subject: Comparing Wood Fence And Chain Link Fence [print this page] Two of the most popular choices of fencing are wood and chain link, and while both are quite versatile and capable of performing a number of different jobs well, each is more suited to some jobs than others.
Each of these materials also has a specific set of benefits and disadvantages, and using these to your advantage is an important part of choosing the right fence for the job. Here, we will take a quick look at the differences between these two types of fencing, as well as which jobs for which each is more suited.
Wood is a popular choice for fencing because it is a sturdy, versatile material that can be used in virtually any application. While there are many types of wooden fence, a common example is a series of wooden panels attached to a backboard, as with the classic white picket fence. Chain link is made of interlocking diamonds of steel cable, which are then attached to upright posts.
Both wood and chain link are durable, but chain link is designed to be flexible in order to resist blunt force trauma and general pressure, such as being struck with heavy objects or pulled and pushed against. It is weak against specific force, such as cutting with wire clippers or a blowtorch, although this is only an issue if one expects security risks of a higher degree.
Wooden fences are used primarily in residential areas, because they are perfect for constructing privacy fences. This means that the panels of the wood are set close together to block or reduce visibility past the fence, ensuring a higher degree of visibility for the people in the residence.
Chain link is not suitable for this purpose because it is virtually transparent, although it can be fitted with strips of fabric or vinyl in order to achieve the same effect. Wood is also considered more attractive than chain link, making it better for residential fencing.
Chain link can be augmented with various security enhancements, such as barbed wire, razor wire, and even electric current, which make it more suitable for security fencing and guarding private, higher security areas. Because it is susceptible to being bypassed by someone with sufficient skill and tools, it is usually only a first line of defense.
With the right extra security measures, however, a good chain link fence can keep just about everyone but the most determined out.
