How to choose the right fence materials

There are many options when it comes to fence materials, both natural and man made. So what's best for the fence on your property?

Whether you have money to burn or are on a budget, there are fence materials that are right for your home.

Wooden fences - Perhaps the most common fence material is wood. It is relatively inexpensive, although the cost will vary depending on the type of wood and the complexity of the design, from a simple boundary fence to a charming picket fence. But while easy to install, wood is not particularly durable and will require ongoing maintenance.

Brick and block fences - Brick and block fences are still very popular for modern homes. Although they can be more expensive than timber, when properly built they can last much longer. A plain brick or block fence can look just that - plain - so it might be worth considering applying a stone veneer or combining it with sheet metal or timber.

Steel fences - Strong, durable and easy to maintain, steel is one of the most rigid fence materials available. It can be used in feature panels, solid panels or palings and is great for the security conscious, as steel fences can be made without foot or hand holds, making climbing difficult. As a material for fences, steel is not appropriate for pool areas or coastal homes as salt and chlorine may have a corrosive effect.

Glass fencing - Glass fences are popular for outdoor pool areas and balconies, where it's important not to block the view. Fully frameless glass fencing is mounted onto a wall or embedded in concrete for a completely transparent look, while semi-frameless types require posts. Because of the lack of privacy of glass fences, they are not commonly used for boundary lines.

Composite fences - Composite fencing material is made from plastics. The 'sleeves' and the fence panelling are made from the composite material, which is slipped over wooden posts that have been set into the ground. The composite materials are extremely expensive but very durable, and it's often impossible to tell the difference between a composite fence and a real wooden fence.

Vinyl fences - Hollow vinyl fences can simulate the look of wrought iron, wooden pickets and other materials. Vinyl fencing is easy to install and requires very little maintenance, but it is expensive. Also available is vinyl-coated wood fencing, where the vinyl has been heat applied to the wood so there is no chance of it coming off.

Find materials for timber and glass fencing, as well as vinyl, steel, bricks and other materials at yellowpages.com.au: