Key Takeaways: Both new and seasoned homeowners can learn about the best type of fencing for their home, budget and lifestyle. In this article we will be covering the benefits, typical cost, and levels of maintenance required for custom wood fences, vinyl fencing, and ornamental aluminium fencing.

How Do I Choose What Fencing is Right for My Home?

Whether you are a new homeowner or a seasoned one choosing the right fence comes down to balancing; privacy, maintenance, appearance, durability, security, and budget. Wood, ornamental aluminum, and vinyl fencing are all popular with homeowners, but each one performs differently. Depending on your individual goals, climate, and how much upkeep you want to handle over the years will ultimately help you decide what type of fence is the best fit for you. For homeowners in coastal areas like Virginia Beach, aluminum and vinyl fencing are especially popular because they handle humidity and moisture much better than traditional wood fencing over the long term. 

Important Things to Consider Before Choosing a Fence

 

1. Your Main Goal

Your primary goal often narrows the best material quickly. Ask yourself:

• Do you want privacy?
• Security?
• Curb appeal?
• Pet containment?
• Pool safety?
• Noise reduction?

 

2. Maintenance Expectations

Some homeowners enjoy maintaining wood fencing, while others prefer a “set it and forget it” option like vinyl or aluminum.

• Wood = regular upkeep
• Vinyl = occasional cleaning
• Aluminum = minimal maintenance

3. Climate and Weather

This matters more than many new homeowners realize. For humid or coastal regions like Virginia Beach:

• Aluminum performs very well because it resists rust
• Vinyl handles moisture well
• Wood may require more maintenance due to humidity and moisture exposure

4. Privacy Needs

If you are wanting a fully enclosed backyard:

• Wood and vinyl privacy fences are strongest choices
• Aluminum fencing is more open and decorative

5. HOA Rules and Local Codes

Always check HOA and city regulations before installation. Many neighborhoods have:

• Height restrictions
• Approved fence colors
• Material limitations
• Pool fencing requirements

6. Long-Term Cost vs Upfront Cost

Wood may cost less initially, but maintenance adds up over time. Vinyl and aluminum often cost more upfront but can save money long-term because repairs and upkeep are minimal.

7. Pets and Children

For dogs or children, vinyl or wood fences are often preferred. Be sure to consider:

• Fence height
• Gaps between pickets
• Digging prevention
• Gate durability

8. Resale Value and Appearance

Aluminum fencing often creates a higher-end appearance, while wood provides warmth and vinyl offers clean consistency. A well-designed fence can improve:

• Curb appeal
• Property value
• Backyard usability

Learn About Vinyl Fencing 

Vinyl fencing has exceptional durability, sometimes lasting for decades without rotting, rusting, or needing painting. Making it the perfect option for homeowners who are looking for a low-maintenance, long-term, and cost-effective choice. Vinyl fencing is highly resistant to weather, pests, and UV rays, while providing a strong, safe, and versatile aesthetic for property security, privacy and curb appeal. Many modern vinyl fences are designed to resemble painted wood while avoiding many of wood’s maintenance issues. Many vinyl fences can last 20–30 years with very little maintenance.

Catalyst Fencing – Is a high grade brand of vinyl fencing that doesn’t sag or fade, like many other vinyl fences. The rails are reinforced to prevent the sagging or bowing that cheaper systems experience. This brand is known for its locking pickets that can sustain high winds which is particularly important to coastal Virginia, an area that experiences strong tropical storms and Nor’easters. 

Weatherables – Another brand of vinyl fencing that has high wind resistance, that is tested to withstand hurricane-force winds. It is also fade-resistant and stronger than many other lower priced options on the market.

Learn About Ornamental Aluminum Fencing 

Ornamental aluminum fencing offers homeowners a durable, low-maintenance, and stylish alternative to iron rods. Featuring high rust resistance, a 30–50 year lifespan, and versatile design options that will enhance your property’s value and curb appeal with multiple styles. Ornamental aluminum fencing is designed more for elegance, security, and durability than privacy. It mimics the appearance of wrought iron without the rust and heavy maintenance. 

OnGuard Aluminum fencing – offers a combination of durability, aesthetic flexibility, and long-term cost-effectiveness. Manufactured with high-strength alloy, these systems are designed to provide the classic look of wrought iron with the low-maintenance benefits of aluminum

Catalyst – Low maintenance with a high-end decorative appeal that includes NoVis™  Hidden Fastener System: A patented design that connects pickets and rails from the inside out, providing a sleek, screwless appearance on both sides of the fence while increasing structural integrity.

