11 Types of Fences and How to Choose One (2024)

Home Improvement

Outdoors

Fences

A complete guide to fence costs, materials, installation, and more

• 01 of 11

  Wood Privacy Fence

  

  Best for: Privacy

  Most quality wooden privacy fences will double for security. But if privacy is your main concern, you are not limited to hardscape fences. A hedge of plants can serve as a "living privacy fence."

  If you care about low-maintenance landscaping, maintaining plants is generally more time-consuming than maintaining a hardscape fence. If you do decide to go with a hardscape fence, you still have a choice to make between various types (which come with varying degrees of maintenance).

  A wooden fence has to be stained, especially if it's made of non-rot-resistant wood (such as pine). By contrast, there's little maintenance with a vinyl fence, but if you're willing to put the work into maintaining a wooden fence, your decision may come down to aesthetics. Some people just like the look and feel of wood better than vinyl. Wooden privacy fences run the gamut from very plain to very ornate.

  Wood fences cost between $17 and $45 per linear foot.

  Pros

  • Aesthetically pleasing

  • Great for privacy and security

  • Various options to suit your unique taste

  Cons

  • Must be stained

  • Can be high maintenance than other options

• 02 of 11

  Ornate Wood Fence

  

  Best for: Design enthusiasts

  There are all kinds of different ways to improve the appearance of a standard wooden privacy fence. For example, the choice of wood can change the look and style of your fence. Cedar is a sophisticated choice with a price tag to match. If money is no object, you can even go higher-end than cedar-like teak.

  You don't have to go with the standard vertical paneling. Panel orientation can also be horizontal or diagonal. But a vertical orientation is the cheapest; the longer boards required for other styles cost more.

  A wooden fence can be capped off with lattice or finials to complete the look. You can adorn it with hanging pots, window boxes, and more if you don't mind attaching the required brackets.

  Wood fences cost between $17 and $45 per linear foot.
  

  Pros

  • Aesthetically pleasing

  • Customizable to your design style

  • Good for privacy and security

  Cons

  • Can be costly depending on the type of wood

  • Can be high maintenance

    See Also

    Which is Best? Wood vs Vinyl, Metal, Chain Link, and Composite FencesWhat's a Spite Fence and What Can I Do About the One My Neighbors Built?Affordable Privacy Fences for Any BudgetWhat Type of Residential Fence Material is the Most Durable?

• 03 of 11

  Wood Picket Fence

  

  Best for: Traditional design

  The classic wooden picket fence is a better choice than metal panels to mark a border for homeowners who are landscaping on a budget.

  Design-wise, in contrast to a metal-panel fence, a picket fence evokes the feel of the traditional cottage garden. Indeed, picket fences look best when plants are grown either in front of them or behind them (or both). Not only will the plants soften the look of the fence, but the fence will serve as a nice backdrop for the plants.

  Wood fences cost between $17 and $45 per linear foot.
  

  Pros

  • Cost-effective

  • Classic look

  • Works well with landscaping

  Cons

  • Little privacy

  • No security

• 04 of 11

  Chain-Link Fence

  

  Best for: Low-end security

  Even if you don't care about privacy, marking a border, or dressing your yard up with a decorative fence, you may well feel the need to secure your property. Chain-link is one of the go-to types of fencing for this function because it's a no-maintenance, inexpensive fence option.

  It comes in different heights, so if you're concerned about security, use a type that is at least 6 feet tall. Such a fence can also serve to contain small children or dogs on a property. It's quite durable because the metal is galvanized.

  Despite its pros, chain-link fencing also has some cons. Because it's see-through, it won't double as a privacy fence. People also frequently try to disguise it for aesthetic reasons, since it's one of the least attractive types of fence.

  Chain-link fences cost between $15 and $30 per linear foot.

  Pros

  • Requires no maintenance

  • Costs less than many other fencing materials that could be put to the same use

  • Durable

  Cons

  • Won't double as a privacy fence

  • Many see it as unattractive

  Continue to 5 of 11 below

• 05 of 11

  Steel Fence

  

  Best for: Medium-range security

  Steel fences are a compromise between cheaper (chain-link) and more expensive (wrought iron) metal fencing. They're durable and better looking than chain-link fences but don't offer privacy given their structure.

