torn down and replaced, stained, or painted if you decide you want a different style. Once built it is more or less permanent. Adding onto it could also be problematic if you are trying to match it exactly.
Conclusion
When deciding on the values of a fence for your landscaping, you need to choose which material you feel works best with your existing (or soon to exist) yard and garden, as well as your own home’s architectural design. Although wooden fencing does look less practical on paper compared to a concrete fence, they are a very popular choice due to their aesthetic value and charm they lend to your curbside appeal. Just be aware that the upfront cost doesn’t include the maintenance required to keep it lasting and looking its best. Concrete fences are highly stylistic and long-lasting. These are very much a lifelong investment and care should be taken to choose the fence you love to look upon as it will be around for a long time. Latex paint is the most popular choice for painting cinder blocks because it is easy to apply and clean up. It also dries quickly, so you won’t have to wait long before you can enjoy your newly painted cinder block wall.
