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What Fence Material Should You Choose?

Regardless of the type of fencing that you choose to build, fencing Scottsdale has a way of making us feel safe and protected, while at the same time ensuring maximum privacy as we retreat to the sanctuary of our homes every day.

However, building a fence is not as simple as purchasing fencing materials and hiring a contractor. Before you get to these steps, you have to start by contacting your local zoning office to find out if there are any requirements that you need to take care of before you install the fence. Some areas require that homeowners do a lot of inspections first or that they use certain materials. Once the local authorities have granted you permission to install the fence, you can then start shopping for fence materials, and as you will soon see, there are plenty of options available to choose from.

Fence Type

Cedar

Cedar is one of the most popular fencing materials around and for a good reason. For one, it’s durable and resistant to insects which makes it fairly low maintenance. Plus, it looks good for longer thanks to its distinctive tight grain which features a beautiful red hue and fewer knots. However, the best thing about cedar fences is that you can install them on your own, which means you don’t have to hire someone else for the job. The only downside to cedar is that it tends to rot from the bottom up after a few years of soil exposure, so if you want to keep them around for longer you have to install them with a concrete base.

Redwood and Teak

While redwood and teak are both expensive options, they also feature an attractive softness that’s hard to resist for many. Both options are naturally resistant to decay, insect invasion, as well as warping and shrinking due to exposure to the elements. To keep your redwood and teak fence looking good for longer, sand it down and apply a penetrating oil or sealer to it once a year. For the best results, get a professional to do the installation for you.

Vinyl

Vinyl fencing has come a long way since it was first released a few decades ago. What was once known as one of the weakest fencing materials on the market has been transformed over the years to one of the most durable options. For maximum durability and style, opt for “virgin” vinyl, as it typically comes with a lifetime warranty and thicker gauge. Keep in mind that the installation of vinyl fencing is very meticulous and requires the expertise of a professional.

Metal

Metal fencing is undoubtedly one of the oldest and most popular fencing choices on the market as it offers a wide variety of styles and extreme durability. Among the many variations of metal you’ll find wrought iron, aluminum, cast iron, and steel. While some of these options are DIY-friendly, it’s still best to hire a professional to install metal fencing for you, and a coat of spray-on rust-inhibiting paint every now and then will help you prevent rust from forming on the metal.