Wood Fence vs Chain Link: Advice from a Glenview Fence Company

10 Jun Wood Fence vs Chain Link: Advice from a Glenview Fence Company

Looking to install a new fence? Many people are able to quickly narrow their options down to two of the most affordable materials: wood and chain link.

Are you trying to make a decision between a wood fence and a chain link fence? Fortunately, this Glenview fence company can help. Below, we’re going to discuss the pros and cons of both materials, helping you to make the best decision possible.

Durability

When it comes to durability, wood fences and chain link fences are essentially equals. Each tends to last for between 25 and 35 years. Note, though, that under the right circumstances, each has the ability to last even longer.

A lot of this comes down to weather. Simply put, the more moisture that these materials absorb, the more quickly they will deteriorate. Wood, in particular, is highly susceptible to moisture. If it’s exposed to moisture on a regular basis, it will give in long before its time.

What does this all mean? It means that maintenance is of great importance, specifically for wood fencing. The better the maintenance, the greater the durability.

Maintenance

While we just briefly mentioned maintenance, we’re now going to get into its specifics for each material. Simply put, wood fencing requires a great deal more maintenance than chain link fencing does.

In most cases, chain link fencing can get by with periodic cleanings. This is not true of wood fences. Wood fences require not only periodic cleanings, but regular re-paintings and sealings as well. In many cases, wood fences will also require minor cosmetic repairs over the years.

Not only is the maintenance associated with wood fences more intensive than the maintenance associated with chain link fences, but it’s more expensive as well. As such, if you install a wood fence, you should be prepared to spend more on it over time.

Aesthetics

Aesthetic preferences are generally regarded to be subjective. That said, the vast majority of individuals would agree that wood is a more attractive material than chain link. This isn’t to say that chain link fencing is ugly. It just lacks that certain charm possessed by authentic wood.

At the end of the day, neither one of these materials will do anything to drag down the overall appearance of your property. However, only one of them will make a significant positive aesthetic impact: wood. 

Functionality

In terms of functionality, chain link and wood are fairly solid materials. Both offer terrific security capabilities, for instance. Unfortunately, only one thrives in terms of privacy. That one is wood, as it’s an entirely opaque material that fully obstructs external vision. 

Cost

As far as purchase and installation costs go, wood and chain link are about equal. Both run at about $7 to $10 per linear foot.

Where the difference comes in is, of course, maintenance. As was noted above, wood fencing requires a great deal more maintenance than chain link fencing does. This additional maintenance results in additional costs, which can add up to hundreds or even thousands of dollars over time.

As such, while wood and chain link fencing have similar purchase and installation costs, wood fencing is ultimately more expensive in the long run.

In Need of a Glenview Fence Company?

Have you made your choice? Are you in need of a Glenview fence company? If so, you’re in the right place. Action Fence is the company to call.

We’ve installed wood and chain link fences all throughout the Glenview area. Regardless of the type you choose, our team can assist you.

Contact us now to request a free quote!