Wood remains a favorite fencing material for many people and it’s available in a myriad of styles to beautify properties, accommodate a variety of specific purposes, and meet personal preferences. The following are some of the most popular styles, in no particular order.

Board-On-Board

A board-on-board fence resembles a picket fence on a grander scale. Large upright pickets are attached to horizontal rails. It doesn’t offer as much privacy since each board doesn’t touch and there are small gaps between them. An advantage to this type of fence is that the design enables air to flow through to cool the environment and they hold up well in strong winds for the same reason. The term board-on-board is often used to describe a shadow box type fence, but there are differences.

Estate

This is the type of fence seen pictured in thoroughbred horse farms. The design is simple, easy to see through and decorative, though the primary function is to keep horses and other prize livestock in. It’s also called post and rail.

Picket

Picket fences are no longer the bland white barriers of the past depicted in TV and film. They’re available in different colors and styles. They can be installed with scalloped tops, a myriad of rail sizes, and multiple types of points/decorative elements on top.

Shadow Box

This type of fence utilizes a design in which individual boards are attached vertically to horizontal rails. The upright boards are placed in a manner in which they alternate, one on each side of the rail, that results in a quasi-overlapping pattern. It’s not a solid fence but does afford a level of privacy and neighbors can’t see through unless they’re peering at an oblique angle. The term board-on-board is often used interchangeably with shadow box fences, but they’re different.

Split Rail

Originally developed as a basic way to corral livestock, the design has become a popular fencing option in a number of environments. The fence is erected by threading rails through holes in upright posts. It’s sometimes referred to as ranch-type fencing and typically installed as a decorative feature rather than functional.

Stockade

Primarily designed for privacy, they’re often used to surround backyard pools to meet safety standards. The fencing features a solid barrier of boards placed tightly against one another so others can’t see through. The boards are typically pre-assembled in panels that are installed rather than placing each individual board. The fencing isn’t as attractive from the inside as the outside, but it is effective for creating secure yards for children and pets to play.

Individuals seeking to enhance the beauty of their home through the use of fencing have several choices, each with its own set of advantages. There are several things to consider when selecting fencing material. Homeowners will need to decide, beginning with much they want to spend on their fence and the type of material they prefer. It’s always best to consult with a fencing professional before making any definitive decisions.

Aluminum

Available in multiple styles, colors and designs, aluminum fencing brings an elegant and sophisticated look to any property. It’s equally stylish around homes, commercial properties, city parks, schools, and industrial complexes. It’s versatile, won’t rust, and can be topped with spikes for an extra layer of security. Aluminum is low maintenance and it’s a standout in the beauty category with all the stateliness of wrought iron.

PVC

The material is offered in an extensive range of sizes, colors, styles and patterns from which to choose. PVC enhances the beauty of properties, can be installed with a variety of decorative tops, and retains its beauty against UV rays and all types of weather. It also withstands severe winds, is relatively maintenance-free, and won’t rot, peel, chip or splinter. It’s unattractive to insect pests.

SimTek®

Through a special manufacturing technique, SimTek® fencing can be made to emulate the appearance and texture of wood and high-end stone. It’s tough enough to withstand hurricane-strength winds and won’t degrade under UV rays, ocean surf or biologicals such as algae. It’s not attractive to insect pests and is an excellent sound buffer.

Wood

Fencing made of different types of wood are available and the cost will partly depend on the type of wood that’s selected. It’s offered in multiple styles that can enhance the value and beauty of homes while providing an additional level of safety. However, it does have some disadvantages. It may need to be painted or stained and it can fall prey to termites and other insects.

With all the different types of fencing material available, it can be extremely difficult for home and business owners to decide what best meets their needs. It’s a common problem, as individuals try to balance their need for safety, privacy and materials that will withstand the severe weather conditions that often assail the South Florida landscape.

One very wise choice is SimTek® fencing that accommodates a wide variety of requirements. It’s a type of molded polyethylene that offers an extensive array of benefits that includes durability combined with a myriad of beautiful and realistic-looking surfaces that emulate stone and wood.

Hurricane Winds

South Florida is subject to storms with strong winds, the fiercest of which are hurricanes. SimTek® fencing is reinforced with galvanized steel making it able to withstand sustained hurricane winds of up to 110 mph and gusts up to 130 mph. It’s one of the only vinyl fencing materials that meet the Miami-Dade wind load requirements without any modification to its construction or installation.

Environmentally Friendly

SimTek® panels are constructed with recycled materials. When the fencing eventually reaches the end of its long lifespan, each of the panels can be recycled in its turn.

Sun and Surf

The UV rays of the sun are strong in South Florida and it can add environmental aging to most materials. SimTek® doesn’t have that problem. It’s unaffected by the harsh rays of the sun and won’t deteriorate. The same is true of the fencing for ocean salt spray, along with algae and most chemicals routinely used around home and businesses. It’s an ideal choice for any oceanside property. Alkaline and acidic soils have little effect on the fencing and owners don’t have to worry about termites and other insect pests.

High Durability

A SimTek® fence provides superior performance in a wide variety of climate conditions without fading and will stand up to impacts without taking damage. It won’t warp or crack.

Very Low Maintenance

SimTek® fencing is resistant to graffiti and it only takes a high-pressure rinse to remove marks. Dust just rinses off and there’s no other maintenance required. It never needs staining or painting.

Fencing in commercial venues can take many forms, from temporary fencing on job projects to high-tech security around warehouses. There are multiple types of materials from which to choose that will accommodate very specific needs.

Hiding Unattractive Features

Dumpsters, generators and electrical boxes are just some of the items that can be found in and around home developments, warehouses, factories, stores, and restaurants. They’re unsightly and can attract unwelcome wildlife. One of the most popular options for camouflaging and containing those areas is wooden fencing. PVC and SimTek® are also excellent choices. The options come in a variety of styles, colors, textures and won’t attract insects.

High Security

Whether it’s a wild animal enclosure, food processing plant or correctional facility, high-security fencing is typically an incarnation chain link. It’s available in multiple-size weaves, can be erected in multiple heights, and spikes or razor wire can be affixed to the top. The fencing is equally applicable for facilities ranging from airports and shipyards to chemical plants.

Large Gates

A fence isn’t complete without a gate and there are several types that can be paired with commercial fencing that open vertically or horizontally. Commercial endeavors can select from sliding and bi-folding styles, vertical lift or pivot gates, and those that require a keycard or keypad to gain entry.

Temporary

Chain link fencing is the undisputed king for creating temporary barriers and barricades. The material is cost-effective and installs quickly to secure expensive tools and vehicles on construction sites and protect companies from liability. 

The fences are also effective in areas where commercial remodeling or landscaping is being performed. The fencing can be used on uneven terrain that could be dangerous to people. Two added benefits with temporary chain link fencing are that a tarp or other material can be easily affixed to the fencing to prevent prying eyes from seeing inside and the fence covering aids in keeping down dust.