Did you know that more people than ever want fencing for their property? With the coronavirus pandemic of 2020, many property owners finally had time to do the home improvement projects they had been putting off for years.

Are you thinking about adding fencing to your home, but you can’t decide on a good material? Chain link and wood are two of the most reliable types of fences you can buy.

Read on to learn about whether you should invest in a wood or chain link fence, and the benefits and drawbacks of each.

Review City or Homeowner’s Association Guidelines

Before you get started, you need to read up on what types of permits and guidelines you should follow in order to install new fencing. The last thing you want is for your project to get denied due to an oversight.

You can go on your city’s website to view rules and guidelines for different types of fencing. However, if you have a homeowner’s association in your neighborhood, then you may need to file for a special permit to construct any new fencing.

Pros and Cons of a Chain Link Fence

Chain link is a solid, safe, and reliable material for fencing. With good upkeep, a chain link fence can last you well over a decade. Chain link is one of the most popular materials for building fences today.

Less Privacy

Since one of the main motivators of installing a fence is privacy, you may not get the privacy you want with a chain link fence. Unlike wood, the gaps in the material can allow people to look in through the fencing and view your property easily.

However, if you’re set on a chain link fence, you can make some modifications to enhance your privacy. For example, you can install slats so that they cover up most of the material.

More Cost-Effective

If you have a smaller budget when it comes to installing a fence, then chain link may be your best bet in terms of value. Chain link tends to be cheaper than other materials because metal comes at a lower cost than natural mediums, such as wood.

Rather than a low-end fence of another type of material, you can upgrade your chain link fence and still save money. You can still have your desired height and privacy level without breaking the bank.

Limited Materials and Colors

Although you may only think of gray and silver colors for chain link fences, you can get them in a few different colors. However, you still do not have as wide a range in design choices as other materials, such as wood.

The silver hue of a chain link fence goes with most home colors and will look neutral on your property.

Less Maintenance

If you’re looking for an option that will last you a long time with very little maintenance, then chain link might be the choice for you. The metal used is resistant to rust, so it will take much longer for it to develop warping and discoloration.

Chain link material does have a risk of bowing. If this occurs on too much of the fencing, then you may be better off replacing the entire fence.

Pros and Cons of a Wood Fence

Another fantastic option for fencing is a wood fence. Wood remains one of the most popular materials because it looks aesthetically pleasing on almost any type of property. With the number of options, you’re bound to find something that you like.

More Privacy

With wood fencing, you can get all of the privacy you need. Unlike chain link and other types of fences, the only small gaps in wood fences occur if you choose to put the planks farther apart from one another.

Privacy with wooden fencing is great for curb appeal. If you live somewhere that gets a lot of foot traffic, then wood fencing can help keep out onlookers and make your home feel safer from the inside.

More Costly to Build

While wood fencing is aesthetically more pleasing, it can cost more due to the material and the installation process. Lumber tends to be a more expensive material in general, and you may have to hire a company to come out and put in the wood fencing.

You will also have to pay more to protect your wood fencing and keep it lasting longer. You can coat it with a varnish that will defend the natural surface against all types of weather.

Versatility in Material Choice and Design

When you build your wood fence, you have complete control over the color, type of wood, and design that you want for it. You can carve wood into almost any shape and it will still make a pleasing fence.

In addition, you can choose between pickets, panels, and many other different shapes for your fence planks. All of these options are great, but you can learn more about them here.

More Maintenance

One drawback to wood fencing is that it requires more maintenance. You may need to treat your fence if it becomes warped due to wet weather and moisture in the air.

To extend the lifespan of your wood fence, try choosing a more durable material when you start the project. In addition, you can apply protective solutions to the wood so that it does not suffer from rot or other types of damage.

Decide on Chain Link vs Wood Fence

When it comes to fencing for your property, you should not have to worry about making the wrong choice. If you have to decide between chain link vs wood fence, then you should weigh the key advantages and disadvantages of these great options.

Want to learn about more ways that you can design the property of your dreams? Check out our site for all of the home improvement tips and tricks you will need for any project.