Wood Fences vs. Iron Fences: Pros and Cons

Pros of Wood Fencing

• Affordability: A wood fence is one of the most affordable options. Its relatively cheap price point depends on quite a few factors, which include the length, height, type of fence, and type of wood being used for the fence construction.

• Durability: though less durable overall compared to iron fencing, wood fences can last for several decades with negligible amounts of maintenance. Of course, its durability will also depend on the amount of care given to it, as well as the proper wood being picked to suit the environment around the fence.

• Installation: Wood fencing is installed without much hassle, and so it is very versatile. It can be designed and prepared to suit a variety of aesthetic styles of a given household.

• Accessories: it doesn’t get much better than wood fences when it comes to adding accessories such as lights, planters, and other kinds of fence decorations. Accessorizing these kinds of fences are as easy as installing some screws with a drill or a screwdriver.

Cons of Wood Fencing

• Rot: One negative point for any wood fence is that it tends to rot, especially when it is used in moist conditions and environments. This moisture can also lead to fence warping, which can be a very concerning issue for those with high wood panels that are used for a sense of privacy. Installing metal posts vs wood posts and choosing the right wood for your fencing as well as staining your fence regularly is key to ensuring that your wood fencing lasts for a long time.

• Maintenance: Another con for wood fences is that they need to be periodically maintained to make sure that they stay in very good shape for at least several decades. Stained fences must be re-stained, and painted fences must be repainted from time to time. Wood maintenance should be performed at least annually.

• Damage: Wood fencing is tough but is still susceptible to damage. Wood fences can be damaged by objects striking them or by vehicles plowing into them. Damage to wood fences can be repaired, or the damaged wood replaced, with relative ease.

Pros of Iron Fencing

• Higher Durability: Iron fences are ideal for fences that are expected to take a beating. Such as farm areas with big livestock or areas impacted with severe weather conditions. With proper and regular maintenance, iron fences can last much longer than wood fences ever could.

• Versatility: Iron fencing blends with many different architectural and landscaping settings. It can be designed to look any way that the client wants it to look.

• Security: As iron is incredibly durable. It’s an excellent choice for security purposes. Adding designs, such as prods, points, and other sharp edges, and it acts as a very effective deterrence to climbing and break-in attempts.

Cons of Iron Fencing

• Expensive: Iron fencing is heavy and dense, and thus it can be especially hard to work with. As a result, its setup and maintenance costs are among the most expensive of all the fencing options available. Expect to pay an installation or maintenance premium due to the extra labor that’s required.

• Arduous Installation: Iron’s heaviness means that requires more effort to effectively anchor the fence into the soil. The weight can make it more difficult to assemble it properly.

• Lack of Privacy: Most iron fence designs are open-designed, and so people can see right through the fencing. While some may prefer that their land or garden is visible, there are ways around this. One solution is to purchase and install special panels that complement the iron fence’s design while still ensuring privacy.

Contact As Good As New for further information on fencing and for any of your fencing needs.