As a dog owner, you understand how invaluable a fence can be. Investing in a fence helps to keep your beloved pet safe while providing the opportunity to spend time outside. Having said that, not every fence is a good option for a pet.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Dog Fence
The first step to choosing a fence should be to seriously consider your dog’s characteristics. Questions to ask yourself might include:
- What size is your dog? Dogs come in every shape and size. Owners with very small dogs may want to be aware of the measurements of gaps between pickets, as their pup has the potential to slip through wider options.
- Does your dog jump frequently? Fence height is important, especially for dogs that have a tendency to jump when excited. Typically, the Fencing and Railing Solutions team recommends a minimum of 6 ft, but shorter fences may be appropriate for smaller dogs.
- Does your dog chew? Some dogs love to chew. While this behavior should always be corrected as it can cause serious damage to their teeth, it’s also important to select a material that can withstand the pressure should an incident occur.
After thinking about what your dog might need from a fence, then you should factor in affordability, durability, and maintenance costs.
What Type Of Fence Is The Most Durable?
Let’s review the most popular fence materials and how they perform when exposed to the elements.
Wood Fences
The natural colors of wood make a beautiful fence. Sadly, wood comes with a variety of weaknesses. Wood absorbs moisture which weakens the boards and makes it susceptible to rot. Insects love to burrow into wood, using it as a food source and a place to call home.
Iron Fences
Iron fences are strong and offer a variety of designs. But over time, when exposed to rain, snow, and ice, iron will rust and corrode.
Aluminum Fences
Aluminum fences can provide the same designs and privacy offered by wood and iron fences but without the issues. Aluminum won’t rot or rust. It’s also not a source of food for any insect. It can handle sun, snow, ice, wind, and rain without weakening.
What Type Of Fence Is The Most Affordable?
There are two ways to answer this question. First, the initial investment can be reviewed, followed by the cost over the lifetime of a fence.
When discussing the initial purchase price of a fence, wood is typically the most affordable option. However, wood won’t last as long as iron or aluminum and will require regular maintenance with potential replacement costs. That’s why at Fencing and Railing Solutions, we believe it’s more important to review the cost over the lifetime of a fence.
Wood and iron fences will require sanding, staining, and painting to keep the fence in prime condition. Even with all of this effort, over time, the fence will degrade.
Aluminum fences have a powder coating that eliminates the need for painting and staining. Since it won’t rot or rust, no upkeep is necessary. A simple wash is enough to keep an aluminum fence looking new for years to come.
Aluminum is by far the most affordable option in the long term and is only slightly more expensive than wood with regard to the initial cost.
Fences Styles That Are Good For Dogs
There is a wide variety of fence section designs that work well for dogs.
Aluminum Slat Fence
When privacy and a visual barrier are desired, a slat fence is the right choice. This fence is a privacy fence with slats that allow airflow. The innovative design is easy to assemble and install.
Residential Aluminum Fence
With dozens of designs to choose from, Residential Aluminum Fence is loved by homeowners and contractors alike. Choose from picket tops and bottoms or flush tops and bottoms, and every option in between.
Questions About Your New Fence? Contact Fencing and Railing Solutions
If you have questions about the quality of the material, how to install your new aluminum fence, or how to clean your new fence, contact us. We can be reached via email at info@railingaluminum.com or call, (610) 466-5482.
Leave A Comment