Metal or Wood? What’s Better?
It’s the time of year where people begin to plan how to spruce up their outdoor spaces to enjoy in the warmer months. A fence is a great addition to any yard for privacy, increased security (especially for pets), and curb appeal. However, the decision can be made difficult because there are so many options of fencing materials and designs available. The two most popular materials are wood and metal. If you can’t choose between the two, this article from DoItYourself.com might help.
Wood Fence Panels vs Metal Fence Panels
It’s time to put up that fence, but there are so many choices to choose from when it comes to wood fence panels and metal fence panels that it’s hard to make a decision. The below information explores the various pros and cons of choosing wood or metal for your fence panels.
Wood Is Most Popular
You will find that wood, even today, is the most popular choice for fence options. Most fences you come across will be made of wood.
Wood Is Easy
Wood is easy to work with. Wood is mainly worked with using only a hammer and nails. It’s also easy to find. Lumber yards and local home supply shops will carry new wood, or wood can be salvaged from old homes and projects for a different look. Different sizes, different treatments and different looks are available.
Wood Is Eco-friendly
Wood is a natural material, and is renewable. Basically if you want to get down to it, when you are working with wood, you are really working with trees.
Wood Is Not so Durable
Wood is not as durable as metal. Wood will be subject to insects, rot, and old age, making it weak. While there are treatments ad protectants available, wood will eventually fall pray to damage.
Wood Is at Risk from Heavy Weather
Wood can be damaged by any weather if not treated right, but the best treatments cannot protect a wood fence from high winds or heavy snow.
Metal Has Options
There are different kinds of metals you can use for your fence. There is aluminum, wrought iron, and chain link. Each have their benefits, and each have their downfalls.
Metal Can Rust
Most metal materials actually will not rust. The exception is wrought iron, which is prone to rust. Rust will create structural weaknesses over time. Wrought iron must be painted regularly to protect it from rust.
The Look of Metal
Wrought iron is beautiful, very pleasing to the eye. Aluminum gives the look of wrought iron and is also pleasing to the eye, even though it doesn’t give you a wide variety of colors to choose from. Chain link, however, is not so pretty. We’ve all seen chain link and it will never win an award for any designing competition. However, there are chain links that are coated with vinyl in different colors, so it may add a little character to it.
Metal Is Strong
Most metal materials are very strong. Aluminum is the exception. Aluminum is to be seen and not touched. If you are looking for a fence that your kids can touch without worry, aluminum would not be the choice for you. Wrought iron and chain link, however, are very strong and can withstand a lot.
Some Metals Make Better DIY Projects than Others
Choosing the right material is up to you, and if actually installing your fence is something you wish to finish yourself, choosing either aluminum or chain link is the right metal material to go with. Wrought iron should have some soldering done, which makes it a little more complicated on your part.
Hopefully you are feeling more confident in choosing which material is right for you. Weigh out the above information,and just remember that the material needs to do exactly what you are looking for.
Article sourced from: http://www.doityourself.com/stry/wood-fence-panels-vs-metal-fence-panels
