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.

Erecting a fence is a major project that can be extremely expensive. Individuals need to balance the vision they have of the “perfect” fence with budgetary concerns. Other people simply make their fencing selection based on price alone. Multiple elements affect the cost of a fence encompassing the material and height, along with the slope of the land, the type of soil, installation and permits, and gates. That doesn’t include installation costs.

Chain Link

Chain link fencing is by far the least expensive at $5 to $20 per foot, depending on the height.  It’s commonly used for security and safety purposes, keeping children and pets contained, and preventing the entry of human and wildlife intruders. It’s easy and quick to install.

PVC

A PVC fence will run between $15.50 to $18.50 per linear foot. It’s available in a myriad of colors and more than 30 decorative styles. It’s able to withstand high winds and has earned the Dade County Product Approval Certification. PVC is highly durable and won’t split, crack, peel, splinter, warp or rot. It’s a good option for privacy, keeping children and pets within bounds, and preventing entry by intruders and wildlife. It can emulate the appearance of stone or wood.

Aluminum

The cost of aluminum fencing is approximately $22 per linear foot. It’s highly decorative, available in multiple styles and colors, and can be topped with spikes for an additional level of security. It’s low maintenance and has a stately, elegant appearance.

Wood

A wood fence is on the high end of the price scale and will cost between $17 to $45 per linear foot, depending on the type of wood that’s used. It can be installed horizontally or vertically and is a popular choice for privacy.

SimTek®

The material can run anywhere between $70 and $90 per linear foot. It has a 25 year/lifetime warranty. The fencing is highly durable and is available in styles that emulates the look and texture of real wood and stone. SimTek® is offered in multiple colors and it’s fade resistant. The high-impact material absorbs sound, is graffiti resistant and eco-friendly. It’s popular for privacy and security purposes, buffers sound, and can withstand hurricane force winds and ocean spray.

With a myriad of fencing materials from which to choose, it can be difficult to make a definitive selection. One of the options worth considering for a multiple range of needs is PVC fencing. It’s a type of vinyl with an extensive number of benefits and advantages.

Color, Style, Texture

PVC fencing is available in multiple hues to complement home colors. The fences are offered in lattice, picket, privacy, and post-and-rail styles, just to name a few. It can be customized in numerous ways to conform to local regulations or to create a truly individualized look. PVC fencing is available in textures that emulate natural wood and stucco.

Low Maintenance

If you want a fence that’s virtually maintenance free, PVC fits the bill. It won’t split, crack, rot, peel, or warp. It’s manufactured with UV inhibitors to prevent it from yellowing, fading or becoming brittle, even in our sun-soaked South Florida climate. You won’t have to spend your time painting or staining PVC fencing.

PVC fencing is unappealing to insects, so you won’t need to apply insecticides and there’s no need for preservatives to prevent rot. If algae, mold or mildew develops, it’s easy to clean with a minimum of effort.

Durable

Five times stronger than wood, PVC is highly durable and able to withstand strong winds and the material is resistant to saltwater. It’s earned the Dade County Product Approval Certification.

Versatility

The fencing can be designed with a variety of decorative tops and can be installed vertically or horizontally. It’s available in multiple heights. There’s an option whether you’re seeking fencing for privacy, security or safety.

Eco-friendly

PVC fencing is non-toxic and offers no danger to children or pets, nor does it compromise or pollute air or water quality. When the fence eventually comes to the end of its lifespan, it’s recyclable. It will be broken down to become part of another product. That means less material that will find its way into landfills. PVC fencing is one of the greenest materials available and requires very little resources or energy to produce.

There are more rules and regulations than ever before governing the appearance of property and that’s especially true for those that answer to an HOA. No matter where an individual lives, no one wants to look at eyesores in their yard and fencing can solve those unsightly problems with style, beauty and sophistication.

With today’s options, individuals can choose from fencing that emulates the look of high-end wood, stone and granite. Today’s manufacturing processes have created fencing able to withstand hurricane-force winds, that’s resistant to fading and saltwater, and is recyclable.

Vertical and horizontal options are available and fencing doesn’t need to encompass the entire property to be effective. Strategic placement of single fence panels is effective for hiding eyesores and they’re equally appropriate for creating enclosures. Always consult with a professional fence installer. Professionals will know the prevailing standards and be able to obtain any permits needed. Fencing is effective for concealing the following:

• Electrical boxes
• Electric vehicle charging stations
• Satellite dishes
• HVAC units
• Emergency generators
• Solar panels
• Trash receptacles
• Clotheslines
• Lawn furniture
• Outbuildings
• Children’s toys
• ATVs, motorcycles, and PWCs

While hiding eyesores is an excellent reason for erecting a fence or individual panels, there’s another good reason for fencing. It serves as a barrier to prying eyes that could be too interested in the possessions a family has amassed.

