Publication date: 07/31/2009

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You can find a backyard fence that fits your needs and your budget

If you are considering replacing an old fence, or putting up a new one in your yard, today's fencing options guarantee you can find something that fits your needs and budget.

If you grew up in the city, you probably had a chain-link fence surrounding your yard with a big swinging gate that went across the driveway on the side of the house. Today, while chain-link fences are still popular, fencing options come in a variety of styles and materials, including wood, vinyl, aluminum and even composite.

According to Leigh Luyet, a vice president at Great Lakes Fence Co. in Detroit, (313) 273-2900, www.greatfence.net, chain-link fences are the least expensive, with cedar fences costing 30 to 40 percent more and vinyl topping out at about a 50 percent premium.

"For many people, chain-link fencing is still the most popular option because of the cost," Luyet said. "But we see a lot of people interested in the aesthetics of cedar fences, and vinyl fences are becoming more popular because of the low maintenance and durability."

If you are just trying to keep the kids and dogs in the yard, the standard chain-link fence is the best bargain.

And today's chain-link fences don't rust as quickly as the one you grew up with, and they can even feature vinyl coating on the fencing to make it more aesthetically pleasing. You also can add vinyl slats in an array of colors to provide some privacy and complement the color of your home's brick or siding.

Cedar fences are more aesthetically pleasing, but the obvious downside, besides the added cost, is the maintenance factor. A cedar fence is just like a cedar deck, so you will need to plan on regular upkeep that includes cleaning, stripping and staining just as you would for a deck.

If you still like the look of a wood fence but don't want the upkeep, you could consider a composite fence made from the same materials that composite decks are made from, including Fiber Composites, (800) 573-8841, www.fiberondecking.com.

Also, composite deck companies such as TimberTech, (800) 307-7780, www.timbertech.com, and Trex, (800) 289-8739, www.trex.com, have fencing products that are available at John's Lumber, (586) 791-1200, www.johnslumber.com.

Remember, while a composite fence will fade over time, it is still very low-maintenance and looks just like wood, which can enhance the look of your home and yard.

While vinyl fencing is the most expensive, it is the most durable and lowest maintenance, needing just regular cleaning with a mild cleaner such as Simple Green.

Many come with a lifetime limited warranty as well. Great Lakes Fence carries the Bufftech line from Certainteed, (800) 782-8777, www.certainteed.com, and other vinyl deck manufacturers with fence products include Kroy Building Products, (888) 300-8208, www.kroybp.com and Royal Outdoor Products, (800) 488-5245, www.royalcrownltd.com.

If you just want a privacy fence around your patio, you can probably do it yourself.

While you can find the right products at your local lumber yard or home center, know that putting up a fence around your entire yard is hard work. You might want to consider having a fence company or experienced contractor do the work.

Before you even think about the type of fence you want, you should first check with your city or township to find out what ordinances the municipality has regarding fences.

"Sometimes we talk with a homeowner about a type of fence they want, but when we check with their city, we find out an ordinance doesn't allow that type of fence," Luyet said.

A company like Great Lakes Fence will find out what the ordinances are when they apply for a permit with a city or township.

If you plan to put up a fence yourself, you better make sure you know what your municipality allows before you spend the money to buy the materials.

For example, many cities require you to get written consent of an adjoining property owner when you erect a privacy fence, and most cities have requirements regarding the height or style of a fence.

You should also check with your neighborhood association to make sure there aren't any rules prohibiting you from having a fence.

Note: This article was accurate at the date of publication. However, information contained in it may have changed. If you plan to use the information contained herein for any purpose, verification of its continued accuracy is your responsibility.

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