Chain Link vs Wood Fence | Which Is Best?

A good fence is an investment that pays for itself. You get the benefit of security, privacy (in many cases), and increased home value while also enhancing your home’s aesthetic. But the trick is choosing the right fence. Two of the most popular fencing varieties are chain link and wood, but while these fences serve roughly the same purpose, they couldn’t be more different in their construction and application. When it comes to chain link vs wood fences, you need to ask yourself: what type of fence is best? Is chain link cheaper than wood? 

Let’s break them down one at a time. 

Chain Link 

A residential chain-link fence is an excellent option for numerous reasons. First, it’s one of the most cost-effective fencing types available. So, if you’re on a budget or don’t want to replace chain link fence with wood due to cost concerns, sticking with chain link fencing for your home’s perimeter is the best option. The savings become even greater when you consider the total cost of ownership. After 20 years, many chain-link fences continue to hold strong. 

Chain-link fence maintenance is minimal. You rarely need to do any maintenance to a chain-link fence. Chain-link makes an excellent fence for your High Desert property because it’s not vulnerable to the extreme summer heat, ever-present dust, and occasional snowfall like other fences are. 

Best of all, if you do need to replace a section of your fence at any point, the repairs are incredibly easy to make. So, is chain link cheaper than wood? Typically, yes, when you look at the long-term benefits of installing a chain-link fence. 

Wood 

Wood is the classic American fencing material, and many people still love it for that very reason. It’s clean, it offers ample privacy, and it’s extremely customizable. You can paint your wood fence any color you want. If you live in a rural or suburban area where wood fencing is common (or even preferred by the local HOA), wood may be the way to go. 

But, although wood is the traditional choice, it’s not always the best choice. For starters, chain link is cheaper than wood, and wood requires far more maintenance than other fence types. Because it’s porous, the material is subject to rotting and warping. Ideally, your wood should be resealed on an annual basis, and solid stains should be replaced every four to five years. 

And while wood typically offers more privacy than other fencing materials, the same level of privacy can be achieved with a privacy chain-link fence at a fraction of the cost. So, before you replace your chain link fence with wood, consider your options carefully. 

Chain Link vs Wood Fences: The Verdict

So what type of fence is best? Though each fencing type has its merits, chain link is cheaper than wood and has the edge when you consider ease of maintenance and durability. That’s why it’s preferred by so many of our customers in the High Desert. If you’d like to learn more or schedule your free consultation, give us a call today at (760) 948-2428 or contact us online. We’d be happy to build the fence you’ve been dreaming about.

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