Let’s Talk Fencing Costs

There are many pros and cons to consider when choosing a fence material. Understandably, cost is definitely high up on the list of deciding factors.

You may have already made up the decision on what type of material to use for your new fence. Most people go one of two ways: wooden and light, such as a classic white picket fence, or metal and sturdy, such as an elegant black aluminum fence. Each fencing material has its pros and its cons. For example, aluminum is more durable than wood, while iron is more solid and sturdy than a chain-link fence. Many people ultimately base their decision on multiple factors, with cost being a major determinant.

Spending now to save later

Certain big-ticket items that you must purchase in life can be considered investments. Expenses such as paying for college, purchasing a house instead of renting, and even putting money into a retirement fund are all ways we spend some money now to have more savings later. This way of thinking ahead when spending a large sum of money can come in handy when choosing what type of fence to put up in your front or back yard.

Not all materials are created equal, and not all materials stay in perfect condition throughout the different seasons and weather conditions. Spending a little more for a new black aluminum fence instead of just painting an old wooden fence black will be much more beneficial later on in life. An aluminum fence is built to last, through extreme weather, dust, debris, wind—you name it! You can choose bold colors and designs and really personalize it however you want. Even though this option costs more now, you will not have to replace it as quickly as you would with any other material—even wrought iron.

Is it worth it?

Although a cheaper material might seem like the way to go when trying to put up a fence without breaking the bank, you really need to do your research to see if you are making the right choice for the long run. Just painting an old fence to a color you desire might seem like a good way to save money while giving your property a face lift, but it might actually be detrimental in the future.

For example, choosing a vinyl fence may be the right choice for you for now and the near future, but vinyl tends to break in extreme temperatures and might need replaced sooner than an aluminum or iron fence. Vinyl isn’t very cheap, either, so if you are going to need to spend a little extra money up front, you might as well spend it on the highest-quality material you can afford that still does the job and will not need to be replaced after the next winter season. The longevity of the fence is really what makes it worth the extra money.

This is one instance where planning ahead is well worth the trouble. Even if you think you might have some extra cash to replace your fence in the near future, the hassle of taking down one fence and putting up another every few years is enough to make you want to choose the higher-quality material from the beginning. Whether you are looking for a simple black aluminum fence or an elegant gold aluminum fence with a circular motif and puppy panels, spending a little extra to get it right the first time will be well worth the it.