If you’re thinking about securing your property with a fence so that you can safely let your children play or easily let your pet outside, there are important considerations to keep in mind. Several options are used to build fencing, and this guide will explore wood and chain link. In the sections below, we will explain the differences between these options to help you make an informed decision.

Installation

Both wood and chain link fences can be installed as a DIY project. However, there is considerable labor involved. Digging holes for fence posts ² takes a lot of time and effort and typically requires specialized equipment. Fence posts ² should be cemented into the ground to prevent shifting or leaning over time. Using a professional is recommended because of necessary permits, site inspection, and grading ³.

Wood fences require each fence board to be nailed individually to rail ⁴ posts. Depending on the size of the fence, this can take many hours to complete. Chain link fences are sold in large rolls, so once the posts are installed the fence material is unrolled and attached to each post. This makes for a quicker installation.

Privacy

Wood fencing can provide considerable privacy depending on the design used and are ideal for securing a space used for playing, relaxing, or entertaining. A wood fence can be built to various heights to provide additional privacy, like around a pool area.

Chain link fences don’t provide a lot of privacy because the mesh material has large spaces that make these fences virtually see through. Slats can be installed in the chain link material, which provides some privacy. Chain link slats are usually sold by the box. They come in a variety of colors to help your fence blend in with the rest of your property. A box of slats costs around $45, and professional installation adds $2 to $3 per linear foot to the installation cost. Because the slat material is visually unappealing and not very durable, this option is not commonly used.

Maintenance

The maintenance requirements of wood fences are considerable in order to keep them in good repair and looking great. Depending on the paint used and climate you live in, your wood fence may require annual sanding ⁶ and painting or staining. Moist or wet climates may cause the wood to rot, and termites can also be a problem. If not properly installed and cemented into the ground, posts can lean or fall and will likely cause damage to the portions of the fence close to the damaged post. Depending on the amount of damage, repairs can be costly as sections of the fence may need to be rebuilt using new materials.

Chain link fences require little maintenance because the metal and other materials used are very durable in a variety of climates. The galvanized metal has been treated using a special process that makes it less likely to rust. Metal is also stronger than wood and won’t sag over time like a wood fence.

Sustainability

Wood fences may initially seem like a sustainable option, but this is dependent on where and how the wood was harvested. Clear cutting of old-growth forests for lumber can cause significant damage to the surrounding ecosystem. Additionally, many lumber products are treated with toxic chemicals to prohibit insects and mold growth. Chain link fences are made from easily-accessed raw materials, but they still require a significant amount of energy in the manufacturing process.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Vinyl: A synthetic plastic made from ethylene and chlorine. Vinyl has many applications in the construction industry and it is widely used in sidings, window frames, roofing and gutters, among others

² Fence posts: A sturdy pole set securely in the ground, that is used to support a fence. Fence posts are placed at regular intervals, and the other parts of the fence are attached to them

⁵ Privacy fence: A barrier or railing, typically composed of solid material, used to form a blockade around a yard, field, or other expanse of land to prevent encroachments from the outside

⁶ Sanding: Process of removing the top surface of a material, such as wood, using sandpaper and/or a specialized sanding machine (for large surface areas)