What Type of Fence Lasts the Longest? A Comparative Guide

You know the popular saying, good fences make good neighbors? There is lots of truth to that old adage. Whether you need to replace an old fence or want to install one for the very first time, you want to make a wise investment. In this article, we will discuss all the types of fence options. What type of fence lasts the longest? Read on to find out. 

What Type of Fence Lasts the Longest?

These days, there are so many types of fences to choose from. Putting up a fence is a big investment. You want to be sure that you choose a material that will give you good value for your money. So what type of fence lasts the longest? Here are the different options. 

Wood Fences

Wood fences are the most common type of fence for residential properties. Look around your neighborhood and you will likely see many wood fences. The great thing about wood is that you can have a tall fence with full privacy. Solar caps, lattice and vertical wood posts can be added to customize your fence and give you extra privacy.

Pine, and cedar fences are most common types of wood used for wood fences. How long does a wooden fence last? Well, it depends on the type of wood it’s made from. 

Cedar fences can last from 15 all the way up to 30 years. Treated Pine comes in second place and lasts up to 20 years. When choosing a wood fence, don’t just take our word for it. Ask your fence experts about manufacturer warranties.

For example, the Ozark Copperwood has a 25-year warranty from the manufacturer! Even after the warranty ends, you may get many years of life from this fence. Yet, a big factor that impacts the lifetime of your fence is moisture. If your fence touches the ground, the moisture from the ground can reduce its lifespan by several years.

Be sure to have concrete or gravel filler in the post holes to keep out moisture. Keep in mind that wood fences do require regular maintenance. You will need to stain or paint your fence to protect the wood against rot and pests. Paint and stain will also keep your fence looking its best. Staining works best for pressure treated wood while paint or stain is an option for untreated wood. 

Metal Fences

Metal fences are sturdy options for your back or side yard. There are three two options to choose from: vinyl,  chain link, and aluminum or steel ornamental which look like the classic wrought iron. Let’s look at each.

Chain Link

A chain-link fence is likely the most inexpensive fence option. Yet, you may not like the appearance of this style. With chain-link fences, you don’t get much in the way of aesthetics, even if you do a vinyl coated mesh.

Also, this type of fencing material (without privacy slats) does not block out the light or the visibility of whatever is on the other side of the fence. Yet, chain link fences are easy to install. This means your labor costs will be less. They also last up to 20 years. 

This fence works to keep pets and kids in and keep critters such as bunnies out. Best of all, if a part of the fence needs to be repaired or replaced, it can easily be done without affecting the entire fence.

Aluminum 

Like steel, aluminum fences combine beauty and strength. Aluminum is a material that is versatile enough to be shaped into pleasing designs. You can opt for ornamental accents and still enjoy the durability of a metal fence. With aluminum, your fence is maintenance-free! No sanding or painting ever. Plus, the fence lifespan is easily 50+ years.

Vinyl Fences

Vinyl fences are growing in popularity. They are a great alternative to wood. These fences are made with vinyl or PVC which means that it is durable and weather-resistant. Heavy snow and storms are no problem for vinyl fences.

Also, unlike wood, vinyl fences are practically maintenance-free. It will not rot, peel, fade, or chip.  It resists pests and temperature changes. You will never need to stain or sand this fence. When you get a vinyl fence, you’ll never install another fence. Vinyl can easily last 30 or more years. 

Vinyl is long-lasting and gives you privacy and security for your yard. All you need is soap and water to clean this fence material (or just use a hose). The one downside is that the color options are limited. Yet, there are various styles you can choose from such as lattice, picket, and split rail. 

Which Fence Will You Choose?

Thanks for reading! We hope this article on what type of fence lasts the longest has helped you weigh the pros and cons of all the options. Still not sure which one is right for your space? Contact Rio Grande Fence Co. We will happily discuss your project and give you our expert opinion.