We rely on fences to serve an array of different purposes. They keep children and pets safe, offer privacy from nosy neighbors, transform yards into outdoor entertainment centers, and add beauty and value to property. Choosing the right fencing can be a bit perplexing when you see the myriad of fencing options available. However, as long as you know your landscape and stay focused on your purpose, you’ll be able to get off the fence and take action.
When fence-shopping, consider these ten factors before purchasing:
Stick to the mission. Once you know your goal–child safety, pet containment, privacy, entertainment, aesthetic enhancement, or multi-purpose–stick to the mission by picking fencing that best serves your goal. For safety, choose fencing with pickets close enough together so a child or dog can’t stick their head through and become trapped or strangled. For privacy or noise reduction, choose a taller, solid fence.
Know the lay of your land. Know your landscapes intimately–their hills, valleys, and slopes–no matter how small. They can cause big installation problems and impact your fence’s appearance. For yards with many ups and downs, avoid disasters by using stair-stepped fencing, which ensures a level fence.
Ditch the high maintenance. Wooden fences are charming until they weather, warp, and rot from the elements or lack of diligent annual maintenance. Wood requires frequent sealing to keep it viable. Vinyl or virgin vinyl (non-recycled) fencing withstands harsh elements and offers carefree maintenance. Extremely durable, vinyl requires only occasional power-washing. Choose vinyl containing titanium dioxide (TI02) to prevent UV damage. Some vinyl fencing have the appearance of a rich, wood-grain texture that looks like natural wood.
Know your posts and gates. All fences require posts. For vinyl posts, thicker may be better, but beware–some companies use foaming agents to boost wall thickness without boosting strength. Choose vinyl posts with wall thickness in the .135 to .150 range. If you need gates, remember that steel reinforcement inside the gate hinge-posts is key; most gates are too heavy for vinyl alone to accommodate.
Consider your climate. In humid, rainy areas, wood is more susceptible to water damage, so vinyl is a better choice. High quality vinyl fencing won’t blister, peel, crack, or turn brittle, even when installed in extreme hot or cold climates.
Don’t reinvent the fence. While do-it-yourself fencing is popular, the results are often surprising (not in a good way). Installing fencing is no walk in the park. Get professional help. Enlist a fencing contractor before purchasing anything. The results are worth the cost.
The proof is in the fencing. Check out a company’s installations in person. Reputable companies often have customer sites where you can see completed fences firsthand.
Get neighbors on board. Make sure your fence doesn’t block your neighbors’ view. As a courtesy, you may want to talk to them before choosing fencing, so you don’t wind up feuding later. Getting the neighbor’s input can make them more agreeable to whatever fencing design you ultimately choose.
Don’t zone out on building codes. Check with your municipality about local zoning ordinances and building codes. Your fencing project may require a permit.
Know your warranty rights. A limited lifetime warranty is common for fencing. But warranties typically only protect against structural failure, so unless the fencing collapses, you can’t make a claim. For added protection, get an installation warranty from your contractor. 