A great number of items and installations are necessary for the operation of the utilities and conveniences people take for granted every day, but that doesn’t mean they’re attractive or a pleasure to view. Erecting fencing to camouflage those infrastructure elements adds curb appeal and can even act as a focal interest for vining plants.

Individuals have a multitude of selections from which to choose. Chain link is available with screens or slats that can be added, along with long-lasting aluminum, PVC and SimTek®. Fencing can be erected in horizontal or vertical arrangements to accommodate the concealment of any eyesore.

No one wants to spend time and effort maintaining their fencing after it’s installed. With the materials and new manufacturing methods available today, anyone can have a low-maintenance fence installed that will offer long-lasting service, meet a wide range of aesthetic preferences, and require a minimum amount of maintenance.

SimTek®

SimTek® fencing has become the leader in Florida for a wide variety of reasons. Its UV inhibitors mean it won’t fade due to the sun’s harsh rays. The fencing is resistant to saltwater, organic processes, and insects. Graffiti is easily removed with the use of a power washer. SimTek® never needs to be painted or stained and it won’t warp or crack. It’s become the leader in Florida fencing due to its ability to withstand hurricane-force winds of up to 110 mph and gusts of up to 130 mph.

PVC/Vinyl

PVC fencing is a type of vinyl that stands up to harsh weather conditions without rotting, chipping, splintering or peeling. It’s manufactured with UV inhibitors to prevent it from becoming brittle or yellowing from UV rays. The material also withstands high winds, doesn’t need painting or staining, and is unappealing to insects. This type of vinyl fencing has earned the Dade County Product Approval Certification. Vinyl is five times stronger than wood and it’s recyclable.

Aluminum

Today’s aluminum typically has a powder coating applied that will aid in maintaining its finish for years. Aluminum doesn’t rust, rot, or fall prey to insects. The material doesn’t need staining or painting.

Consult a Professional

It’s always best to consult with fencing professionals before deciding on a particular material. Pricing can vary widely and individuals will want to comparison shop. Some fencing types offer more variety in terms of color, styles and customization options. It’s also important for individuals to know why they want a fence, which will affect the choice of material.

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.

For individuals that want a more regimented approach to their community, a house covered by a home owner’s association (HOA) offers a number of benefits. They can provide amenities, a means of controlling property values, and they may take care of chores such as mowing. An HOA also comes with a variety of rules and regulations.

HOAs are very meticulous about their guidelines and have no problem enforcing them which can result in a hefty fine. It’s critical that individuals know the rules in their community before erecting a fence or making any major changes that have the potential of running afoul of the HOA. Always obtain written HOA approval before initiating any changes.

Fencing

There will be rules governing the height of a fence, the type of materials that are acceptable for use, and even regulations as to if you can install a fence at all. You could face fines for every day that the fence violates HOA rules or you could be forced to move it, alter it, or completely take it down.

Paint

If you’re looking to add a little distinction with a colorful new door or other outwardly visible change – think again. HOAs view violations of conformity, appearance, overall style and aesthetics very seriously.

Holiday Decorations

Another common area in which HOAs regulate the environment is through holiday decorations. An HOA will have guidelines for when holiday decorations can go up, when they must be taken down, and the type of decorations that are allowable. The HOA will determine the hours during which the lights can be operated and sound levels for animated or inflatable decorations.

Pets and People

The breed, size and number of pets allowed will be strictly enforced, while some HOAs ban pets of any kind. There will also be restrictions in place as to the number of people that can occupy a home and the length of time that someone can stay for an extended visit.

Other Guidelines

HOAs typically have rules about where trash receptacles can be stored, their placement when it’s time for trash pick-up, how long they can be left in sight, and recycling. If you live in an HOA, there will be regulations about where you can park vehicles and a pass may need to be requested for visitors. Don’t forget to keep up the HOAs maintenance standards on your home and fence.

Installing a fence at your new home isn’t rude and it doesn’t mean you’re antisocial. It does give you a sense of safety and security, especially if you have children, pets, or elders living in the home. A fence is effective for preventing access to the property by unwanted people and animals.

It typically takes four months for people to feel comfortable in a new house and begin to consider it home. Part of the reason for that is unfamiliarity with the neighborhood and those living around you. It’s important that you take steps to make the inside environment as welcoming as possible with familiar belongings before taking on the task of erecting a fence.

