Types of Fences and How to Choose One

Wood Privacy Fence

Most quality wooden privacy fences double as a security fence. But if privacy is your main concern, a hedge of plants can serve the same purpose minus the security.

Wood fencing can be a simple stockade look or custom-designed with ornamental flourishes. Some wood fences, such as pine, need staining. By contrast, there's little maintenance with a vinyl fence. Wooden privacy fences run the gamut from very plain to very ornate. Improve the look of a standard wooden privacy fence by using a higher-end wood, like cedar or teak, choose a horizontal or diagonal panel design, or cap off the fence with lattice or finials. Wood fences cost between $17 and $45 per linear foot.

Vinyl Privacy Fence

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

Picket Fence

There are wood or vinyl picket fence options. Wood picket fences add charm to a yard but vinyl is low-maintenance. A picket fence in either material evokes the feel of the traditional cottage garden, especially when it serves as a nice backdrop for the plants.

Wood picket fences cost between $17 and $45 per linear foot. Vinyl picket fences cost between $10 and $40 per linear foot.

Composite Privacy Fence

Composite fences are made from various recycled materials, including a combination of reclaimed wood fibers and plastic. The material may appear more like wood than plastic. The material can withstand severe weather, insects, and corrosion.

A composite fence can cost between $11 and $45 per linear foot.

Chain Link Fence

Even if you don't care about privacy, marking a border, or dressing your yard up with a decorative fence, you may feel the need to secure your property. A galvanized metal chain link fence is one of the go-to types of fencing for this function because it's maintenance-free, inexpensive, and durable.

If you're concerned about security, use one at least 6 feet tall. Chain-link fences cost between $15 and $30 per linear foot.

Wrought Iron Fence

Wrought iron fences are elegant and attractive, especially for a formal landscape. In addition, they are low-maintenance, sturdy, and provide security. This fence is often capped with highly ornamental finials, but the spaces between the verticals are too wide and may not be able to control many dogs.

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

Metal Panel Fence

If your tastes run more modern, consider a horizontal fence made of metal panels and strung between brick columns like the one here. It's a great choice for a sleek, streamlined look, but it's on the high-end of the price scale and depends on your design.

Split-Rail Fence

A split rail fence, also called a ranch fence, is typically built low and made of two or three horizontal wooden beams that fit into slots in the posts. These rustic fences can be used for gardens and do not offer privacy. Pressure-treated wood fences can last around a decade.

A split-rail fence costs about $4 to $8 per linear foot, depending on the wood.

Wire Fence

Depending on how the fence is designed, wire fencing can look utilitarian, rustic, or quite modern. The wire used for these fences is usually steel or aluminum and it's usually designed in a woven fashion or straight lines attached to posts for a modern look. The steel can sometimes be vinyl coated to soften the aesthetics. A wire fence is often used for garden fencing to help trellis some plants.

Woven wire fences (criss-cross design) can cost $0.40 to $1.50 per linear foot.

Shadowbox Fence

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.

Shadowbox fences made of composite or vinyl can cost between $22 to $32 per linear foot.

Masonry Fence

A masonry fence can be made from brick or stone secured with mortar. The fence can be designed as a solid wall or hybrid fence with mixed materials such as metal or wood. Masonry fences are considered beautiful, upscale additions to a property.

Masonry fences are costly and usually priced out by the square foot. A brick fence may cost about $15 and $40 per square foot. The average cost of a stone fence, more likely called a stone wall, is about $125 per square foot.

Lattice Fence

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.

Steel Fence

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. But they are good for medium-range security.

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

Aluminum Fence

Aluminum and steel fences can look alike but differ in how they hold up. Usually, pool fences and driveway gates are made from aluminum. There are also privacy and picket fences made from aluminum.

Aluminum fence costs range from $15 to $16 per linear foot for basic black or pool fencing to around $50 per linear foot for privacy or ornamental aluminum fences.