  Steel fences cost between $17 and $90 per linear foot.

  Pros

  • Durable

  • Superior appearance to chain-link

  • A good price compromise between chain-link and wrought iron fences

  Cons

  • Doesn't offer privacy

  • Lacks versatility

• 06 of 11

  Wrought Iron Fence

  

  Best for: High-end security

  Like chain-link and steel fences, wrought iron fences are metallic, low-maintenance, and can provide security. That's where the similarities end.

  On the plus side, wrought iron fencing is one of the most attractive types of fence and is very sturdy. It is often capped with highly ornamental finials, but the spaces between the verticals are too wide to control many dogs.

  Other cons include that it is costly, doesn't double for privacy, and can rust in some climates. However, when elegance is called for in a fence, it's hard to beat wrought iron. It's an especially appropriate material if you seek aformal landscape design.

  Wrought iron fences cost between $30 and upwards of $55 per linear foot.
  

  Pros

  See Also

  50 Privacy Fence Ideas to Stylishly Seclude Your Outdoor Sanctuary

  • Good for security

  • Low maintenance

  • Elegant look

  Cons

  • Pricey

  • No privacy

  • Prone to rust in some climates

• 07 of 11

  Metal Panel Fence

  

  Best for: Modern design

  Some fences are merely there to mark a border, so your choices are not restricted by the kinds of considerations necessary when getting a privacy or security fence. Instead, you can buy based on your personal aesthetic tastes, including a horizontal fence.

  A fence composed of horizontal metal panels strung between brick columns is one example of a decorative fence and offers an intermediate level of privacy. It's a great choice for sleek, modern design, but it's on the high end of the price scale.
  

  Pros

  • Medium privacy
    

  • Sleek, modern design

  • Customizable based on your style

  Cons

  • Pricey

  • Not ideal for security

• 08 of 11

  Vinyl Fence

  

  Best for: Privacy and security

  The two materials most commonly used for fencing are wood and vinyl. Whether you choose wood or vinyl for your security or privacy fence comes down to personal tastes and budget. Ironically, while some people feel that vinyl "looks cheap" when compared to a classic wooden fence, it is vinyl that is usually more costly.

  Vinyl fences cost between $10 and $40 per linear foot.

  Pros

  • Doesn't splinter or rot

  • Not susceptible to insect damage

  • Can be decorated with finials to improve its appearance

  Cons

  • Must be cleaned to prevent staining from algae, mold, and mildew

  • Can be expensive

  Continue to 9 of 11 below

• 09 of 11

  Semi-Privacy Fence

  

  Best for: Semi-privacy

  Privacy fences are designed to shut out prying eyes completely with solid paneling. Some people want a touch of privacy while still maintaining a looser, airier feel, so a privacy fence that has gaps between the vertical paneling is the perfect compromise. This could be a great backyard fence idea.

  Pros

  • Airier feel

  • Not as expensive as ornate wooden fences

  • Customizable design

  Cons

  • Not ideal for security

  • Doesn't provide full privacy

• 10 of 11

  Lattice Fence

  

  Best for: Gardeners

  Although we've surveyed only security and privacy fences so far, there are other purposes a fence can serve (for example, to mark a border or to serve as support for plants). Since these purposes are less essential in nature, aesthetics are bound to be a stronger consideration when making your selection. A lattice fence is a great option for gardeners who want to introduce a trellis into their yard that doubles as a property marker.
  

  Pros

  • Doubles as a trellis for vines

  • Can be wooden or vinyl

  • Great for gardeners

  Cons

  • Doesn't provide much privacy

  • Doesn't help with security

• 11 of 11

  Vinyl Picket Fence

  

  Best for: Low-maintenance aesthetics

  As when choosing a privacy fence, you have an option of either wood or vinyl when selecting a picket fence. If you want a picket fence solely for the aesthetic qualities it brings to a yard, then there's a good chance you will choose wood over vinyl. Otherwise, the decision will again come down to the major pro of vinyl (low-maintenance) vs. its major con (cost).

  Vinyl fences cost between $10 and $40 per linear foot.
  

  Pros

  • Classic look

  • Low-maintenance

  • Easy installation

  Cons

  • Can be costly

  • Not as stylish as wood picket fences