On the Fence? Here's How to Decide.

Last year's mild winter meant that Rick Poppleton started getting calls earlier than usual this spring, but the reasons are always the same: Someone got a new dog and needed an enclosed area for the puppy to play in. Another person couldn't stand looking at a neighbor's mess for a moment longer. Still another wanted to change the look of his yard the way the rest of us change an outfit.

As owner of Alexandria-based Expert Fence, Poppleton has seen and heard it all. Sometimes customers simply want a way to mark their property line. Others immediately will ask for the cheapest fence, or the most expensive. In some ways, Poppleton plays matchmaker for his customers, helping them size up the abundance of fencing products to find just the right one for their needs and budget. "There are so many ways of going at it," he says. "Sometimes I wish there weren't so many styles."

That the options can seem overwhelming even to someone who has been in the business for more than 20 years says a lot about the variety of materials and configurations available. Knowing some basics, however, can help narrow down the type of fencing that might be right for your home.

Chain-link

More often than not, Rick Poppleton of Expert Fence in Alexandria is removing chain-link fences rather than installing them, because most of his customers prefer the white-picket look. These days chain-link is used mostly for commercial applications and in public spaces, such as playgrounds. But if you're looking for durability at a low cost, chain-link fences can't be beat. Approximate cost per foot: $15 for a 4-foot-high fence.

Wood

The two primary types of wood used in the Washington area are natural cedar and pressure-treated yellow pine. Pine is far less expensive because it is grown regionally, though Poppleton warns that it is prone to warping, twisting and shrinking. "The fence can look really bad in a short period of time," he says. Cedar tends to hold up better, though Poppleton doesn't like to use cedar for posts because it doesn't do as well below ground where it's exposed to constant moisture. Pressure-treated wood generally is used for posts. Another advantage to cedar is that it tends to take paint and stains better than pressure-treated pine, says David Wilks, sales manager for Long Fence. Regardless of what type you choose, remember that wood requires regular maintenance unless you leave it alone and allow nature to run its course. Approximate cost per foot: $15 to $20 for a cedar picket fence; $25 for a 6-foot, pressure-treated pine privacy fence; and $30 for a 6-foot cedar privacy fence.

Aluminum

Aluminum is a good choice if you're near the ocean or have a pool. Its light weight makes it ideal for swimming areas, where homeowners often are required to have an outward-swinging gate with a self-closing latch. It's also aesthetically pleasing, lending a more formal look to landscapes at a much lower cost than ornamental steel. "Aluminum is all about looking like ornamental steel," Wilks says. "The advantage is that it doesn't rot." The one drawback is that there are fewer options for customization. Approximate cost per foot: $30 to $40, depending on height.

Vinyl

Anything that wood can do, vinyl can do, too, but with a lot less maintenance. Vinyl can be used for a variety of different fence looks, from picket to privacy to semi-privacy to post-and-rail. Some vinyl fencing even includes ornamental details, such as latticework. The downsides are that vinyl fences can crack and some have a plastic look about them. They're also fairly expensive because they're derived from petroleum products. At current market values, the raw material used to produce them is clearly at a premium. Approximate cost per foot: $35 to $50, depending on height.

Composite

Fencing made from composites, such as those produced by Trex (which includes reclaimed wood and recycled plastic), are attractive and durable. Yet they still require a wood or steel frame because the pieces are so heavy. Poppleton says gates made from composites aren't as reliable as those made from other materials. Also, the composite systems haven't been adapted well for steep terrain. "A lot of the photos you see in the magazines show nice, level yards, but that's probably someplace in Texas, not here where we have a lot of hills," he says. Even though styles currently are limited, composites do have a slight advantage over vinyl in that they're available in dark colors. Vinyl tends to be offered only in white, almond or tan because it can fade, Wilks says. Approximate cost per foot: $40 to $50 for a 6-foot fence.

Ornamental steel

The most formal and elegant of all fencing, ornamental steel conjures romantic images of old mansions and cemeteries. Custom, welded steel is pricey but looks the best. Poppleton says other types of steel fencing with brackets and screws aren't quite as attractive. While strong, secure and long-lasting, steel does require maintenance to keep rust at bay. And forget about privacy with those slender spindles, though they sure do look nice. Approximate cost per foot: $45 to $50 for a basic, 4-foot fence; $50 to $55 for a 6-foot fence; $100 for an elaborate, custom fence.

A few more points to keep in mind as you start shopping for a fence: Know where your property lines are located. It might help to dig out the plat (or property map) that you received when you bought your home. Also, decide on a budget and your primary reason for installing a fence beforehand. That will help your fencing contractor steer you to the appropriate materials within your price range.

Cost can vary depending on the height of the fence, the slope of your property and any obstacles along the fence line, such as existing plantings. Removal of an existing fence might also affect the price.