Sharing a polite wave hello or uttering a friendly how are you is nice, but sometimes you just want to enjoy your yard in total privacy.
If you’ve been looking to replace your fence or build a new fence that offers security and privacy, there are a few things you should know first. Don’t invest until you know exactly the pros and cons of each option.
Keep reading to find out which fence boards are best for a reliable privacy fence project.
Before You Buy
Even before you review what material you want for your fence boards, you will need to take measurements and investigate existing property lines.
Before fencing is installed a fencing company will often offer a consultation in which they take measurements for you to give you an estimate on cost. However, by doing some measurements yourself you may be able to do some pricing estimation on your own.
Measure the length of your yard or property that will need fencing. Then, estimate the height of the fence you want. Keep in mind that privacy fencing is usually 6 feet or higher to avoid neighboring homes or buildings from being able to see over it.
You should also be familiar with property lines before you install a fence. You can typically find this information on the deed to your property or the survey when you bought your home. If you are unable to locate those, you can contact the county assessor’s office for more information.
It is useful to have a general budget in mind before you start shopping. Pricing can vary based on material, size, and any special labor considerations. Having a budget ahead of time can help you narrow down your options.
Weather is another consideration when choosing a fence material. Certain materials stand up to extreme hot and cold temperatures while others do not. The amount of rain and humidity may also help you decide what type of fence is best for your yard.
Fence Boards for Privacy
Now that you have thought through some of the logistics to your fencing choices, let’s talk about options. These days you can get fence boards in various forms of wood, vinyl, or composite.
Chain link or other metal fences are also an option but they are not ideal when it comes to promoting privacy.
Here are a few of the most common materials used for privacy fences.
1. Cedar Fence Boards
Cedar fencing is a good option for those with a modest budget. It is less expensive than other types of wood fencing but is rot-resistant and looks great. Treating and finishing your cedar fence will help maintain the look for the lifespan of the fence.
Cedar has the added benefit of natural oils that deter insects. Cedar generally requires little maintenance and can be cut for high fencing ensuring privacy. If you are someone that is sensitive to smells, cedar may bother you, but others find the scent pleasant.
2. Redwood Fence Boards
Redwood fence boards are similar to cedar in pricing and are also insect-resistant. Redwood is a very common choice for fencing because people like the way it looks and it lasts a long time.
Treating and staining redwood fencing will help prevent discoloration over time. Redwood is very durable, but some forms of extreme weather can damage redwood fencing.
If you choose wooden fencing it is imperative that the fence posts are installed correctly. Limiting the wood to soil exposure will increase the lifespan and the health of the wood fence.
3. Vinyl Fence Boards
Vinyl is becoming a more popular choice for fencing because it is less expensive than most wood options. V​inyl fencing​allows you to choose height color. Color choices range from white, gray, beige and wood grain colors.
If installed properly, vinyl fencing can last for decades. It is relatively maintenance-free and can be easily cleaned with a hose and soft form of detergent. Vinyl comes in many shades and varieties allowing you to personalize your choice of fencing.
Vinyl is weather-resistant and actually stronger than wood. Its flexibility allows it to withstand heavy rain or wind.
4. Composite Fence Boards
Composite fencing is made from wood fibers and plastic polymers. This type of fencing looks like wood but is more durable against insects and rot. Composite fencing is usually more expensive than vinyl or most wood options.
Composite fencing costs more not only because of the material but the installation costs. There is high variability in the quality of composite fence dealers, so be sure to read reviews and do your research before choosing one.
To maintain your composite fencing it may be necessary to clean it with water on a regular basis.
5. Concrete Stone Fencing
Concrete stone fencing is a less traditional form of fencing but is ideal for privacy. It is an affordable option and requires very little maintenance.
It is resistant to very hot or very cold temperatures and will not warp from exposure to moisture. Concrete stone does not require painting or treating like a wood fence and does not have to be cleaned.
Many concrete stone fencing manufacturers even offer a lifetime warranty on the product.
The aesthetic of stone fencing may not be what you’re looking for depending on your personal style, but if you have a large area of property to secure it is a relatively inexpensive option to try.
Buy, Build, Enjoy
Choosing the right fence boards for your privacy fence project does not have to be intimidating. If you do your research, weigh the pros and cons, and hire a reputable installer you will no doubt be happy with the results.
Remember that the choice is about more than just how the fence will look. Durability, maintenance, and cost are also important factors. Not to mention how much privacy the fence will offer you.
If you want to learn more about quality fencing or browse purchasing options, take a look at our website and our other blogs!