Do fence me in Do fence me in (April 23, 2004)

Wood, metal or plastic can provide privacy, curb appeal

By Martin Nobida

On the fence about choosing materials for your new project? First, you'll need to decide just why you want that fence. Reasons range from seeking privacy and providing security to blocking wind, sunlight or noise. Some people just want to add to the curb appeal of their home, enhancing value and delineating boundaries.

While some contractors maintain that the kinds of fences on the market are almost as innumerable as people wanting to erect them, they can be classified under four distinct categories: wood, vinyl, ornamental metal and chain link.

The tree kings

The most common material used in residential fences is wood.

In many parts of the country, cedar is the primary fence-building material, but in California, redwood is king.

Contractors attribute redwood's popularity here simply to the fact that it's readily available in the region. There's some interest in cedar, but because it generally needs to be imported from out of state, shipping costs make it more expensive locally.

Redwood also holds up against the elements much better than other common woods.

"Most cedar won't last as long as redwood," said David Low, a fence consultant who runs David Low Fencing in Palo Alto. "Redwood has natural chemicals that do a better job of resisting termite damage."

Taken care of properly, redwood fences traditionally have lasted more than 20 years. But because these days redwood no longer comes from the higher-quality old-growth trees, fences now typically last only 15 to 20 years, he said.

The most popular types of wood fences are so-called good-neighbor fences, which are overlapped, board-on-board fences.

"Many people share the cost of fences with their neighbors," Low said. "So they want fences that look the same on both sides."

Louvered and lattice-work fences are also options.

Depending on the grade of wood, the style and the height of the fences, the materials for these kinds of wood fences typically run from about $15 to $17 per foot.

Picket fences, another type of wood fence, are widely regarded as the "most American of fences." Whereas the abovementioned wood fences are great for ensuring privacy, picket fences mark boundaries without obscuring visibility. Often times, landscapers use them as backgrounds for plants and gardens.

Whatever wood design one decides on, maintenance will be a major factor to consider. To reduce the effects of aging attributed to dirt, insects and other exposure to the elements, a regular program of cleaning and treating the wood with some type of repellant is recommended every few years.

The word is . . . plastic

If one wants all the traditional appearances of a wood fence without the maintenance responsibilities, vinyl fences may be worth a look. Though popular on the East Coast for some time, vinyl fences are fast becoming viable alternatives to wood in California.

They're made of a plastic very similar to material used in vinyl sidings and windows. These fences are more expensive than their wood counterparts, but last much longer. A vinyl fence can cost between $20 and $30 per foot. However, devoid of knots, invulnerable to insects and insusceptible to weather damage, most of them come with warranties of more than 20 years. Many have lifetime warranties, compared with wood fences, which seldom come with any.

Classic metal

But if wood, real or otherwise, isn't the look one desires, ornamental metal fences are another way to go. Commonly referred to as wrought-iron fences, they traditionally required expensive, skilled ironworkers to custom weld and erect them. These days, however, homeowners can get the same classical look with prefabricated sections, which can be assembled to meet most residential needs.

They run from $25 to $30 per foot and have typical lifetimes of 20 to 30 years, said Peter Kaine, co-owner of Redwood City-based All Fence Company, Inc.

Ornamental fences made of non-galvanized steel demand a lot of maintenance. Owners must contend with rust, and so must wire-brush and repaint them every few years. Because of this, many contractors recommend fences with special powdered coatings, especially in environments, such as near chlorinated pools, where the conditions are harsh on metals. Aluminum ornamental fences have superior resistance to rust.

A fine mesh

Chain-link fences are known for being very inexpensive and durable. Many residents, however, don't consider them aesthetically pleasing, so they're not used in residential areas often.

"Though some residents erect them as a framework for ivy to grow on," Kaine said, "anything close to the house will most likely be wood."

Because chain-link fences typically last a very long time and cost as low as $6 per foot, they're very good for enclosing large areas.

"Houses with large properties, like many found in Portola Valley, erect chain-link fences because they're also great as deer fences," Kaine said.

When considering fencing of any type, it would be wise to consult with your city's building department to understand the building codes and restrictions before you start.

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