The most important considerations when you are ready to buy fencing include the cost of the materials, the ease of installation, the longevity and maintenance associated with different types of fencing materials, and the function and aesthetic of each fencing type. Do not buy fencing before you have researched the function, cost, and maintenance associated with each fencing type, and remember that some fencing materials are easier to work with than others; vinyl fencing, for example, can be somewhat difficult to install because the panels and posts are built to very tight tolerances that cannot be altered or fixed once the fence is in place.
Decide first what kind of fence you need before you buy fencing. Privacy fencing will help enhance privacy throughout a yard, garden fencing keeps animals out of the garden, decorative fencing adds highlights to accent a beautiful yard, and security fencing can keep unwanted guests out of an area. Soundproof fencing can help reduce noise from a nearby roadway. The applications of fencing are varied, so first decide what you need your fence to do for you. Once you have decided, choose the best materials for the application you have settled on. Buy fencing materials that will provide the function you are looking for.
Consider the installation process associated with each type of fencing before you buy fencing material. Vinyl fencing is very attractive and low maintenance, but installing it can be troublesome. The panels and posts must be spaced perfectly to avoid buckling, loosening, or warping in changing weather, and getting the spacing just right can be quite difficult. If you are not up for the task, consider hiring a professional to install the fencing or choose a more accommodating material such as wood. Wood fencing tends to be more expensive, but it can be shimmed or otherwise cut to size on-site, while vinyl fencing panels and posts are prefabricated to a specific size and shape that cannot be altered once it leaves the factory.
Remember that not all fencing material is built to last. Choose high quality materials when you buy fencing to avoid problems after installation. Wooden fencing materials should be pressure-treated to prevent premature rot, mold, or bug infestation. Metal fencing should be protected from rust or corrosion through galvanization or a PVC coating. Remember, too, that the hardware you use to construct your fence is just as important as the fencing materials. Low quality screws and plates will rust faster, allowing panels to loosen or crack.