Types

• Fencing can be made from wrought iron, aluminum, wood, vinyl, vinyl composite, chain link, barbed wire or chicken wire.
  
  

Features

• Wrought iron gives the property a very formal look, as does aluminum. They both feature decorative scrolls. Wood is used for a variety of fence styles such as picket, post and rail and stockade. Vinyl and vinyl composite have the same styles as wood but require less maintenance. Chain link is one of the most economical. Barbed wire is not a good choice for home use, and chicken wire is cheap and quick to put together.
  
  

Functions

• Wrought iron fencing is used as a decorative accent in the front of homes. Aluminum fencing is a good choice for a security fence. Wood, vinyl and vinyl composite fencing have different functions depending on the style. Stockade is used as privacy fencing; picket is used with a gate around a front lawn. Post and rail can be used like a picket fence, or it can be used to contain livestock. Chain link can have decorative vinyl strips woven through to make it a good privacy fence as well. Chicken wire is used mostly on farms.
  
  

Considerations

• Cost is one big consideration as in the amount of maintenance. Vinyl and vinyl composites require the least maintenance. Wood will need to be replaced or repaired more frequently. The wire types will last long but will need to be painted and protected against rust.
  
  

Effects

• The effects will depend on the materials and style of fencing. It can be purely decorative or provide security. One effect all fencing has is to increase the value of the property.