Pros and Cons of Popular Residential Fence Styles in Oklahoma

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Popular Oklahoma Residential Fence Styles

When selecting the proper fencing for a home, more Oklahoma residents are turning to 4 trendy materials: chain link, pine, cedar, and ornamental iron.

Each type of residential fencing has unique qualities and features that make it suitable for various applications.

Yet Oklahoma residents should also be aware of the disadvantages of these materials.

Check out the pros and cons of each material to select the right one based on the types of privacy, security, beauty, and maintenance you want for a fence.

Pros and Cons of Chain Link Fences

Chain link fences are often found in both commercial and residential settings.

These fences come in various heights from 3ft up to 12ft, although 4ft and 6ft are typical sizes for residential use.

The see-through nature of the links is highly desired for security purposes or when a person doesn’t want to block the outdoor view.

Pros:

• Low maintenance: The chain link fence is made of galvanized metal that wards off rust from the outdoor weather. A simple wash-off of mild soap and water can easily clean up dirt and grime that may accumulate along the posts.
• Security and safety benefits: Due to the open links, the fence makes it hard for burglars to hide behind, as the homeowner can see people trespassing on their property. In addition, a chain link fence is often used to keep children and pets safely in the yard or when cordoning off yard sections, such as pool areas, to prevent accidents.
• Affordable: Chain link fences are very affordable for homeowners. Prices can rise based on the length and height of a fence. Yet these fences can be easily installed around any property.
• Many design styles: Chain link fences can come in various color styles, including adding black or green vinyl coverings. They can also be combined with wooden posts and rails. Many people will also place vining plants and flowers along the fence to enhance its beauty, although this will hamper the security benefits by blocking the view.

Cons:

• It doesn’t provide privacy: Due to the large openings along chain link fences, they aren’t suitable as privacy fences. People from the sidewalks and cars driving by can see anyone on the property.
• Short fences won’t offer security benefits: A typical security fence should be at least 6 feet to 8 feet tall to prevent people from climbing over it. However, most homeowners have chain link fences about 4 feet in height. These fences can be easily climbed over.
• Can look cheap: Chain link fences can have a cheap appearance that may not appeal to many homeowners. They also can become scratched, which can worsen the look.

Pine and Cedar Wood Privacy Fences

Many homeowners select wood fences because of their natural beauty, as they can provide a rustic feeling.

There are different types of wood species on the market. However, pine and cedar are the most popular choices for Oklahoma residents. Both pine and cedar make excellent privacy fences.

When using any wood materials as fencing, it is always advisable to properly seal it from moisture and humidity, even for naturally resistant woods, as you can apply a clear wood sealant, stain, or paint.

Pros of Pine Privacy Fencing

• Durability: Pine is durable when compared to other wood species. It is pressure-treated with chemicals to provide rot resistance. When maintained properly, this material can typically last for around 8 to 12 years.
• Cost-Savings: Pine is usually cheap when compared to other wood products. It can cost anywhere from $15 up to $19. It is also widely available.
• Patinas when aging: When pine ages, it can become a natural patina that can appeal to homeowners.

Cons of Pine Privacy Fencing

• Requires a higher level of maintenance: Unlike metal or vinyl products, wood fences require higher maintenance to keep them lasting for a long time. It must be cleaned, treated, and stained at least once a year.
• Can warp and shrink: Pine will warp and shrink from humidity and moisture if water penetrates. So, it is vital to seal the wood completely.
• Chemicals injected: Pine pressure-treated wood has chemicals added to offer rot resistance. However, these chemicals can damage the environment if the wood is burned. The chemicals can also force the pine to take on a greenish tint. This tint can be disguised with staining or will fade with time, but it can make the wood physically unattractive to some homeowners.

Pros of Cedar Privacy Fencing

• Aboveground rot resistance: Cedar has a higher rot resistance than pressure-treated pine and doesn’t have chemicals injected. A homeowner can get a rot resistance guarantee for this material from 15 to 25 years.
• Natural beauty: Cedar has a natural dark reddish-brown coloring that is beautiful. So it can be left naturally and have a clear sealant applied without staining or painting.
• Lower maintenance needed: While cedar requires yearly maintenance, it is not as extensive. It doesn’t have to be stained, unlike pine, which requires such a treatment. Washing it with soap and water while removing mold growth and overgrown plants is all needed.

Cons of Cedar Privacy Fencing:

• Costs more: Cedar costs more than pine, as you could pay double the prices for the same materials.
• Rots below the ground: Cedar does have natural rot resistance when it is not in contact with the ground. However, it will soak in moisture below the ground. When cedar is chosen as fencing, the material will be used for the fence panels, while the posts will be made out of pressure-treated pine.

Ornamental Iron Fences

Ornamental iron fencing is very popular for its versatility and beauty.

It can be custom-designed to be very intricate to complement the home’s beauty.

In addition, ornamental iron fencing can come in tall heights without hampering the home’s look due to its open design.

Pros

• Pest Proof: Ornamental iron is pest-proof. Insects, rodents, and birds cannot chew or peck into the metal surface.
• Provides security: This type of material offers exceptional security features. Homeowners can see anybody sneaking around the property because of the open design. Climbing over can also be challenging as points can be placed at the top of the fence.
• Durable: Ornamental iron is highly durable. It can last for decades as the fence’s strength can withstand adverse weather.

Cons

• Can rust and pit if scratched: While ornamental iron is durable, it can develop rust and become pitted if moisture penetrates the sealant. Yet it is almost maintenance-free, as inspecting the fence and fixing the sealant if it becomes worn and scratched can make the fence last for decades.
• Expensive: This material is more costly than chain links and wood fences. It can be challenging to install because of its weight, raising the installation costs.
• Doesn’t offer privacy: Due to the metal slats being spaced and having gaps, it doesn’t provide privacy to the property.

Fence OKC Can Help With Residential Fence Installation

Deciding on the correct type of fencing will be based on your particular needs and budget.

Fence OKC is licensed and ready to serve your residential fence installation needs.

We would love to discuss your design ideas during a free consultation.

Contact us at (405) 778-1545 or complete our secure form below.