It’s time to put up that fence, but there are so many choices when it comes to wood fence panels and metal fence panels that it’s hard to make a decision. The information below explores the various pros and cons of choosing wood or metal for your fence panels.
Wood Fence Panels
Wood Is the Most Popular
You will find that wood, even today, is the most popular choice for fence options. Most fences you come across will be made of wood.
Wood Is Easy
Wood is easy to work with, mainly using only a hammer and nails. It’s also easy to find. Lumber yards and local home supply shops will carry new wood, or wood can be salvaged from old homes and projects for a different look. Different sizes, treatments, and looks are available.
Wood Is Eco-friendly
Wood is a natural material and is renewable. Basically, when you work with wood, you are really working with trees.
Wood Is Not Durable
Wood is not as durable as metal. It is subject to insects, rot, and old age, making it weak. While there are treatments and protectants available, wood will eventually succumb to damage.
Wood Is at Risk from Heavy Weather
Wood can be damaged by any weather if not treated right, but the best treatments cannot protect a wood fence from high winds or heavy snow.
Metal Fence Panels
Metal Has More Options
There are different kinds of metals you can use for your fence. There is aluminum, wrought iron, and chain link. Each has its benefits, and each has its downfalls.
Metal Can Rust
Most of the materials that metal fence panels are made of will not rust. The exception is wrought iron, which is prone to rust. Rust will create structural weaknesses over time, so wrought iron must be painted regularly to protect it from rust.
The Look of Metal
Wrought iron is beautiful and very pleasing to the eye. Aluminum gives the look of wrought iron and is also pleasing to the eye, even though it doesn’t give you a wide variety of colors to choose from. Chain link, however, is not so pretty. We’ve all seen chain links, and they will never win an award for any design competition. However, there are chain links that are coated with vinyl in different colors, so it may add a little character to them.
Metal Fence Panels Are Strong
Most metal materials are very strong. Aluminum is the exception. Aluminum is to be seen and not touched. If you are looking for a fence that your kids can touch without worry, aluminum would not be the choice for you. Wrought iron and chain link, however, is strong and can withstand a lot.
Some Metals Make Better DIY Projects than Others
Choosing the right material is up to you, and if actually installing your fence is something you wish to finish yourself, choosing either aluminum or chain link is the right metal material to go with. Wrought iron should have some soldering done, which makes it a little more complicated on your part.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, you are feeling more confident about choosing the right material for your fence. Weigh out the above information, and just remember that the material needs to do exactly what you are looking for. If you want to discuss your fencing project, contact the experts at DRYCO today!