What Fence Lasts The Longest?

There are many different types of fences that you can install around your home to keep the animals out. The type you choose will depend on how much land is available and what kind of animal you want to keep out, as well as other factors like cost and aesthetic preferences.

The “what type of privacy fence lasts the longest” is a question that has been asked for years. There are many different types of fences to choose from, but it really depends on what you’re looking for.

Related Post: Best Table Saws

Fences are the answer to your problems, whether you have pets that often leave the yard or just want seclusion in your own property. However, finding a fence that takes little upkeep and will last long enough to justify the cost may be difficult. 

When it comes to building a fence that will last as long as possible, you want to use materials that can withstand the weather. A few fence materials, for example, may persist for decades:

  • Iron, wrought
  • Wood
  • Vinyl 
  • Chain-Link

Just because a fence lasts a long time doesn’t imply it’s the only thing to think about. When choosing a fence material, maintenance and function are other important considerations that should be properly investigated. But first, double-check that you’re on your side of the fence if you have neighbors.

 

Contents

Fencing Materials Types

The material you choose to build your fence with depends mainly on the purpose of the fence. If you want privacy, you wouldn’t be able to go with a Iron, wrought fence, but if you only want to keep your children and pets inside the fence , you have quite a few options. In a separate article, we discuss the 10 best secure dog fence ideas.

Now, if you want a fence that requires little care and lasts a long time, you’ll need to do a little more research, since some fences may last for decades while others only survive a few years. 

Wood

1647336480_962_37-Cheap-Landscaping-Ideas-for-Your-Perfect-Backyard

The sort of wood used to construct your wood fence will determine how long it lasts. Cedar, spruce, and pine are the most popular kinds of wood used to construct fences. 

These are all tough woods, but their lifetime varies depending on whether they’ve been treated or not. Wood fences are also the most popular because of the added seclusion they give over other fences and the lower cost compared to other materials. Different fence layouts may provide complete seclusion as well as the ability to keep youngsters and animals confined in your garden. 

Cedar

Untreated cedar wood may last anywhere from 15 to 30 years, making it the most lasting timber for your fence. If you want to have your cedar treated, it may survive for 40 years or more. 

 

However, although cedar can withstand the elements such as snow and rain, it may decay if left in the soil for many years. Put it in pressure treated posts around a concrete foundation for the best results.

If left untreated, cedar has a propensity to fade to a silver/grey tint. To prevent this, apply a sealer to your planks as soon as you build your fence; otherwise, you risk having to replace boards every few years. 

Spruce

Untreated spruce wood may endure anywhere from 4 to 7 years, depending on the severity of the environment it is exposed to. If you pick treated spruce, you can expect your fence to survive for around 20 years before it requires major repairs. 

Pine

When utilizing untreated wood, pine is the second longest-lasting sort of wood you may use to make a fence, lasting around 5-12 years before requiring major repairs or rebuilding. If you pick treated wood, you may expect it to last for 20 years or more, depending on how well it is cared for. 

Vinyl

1647332888_657_How-Much-Does-a-Fence-Cost-And-5-Examples

Vinyl fencing is an excellent choice if you want a fence that requires little maintenance yet lasts a long time. You’d simply have to rinse it off every few months or as required, and it may last up to 20 years before requiring major repairs. Vinyl fences are twice as costly as wood fences.

Vinyl is useful for both privacy and keeping children and pets contained. Vinyl fences may also be built decoratively to complement the design of your home or yard. While some early vinyl fences faded to yellow and became brittle, current advancements have resolved this problem, and your fences are normally backed by a lifetime warranty. 

Right now, the most popular stories are

How to Hang String Lights in a Backyard Without Trees: 7 Methods

Is a Hot Tub Safe to Use on Gravel? (And Why You Should Use It)

Squirrels in the Backyard: What to Feed Them

 

Iron, wrought

What-Fence-Lasts-The-Longest

Iron fences are some of the oldest types of fences that have been used. If you have ever been to countries with mid-century castles, you will still see that some of them have Iron, wrought fences still standing after hundreds of years. This is definitely a material that can stand the test of time but you will pay much more than a wood or vinyl fence.

The issue with wrought-iron is how heavy and hard to manipulate it is. It is also not great for privacy due to how it has to be made. If you wanted a Iron, wrought fence, you would be looking at a fence that can keep children and pets in but won’t give you much privacy. 

Although most wrought-iron fences are built and marketed with anti-rust dust powder already coated, you may need to conduct a yearly check to search for problem areas. If you come across a rusted area, just add rust-proof iron paint to the area. 

1647332885_612_How-Much-Does-a-Fence-Cost-And-5-Examples

A typical misunderstanding regarding chain-link fences is that they are weak and flimsy; however, the quality of the material you pick for your fence will determine this. If you choose high-quality metal and hire a reputable manufacturer to coat it with rust-resistant powder, you’ll have a fence that will endure for decades. 

While chain-link fences are fantastic for keeping kids and dogs in, they aren’t always the best option for privacy. They are frequently not permitted in particular communities because to misunderstandings about their being weak, for fear of making the homes seem less valuable than they are worth.

While rusting at the joints where the corners are prevalent in chain-link fences is almost hard to avoid, adopting vinyl-coated chain-link fencing will surely help eliminate this problem. 

Before you build a fence, there are a few things you should know.

You should know what your county and HOA ask of you when constructing anything on your property before you start the DIY process or hire a firm to build your fence. If you’re erecting a fence along your property line, double-check your survey (most are needed when purchasing a home) or hire someone to survey your property for you to ensure you don’t cross into your neighbors’ territory. 

Your HOA may have restrictions on the height or kind of materials you may use when constructing a fence, and these restrictions may change depending on whether the fence is being constructed in the front or back yard. All of this is essential knowledge to have before beginning to design the construction of a fence; otherwise, you risk squandering money and receiving penalties. 

When searching for fence companies and supplies to build out your yard, it may be rather costly; however, saving for the materials and doing it yourself can be a feasible and cost-effective choice. If you do your homework and get appropriate materials, you should be able to construct your fence with minimum issues and for the same amount of time as if you hired a professional. 

While most fences need little care, certain tasks, such as cleaning your fence with a water, are required to keep it looking good. You should also plan to inspect your fence on a yearly or semi-annual basis for any problem areas or damage to assist prevent rotting or other serious difficulties. 

Last Thoughts

One of the finest benefits of owning a house is having a fenced-in yard, particularly if you have children or dogs that need to run about freely. If your fence is outdated or wasn’t put correctly, it may be a pain to maintain, but a new fence built properly with any of the materials shown would solve a lot of those issues.

Using the correct installation techniques and sealants will determine how much time you have to spend on fence maintenance each year, but if you keep up with your maintenance, you will have a fence that will last a long time.

 

Vinyl privacy fences are a popular choice for homeowners because they can last up to 20 years. They also come in a variety of styles and colors, which makes them an attractive option. Reference: vinyl privacy fence.

  • vinyl fence
  • strongest wood fence design
  • how long does a pressure-treated fence last
  • best fence material
  • how long does chain link fence last
You May Also Like