subject: Types And Uses For Common Fencing Materials [print this page] There are tons of different materials that are used in fencing, but some are more popular than others because they provide unique benefits and have fewer drawbacks. There are only a few primary materials that are used in most fences, and the four most common that are used in a number of different areas are wood, iron, vinyl, and chain link.
Where and how fences can be used, as well as several other factors, is determined largely by the material from which they are made (and how that material is used to make the fence). Here, we'll take a brief look at the characteristics of these materials, and how they compare to each other.
Iron is a common choice for fencing due primarily to its strength and durability. Iron fences are virtually impossible to damage, and are only subject to very large amounts of force or deliberate people with the right tools. They are more or less immune to weathering, although they are susceptible to corrosion due to sea air and other forces. This effect can be reduced with the application of an anti-rusting agent.
Wooden fences are another very common type, because wood is readily available, physically attractive, and resilient. Wood is also fairly versatile, and while it is not as strong as iron, it is also cheaper and easier to repair. Wooden fences can also be made of panels that are set close together in order to make a solid barrier against visibility, making them more appropriate for privacy than iron fencing.
Wood fences can also be made relatively cheaply with simple pieces of lumber, making them a common solution in rural or sparsely populated areas where other materials are scarce.
Chain link fencing has skyrocketed in use in the last few decades, and is now one of the most common types in the world. This is because of its intense versatility and durability. Chain link is made from steel cables woven together into interlocking diamonds, making it very strong against both blunt force trauma and providing a degree of elasticity.
They are able to be cut apart fairly easily, however, although thickening the cable and adding other extra security (such as barbed wire and electric current) reduces this problem. Vinyl fencing is used primarily in agriculture and landscaping, because it is cheap, lightweight, and easy to install. It is also very resistant to weathering effects, and retains color well in sunlight.