Safety

Your home is the place where you can relax and feel safe in your environment. Fencing provides safety for children and allows them to play without worrying about them wandering into the street, onto unsafe terrain, or the yards of other people. The same is true for protecting the family dog.

Security

A fence can provide peace of mind knowing loved ones, pets and valuable possessions are protected by a barrier to entry. It’s also an important security measure if you’re a senior. The elderly are often the target of scams and break-ins, even in the quietest of communities.

Gardening Options

There are many ways to garden, from raised beds to vertical options. Fencing can provide the backdrop and support to indulge an interest in vertical growing of fruits and vegetables to flowering vines.

Protection Against the Elements

Florida lies in the path of any number of tropical storms and hurricanes each year. There are fencing materials available that are highly attractive, require almost no maintenance, and can withstand hurricane-force winds. They’re able to provide a disruption in winds that can cause property damage. Fencing materials that resist heat and are non-combustible are also available to protect your new home.

Fences are multi-faceted constructs that provide safety, security, are capable of dampening road noise, and can camouflaging a variety of eyesores within the landscape. The type of fencing selected will depend on the property owner’s primary concerns, needs and requirements. The following are eight things to consider when choosing a fence.

Children

Every parent knows how curious children are and how they can stray into danger unknowingly. A fence is an excellent way to ensure they don’t wander out of the yard or near dangerous areas. It shouldn’t have any protrusions that they can use to climb or spaces underneath they can crawl under.

Pets

Animal companions are family members, too. They’re just as curious as children and can be tempted to leave their yard to explore. Fences should be erected with the size of the animal in mind and its characteristics. Some dogs are jumpers and acrobats, well able to clear a fence of 10 ft. and use any protrusions in the fence to gain a toe-hold. Others are more likely to burrow underneath and fencing will need to provide adequate preventative measures installed. 

Pools

Anyone that has a swimming pool is required to install safety fencing to prevent unauthorized access by children that meets specific guidelines. It must have no protrusions that children can use to climb over it and be close enough to the ground to prevent crawling under it. The fence will also need an automatically locking gate. Those precautions will also save pets from entering and drowning.

Property Lines

Sometimes it’s necessary to establish boundaries between neighbors or even prevent passersby from coming on the property. A fence is beneficial for minimizing disagreements with neighbors and knowing where to place outbuildings, install a pool, or locate play equipment.

Privacy

Finding privacy is getting more difficult every day. More homes are being squeezed into smaller properties and foot traffic on sidewalks is increasing. Fencing can ensure the ability to sunbathe or use a pool in peace and away from nosy neighbors.

Enhance Landscaping

A fence enhances landscaping, adds curb appeal to any property, and increases resale value. A property with a fence is more private and safer than an open yard.

Safety

The installation of a fence for safety and security has quickly become two of the top reasons for erecting a barrier around properties. It keeps people, pets and possessions safe from those that would mean harm.

Concealment

There are multiple items that are essentials for everyday life, but aren’t that pretty to view. Fencing is also an attractive way to hide and camouflage unsightly items in the landscape such as trash receptacles, utility boxes, air conditioning units, and TV or Internet dishes, along with hoses and PVC pipes.

Installing a fence is more difficult than most people anticipate. Many begin a fence installation as a DIY project, only to discover that it’s turned into a multi-weekend project that feels overwhelming. The importance of hiring a fence professional can’t be overstated for speed, accuracy, and quality.

Expertise and Experience

A fencing professional will have performed numerous installations under a variety of conditions and in multiple types of landscapes. A professional will ensure that the fence is straight, level, and doesn’t encroach on the neighbor’s property line.

Tools

It requires more than a shovel or a posthole digger to erect a fence. There are specialized tools involved that a professional fence contractor uses regularly and with which they’re familiar that will ensure the job progresses faster.

Rules and Regulations

Each municipality has its own guidelines with which fences must comply and state mandates may also come into play. A fence professional will be cognizant of all the prevailing laws and will be able to obtain the obligatory permits required.

The Right Fence

A professional will be able to help clients choose the best fence for their needs. They’ll be able to introduce individuals to the different types of materials available that will achieve the intended goals and that will also provide an appealing aesthetic.

Quality

Hiring a fence professional will ensure that clients receive high-quality workmanship and quality fencing. As professionals, they’ll be licensed, certified, and if any problems arise they will make the needed changes or alterations at no additional charge.

Cost Savings

Last but not least is the savings that hiring a professional provides. They already have access to the needed tools, saving clients the cost of renting them or buying items that will only be used once. Their expertise and experience will prevent problems and costly mistakes. It also means clients will avoid the potential for expensive legal issues.