If you want to add privacy or security to your property, there is a wide range of residential fencing options to help you spruce up your home’s exterior. Fencing comes in an assortment of materials and styles to suit your needs and enhance the aesthetic appeal of your yard. Whether you’re fulfilling that white picket fence dream or creating a quiet backyard retreat, Tractor Supply has the fencing essentials and building tools for you to get the job done.
Explore the Different Fencing Materials
The material you build your fence with comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, from its durability and visual appeal to the amount of maintenance required. Before erecting your fence, it’s important to take each choice into account, so you can make the best all-around decision.
Metal
If you’re looking for a fence that will stand the test of time, it’s hard to argue against metal. Generally, metal fencing materials provide sturdiness and longevity, and they require minimal cleaning and repairs. They come in pre-assembled panels to make installation a breeze but typically offer little privacy. Additionally, certain types of metal can drive up the cost of your fencing project.
- Aluminum: This lightweight, low-cost metal is resistant to rust and corrosion while requiring little maintenance. However, it is softer than its steel and iron counterparts and is more susceptible to damage as a result.
- Steel: This durable metal is suitable for medium-range security and offers a more attractive alternative to chain-link fencing. While steel fencing lacks versatility, it acts as a good price compromise between cheaper chain link and more expensive wrought iron.
- Iron: Iron and wrought-iron fences are built to last and often have ornamental finials to deliver an elegant appearance to your outdoor space. This sturdy material adds a reliable level of security, but it tends to be pricier than other types of metal fencing.
Wood
Wood is one of the most popular materials used to build fences, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you want to create a privacy fence, picket fence or split rail fence, wood offers a traditional, timeless appearance and can be stained or painted to suit your preferences. For DIYers, lumber made from cedar, redwood or pine typically has a lower upfront cost than preformed slats or wooden panels. While cedar and redwood are naturally resistant to rot and insect damage, pine will need to be pressure-treated to provide the same protection and maintain the longevity of your fencing.
Vinyl
Another common fencing material is vinyl, a plastic-based substance that boasts resilience and simple maintenance. While vinyl fences require periodic cleaning to prevent dirt, algae, mold and mildew stains, they are resistant to splintering, rotting and insect damage. This versatile fencing option is great for security and decorative purposes, making a dependable border around pools, gardens and farms. Plus, they are available in easy-to-install kits and pre-assembled panels for simple construction.
Composite
When you want to add privacy to your outdoor living space, look to composite fencing for a long-lasting solution. Crafted from a mixture of plastic or resin with wood elements, composite material gives your fence the appearance of natural wood and the strength to hold up against severe weather, pests and corrosion. That high durability comes with a higher cost compared to most other fencing materials, and the heavyweight design of the posts and panels makes installation a challenge without professional assistance.
Find the Right Style to Enhance Your Property
Once you’ve determined which material you’d like to use, it’s time to decide on a style. Different materials lend themselves to different styles. It all comes down to what you value most with your project: form, function or both. Explore some of the most popular fencing styles to help you make your decision:
Privacy Fencing
As the name implies, privacy fencing helps you keep your backyard or other outdoor living space secluded. These options are made from wood, metal, composite and vinyl materials in the form of slats and premade panels, so you should be able to find what you’re looking for. Also, be sure to keep fence height in mind when privacy is your main concern. Fences between 6 and 8 feet in height will make it easy to preserve the seclusion and security you desire.
Chain Link Fencing
If privacy isn’t a concern, chain link fences are an easy-to-install, budget-friendly option that offers strength and peace of mind. The galvanized steel posts and metal mesh stand up to wear and tear, and the clear view afforded by the chain links allows you to keep a watchful eye over your property, pets and children. Plus, these fences require no maintenance, so you don’t have to spend time washing and rinsing them.
Decorative Fencing
While privacy and security can be important aspects of your fencing project, sometimes the main objective is to give your home some curbside appeal. Decorative fencing can be made of metal, wood and vinyl for a variety of options. Whether you want fence panels with ornate designs or ornamental end caps and finials, decorative fences are great for adding a splash of character to your house’s exterior.
- Picket fence: This iconic fencing style evokes the feel of a traditional cottage garden and is popular in suburban and rural areas. Made of wood or vinyl, picket fences are durable, easy to maintain and cost-effective, but offer little in the way of privacy or security.
- Lattice fence: As with other decorative fencing, a lattice fence makes an attractive property marker, but provides minimal privacy and security. This fence type is great for gardeners, as it can also double as a trellis for vines and other plants.
- Split-rail fence: Also known as a ranch fence, a split-rail fence is comprised of two or three horizontal wooden beams fitted into the slots of wooden posts. These fences add rustic charm and are great for large, uneven property lines. While they may discourage trespassing, they won’t deter wildlife or pets.
Find These and Other Fencing Options at Tractor Supply
Be sure to explore our other fencing options available for specific parts of your property. Welded wire fencing and garden fencing will help you keep plant beds safe from rodents and critters, while electric fencing and other security fencing allow you to delineate off-limits areas.
For pet control, we offer an assortment of dog fence systems to ensure your four-legged friend remains safely on your property. Additionally, feedlot panels, corral panels, gates, poultry netting, field fencing and more let you create a functional home for your livestock. Visit your local Tractor Supply store or shop online to fulfill all your fencing requirements.