Different Materials to Make a Fence

Wood

• Wood is one of the first materials that comes to mind when considering a fence. Whether you like picket fences or privacy fences, painted fences or stained fences, wood is a common material for fencing. It's readily available at any home improvement store. Wood fences are also a good DIY project for most home owners.

Metal

• Metal fences are popular choices, particularly for those who live in climates detrimetal to wood fences. Chain link and wrought iron are among the most common metal fencing materials. Chain link can be coated in colored vinyl, while wrought iron comes in a variety of design styles. Both are widely available at local home improvement stores. Metal fencing is slightly more challenging to install than wood fencing and may not be a DIY project for everyone. Ask about installation costs when considering metal fencing.

Stone

• Stone fences are usually shorter than wood or metal fencing and are often used in conjunction with homes that have a stone facade. Stones can be dry stacked, meaning they're fitted together and held into position through weight distribution, or they can be solidified with mortar like bricks often are.

Plants

• Use fast growing hedges to make a growing and green fence. Choose hedges you can trim or choose naturally shaped hedges to make the maintenance easier. Skip the hedges and opt for bushes like hydrangeas or rose bushes to create a beautiful fence that's more visual than functional. Note that while plants will create a natural barrier that most children will respect, they're not going to keep animals contained in your yard.