Choosing a fencing material is an important decision. Every material has its own benefits and
disadvantages. There are multiple types of materials from which to choose, with wood and vinyl
being the most popular. Wood and vinyl, also known as PVC, each have their own set of
considerations to factor in.
Before choosing a material for a fence, it’s important for individuals to know what they want
their fence to do, their budget, and how much time they’re willing to spend on maintenance.
That will help determine the best option for individual needs.
Cost
The cost of fencing is dependent on variables encompassing material, fence height, and size of
the area to be enclosed. The cost of wood fencing will depend largely on the type of wood
chosen. Redwood can run an average of $48 per linear foot, while pine will be about $28 per
linear foot. Vinyl fencing can run from $15 to $40 per linear foot. That doesn’t include labor or
posts for either type.
Longevity
Individuals can expect their wood fence to last between 10 and 20 years when properly cared
for and maintained.
A vinyl fence has an average lifespan of 20 to 30 years. It’s fire resistant and manufactured with
a 10 percent titanium oxide coating that’s a UV inhibitor. The tensile strength of vinyl is 5 times
that of wood. The material can withstand winds of 110 mph and gusts of up to 130 mph.
Low Maintenance
A wood fence will typically require more maintenance than other types in the form of stain,
paint and preservatives. The material is attractive to termites and boring insects. Wood will
eventually develop rot and mold from rain and humidity. It also cracks, warps, splinters and
becomes discolored over time.
Vinyl fences don’t require painting, staining or preservatives to keep it looking great. It’s
unattractive to boring insects and termites, so there’s no need for insecticide applications. It
doesn’t fade, rot or warp.

Privacy is a luxury that’s becoming increasingly difficult to attain. To obtain a modicum of
privacy at the sanctuary that they call home, people are choosing to install privacy fencing to
enjoy time with family and friends, away from the prying eyes of neighbors and passersby.
There are multiple types of privacy fencing materials that can be selected, along with an
extensive array of ways to customize them for decorative value. Individuals should be aware
that many locations have restrictions on the height and type of materials that are allowable.
Those factors should be explored before choosing a material.
Stockade
A stockade fence features pickets that are placed closely together to form a solid barrier. There
are multiple types of pressure treated woods from which to choose and it’s a cost-effective
solution. It does come with maintenance requirements. It will need to be treated with a
preservative, stain or paint to aid in preventing mold and rotting from water and humidity.
Vinyl/PVC
The fencing is available in multiple colors and can be customized in a variety of ways. It’s a long-
lasting material that requires minimal maintenance and can be kept clean with a hosing.
Vinyl/PVC is about 5 times stronger than wood, affordable, decorative, and has a high aesthetic
value. Many vinyl/PVC fences come with a lifetime warranty. It can be installed vertically or
horizontally, is offered in multiple textures, and is unaffected by water, insects or UV rays.
Composite
A fence of composite material offers natural colors and multiple surface finishes. Highly durable
and decorative, the fences are virtually maintenance free and resistant to rust and insect
predations. The material is a mix of wood and plastic for fencing that’s very strong and it’s eco-
friendly.
Stone, Brick, Concrete
The most expensive options for privacy fencing are stone, brick or concrete, but the materials
are decorative and highly customizable. The materials represent the epitome for privacy and
offer an enhanced level of safety for children and pets.

A fence around the pool isn’t just a must-have precaution against drowning incidents – it’s
required by Florida law. It was enacted in 2009 to reduce the number of children of all ages lost
to accidental drowning. Before the law was passed, drowning was the No. 1 cause of death in
children. The law requires swimming pool owners to install a barrier around their pool that
conform to strict specifications.
Outdoor Pools
The entire pool must be contained within a fence or similar barrier. The fence is required to be
at least 4 feet high and low enough to the ground to prevent children from gaining access by
crawling under it. Fences can’t have any outcroppings that a child can use as hand or footholds
to climb over it.
Fences must be set back a specific distance away from the pool edge. If by some chance a child
dies manage to breach the barrier, they won’t immediately fall into the swimming pool. There
are also regulations regarding gates. A pool is required to have a gates that opens outward, be
self-closing, and equipped with a self-locking device that can’t be reached by small children.
Indoor Pools
The law addresses indoor pools in a slightly different manner and has some exceptions. A fence
isn’t required for an indoor pool – provided doors and windows where a child could gain access
are equipped with a wired safety alarm. A self-closing gate and self-latching lock must be
installed a minimum of 54 inches above the ground.
Exemptions
A fence isn’t required for the small, round, shallow pools, commonly known as kiddie pools,
that are used at homes. Private community pools and those utilized in condos and apartment
complexes are exempt from the fencing law. However, those types of pools have even more
stringent laws to which they must comply for child safety.
Public pools are exempt from the fencing law, but owners must comply with the Virginia
Graeme Baker Federal Pool and Spa Safety Act. The Act went into effect on Dec.19, 2008 and
sets standards for drain covers and configurations, along with anti-entrapment systems.

The Sunshine State is known for its warm weather – along with the extreme weather
conditions. Hurricanes are just one of the high-risk weather conditions with which Florida
residents must contend. One of the primary concerns for residents that want to install a fence
is which material will best survive the onslaught of high winds, storm surge and flooding,
torrential rain, and flying debris.
Chain Link/Wire Mesh
The holes in chain link and mesh fencing allows wind to pass through them instead of beating
against them. The metal is a great choice for withstanding a storm, but not necessarily the most
aesthetically pleasing. Chain link and wire mesh are quick and easy to install, while providing a
budget-friendly option.
Aluminum Fencing
It’s stylish and can emulate wrought iron. The spacing of the pickets allow wind and smaller
debris to pass through. It won’t rust or corrode when exposed to rain or salt water and rivals
steel for strength. Posts are typically set in concrete, which provides additional strength and
rigidity. Aluminum fencing is the most expensive option.
Vinyl (PVC)
A vinyl/PVC fence can withstand winds of up to 130 mph. The material doesn’t rot when
exposed to rain or salty ocean water. It offers a high level of durability and doesn’t rust or warp.
Vinyl/PVC contains UV inhibitors to prevent degradation, color fading and discoloration.
Vinyl/PVC fencing is more expensive than chain/mesh and less expensive than aluminum.
SimTek®
It’s the only fencing that has a Miami-Dade wind rating that will withstand 110 mph winds and
gusts up to 130 mph. It also withstands temperatures of up to 140° F. It’s highly attractive, can
be customized, and imitates the look of real wood or stone. Powerful UV inhibitors keep the
fencing from fading, The material doesn’t warp, is easily cleaned with soap and water, and
offered in multiple colors. It's on a par with aluminum fencing in terms of cost.