TuffBilt – a balance of durability and long-term value due to rust and corrosion resistance and power-coated finishes. Clean appearance that uses hidden fasteners

Learn About Custom Wood Fencing 

Wood fencing offers a combination of natural beauty, high privacy, and cost-effectiveness, making it a popular choice for homeowners. Wood fences typically last around 15–20 years depending on the wood species, climate, and maintenance schedule. Key benefits include, but are not limited to, enhancing curb appeal with a classic aesthetic, defining property lines, providing a secure, durable boundary, and being an environmentally friendly, customizable material. Wood fencing is the classic choice and remains one of the most customizable fencing options available. 

Cedar – An excellent choice because it can handle many weather conditions without excessive warping or shrinking. It is low maintenance because it doesn’t rot easily or require constant sealing. Its reddish-brown tones are a favorite for its curb appeal.

Pressure-treated/salt-treated wood – Pressure treatment acts as a barrier against moisture, which is the leading cause of wood rot. It is designed to withstand humidity and direct ground contract without breaking down. The treatment also keeps insects away that feed on dead wood. It is a more cost-effective option for many people

Common Wood Fence Styles

• Privacy fencing
• Shadowbox fencing
• Board-on-board fencing
• Split rail fencing
• Picket fencing

Price Range for Fencing

There are multiple options when deciding on fence choices, which makes a significant difference between the prices. Also, the installation process needs to be considered. A professional company can offer expert installation. Many fence companies lower their prices because they find ways to cut corners in the way they set posts, the materials they use including the gates and hardware, as well as preparing the area for a new fence. There are also a lot of factors involved in pricing that include the removal and disposal of existing fencing, the condition of the area where the fence will be installed (trees, saplings, roots, etc.) and many companies do not furnish these services along with the pricing, expecting the customer to take care of those things. We do not offer square foot pricing because our projects are all inclusive, and we will not give pricing and then come back with multiple add-ons once a contract is signed.

Feature	Wood	Ornamental Aluminum	Vinyl
Privacy	Excellent	Limited	Excellent
Maintenance	High	Very Low	Very Low
Appearance	Natural & customizable	Elegant & upscale	Clean & modern
Durability	Moderate	High	High
Coastal Resistance	Moderate	Excellent	Excellent
Upfront Cost	Lower	Medium–High	Medium–High
Long-Term Maintenance Cost	Higher	Low	Very Low
Customization	Excellent	Moderate	Moderate
Lifespan	15–20 years	30+ years	20–30 years

So Which Fence Is Right for You?

Hear It From The Experts in Custom Fencing

Your fence should complement your home’s architecture and landscaping. For example, a picket fence adds charm to a cottage-style home, while a modern horizontal slat fence suits contemporary designs. Consider color, texture, and overall aesthetic when making your selection.

Choosing a fence doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By considering your needs, budget, and style preferences, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect solution. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can help you transform your yard with a beautiful, functional fence!

Still unsure which fence is right for your yard? Our experienced team is here to help! We offer free consultations and can guide you through the options, answer your questions, and provide expert installation. Your satisfaction is our priority.

Call (757) 496-8100 Today or Request a Consultation on Custom Fencing Now.

Hear it From Our Customers

“Our yard needed help after we had a pool installed, so I called for a landscaping quote. Dr. Dan came out and walked us through potential landscaping options. He offered to help with fence installation too, but we had already paid a major/national company for materials and labor only to find out days later they couldn’t deliver on what they promised. When I told Dan what happened, DR. DAN’S SAVED THE DAY by having his fence contractor, Jay, come out and take care of the installation. Dr. Dan’s landscaping crew, led by Chris, did high quality work quickly. Chris consistently checked in to be sure they were meeting our needs and he provided smart, thoughtful suggestions to improve upon our ideas. Dr. Dan’s whole crew was professional, responsive, timely, and truly seemed to enjoy their job. I love the landscaping design and I’m glad I was able to support a local company who delivers what they say they will. I couldn’t be happier. They will be my go to team for future work. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!”

– Morgan Janke, Virginia Beach

“Dr. Dan: OUTSTANDING JOB!!! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! Our experience with Dr. Dan’s was excellent from start to finish. We received a few estimates for our multi-phase project. Dr. Dan’s was not the cheapest, nor the most expensive, but offered the best value for the money. They were very responsive in all communications, and our project manager, Lorraine, had a great vision for transforming our wreck of a back yard into a place where we now rush home to spend time. They installed a drainage system, replaced our old fence with a BEAUTIFUL new one (we have received many compliments from our neighbors), and built two separate patios in our back and side yards. The workers were all very courteous and meticulous in their attention to detail. Lorraine showed great creativity and imagination when we realized that part of our original plan wasn’t going to fit as aesthetically well as we thought. She came up with a different design using the same materials that was much better than what we originally planned. Lorraine was also very quick to notify us and explain any changes to the schedule. Everyone associated with Dr. Dan’s was a superb professional.”

-William R. Poppert, Chesapeake

Frequently Asked Questions About Wood, Vinyl and Ornamental Fencing