Texas weather is dramatic, to say the least. One day, you’re dealing with scorching heat, and the next, you’re waiting for a tornado to arrive. So, it’s only natural that you’ll ask what the best fence material is. You want to be sure that whatever Mother Nature throws your way, your brand-new fence will take it in stride.
Whether you’re battling heat and humidity in the east, scorching-hot temperatures in the west, or thunderstorms in the north, here are some of the best fencing materials to consider for your upcoming fence construction project:
Western Red Cedar
There has to be a reason you see so many Western Red Cedar fences across North Texas and surrounding areas. This wood product is the creme de la creme of fencing materials when it comes to withstanding the harsh Texas sun, humidity, and rain.
- Resistant to pests like termites
- Resists moisture and rot
- Doesn’t shrink or warp as much as other wood types
- Naturally attractive aesthetic
- Long lifespan with maintenance
Western Red Cedar is a brilliant option for:
- Board-on-board shadowbox-style fencing
- Board-and-batten for complete privacy
- Side-by-side traditional vertical fences
- Horizontal fences with cedar pickets attached to metal or wood posts
How to Maintain a Western Red Cedar Fence
Like any fence material, Western Red Cedar doesn’t last forever. However, its lifespan reflects the level of care you provide. The more maintenance you perform, the longer the fence will last.
- Annually: Clean the fence with a garden hose and a soft-bristled brush. Use a mild soap solution or deck cleaner to remove any dirt or debris. Clear grass, dirt, and weeds away from the base to prevent damage.
- Every 2-5 years: Apply a penetrating oil-based, semi-transparent stain or wood protector with UV inhibitors. While most fences only require staining every two to five years, fences facing north and west, or with heavy sun exposure, may require more frequent care. Alternatively, you can let the cedar remain untreated to achieve a silver-gray finish.
- Periodically: Check nails, screws, and latches. Use stainless steel, aluminum, or hot-dip galvanized metals to prevent rust and iron stains.
Vinyl/PVC
When low maintenance is your main priority with fence building, look no further than vinyl/PVC. While certainly not as naturally attractive as Western Red Cedar, vinyl and PVC fences are sleek, modern, and, most importantly, easy to look after.
- Don’t absorb moisture
- Pests, such as termites, aren’t interested
- No painting or staining required
- Resilient to adverse weather conditions
Vinyl/PVC materials are compatible with a variety of fence designs:
- Full privacy fences to block views, street noise, and wind
- Semi-privacy fences with slight gaps or alternating boards
- Spindle-top/lattice-top privacy fences with decorative tops
- Picket and ornamental fences
- Specialized and boundary fences
- Low-profile decorative fences
How to Maintain a Vinyl/PVC Fence
Vinyl/PVC fences are low maintenance, but they’re not ‘no’ maintenance. There are a variety of maintenance tasks you should still prioritize to keep your fence in tip-top shape:
- Hosing to remove cobwebs, dust, pollen, and general debris – apply a mild soap solution with a gentle brush or cloth
- Cleaning away grime and mold with a 50/50 mixture of water and white vinegar
- Inspecting the fence for loose posts and post caps, shifting ground, and impact damage
- Keeping string trimmers and lawnmowers away from the base to prevent gouging and scratching
- Trimming shrubs and bushes away from the fence to avoid rubbing
Aluminum
When you live in a state that regularly faces extreme weather, you want a fence that’s largely unaffected. Aluminum ticks that box! Unlike other fence materials, aluminum resists rust, handles bad weather, and requires minimal upkeep.
- Aluminum contains no iron, so it won’t rust when exposed to heavy rain or humidity
- No warping, cracking, or melting under extreme heat
- Powder-coated finishes prevent UV fading
- Open-picket design lets storm winds pass through
- No scraping, painting, staining, or chemical pest treatments
- Classic, beautiful appeal
Many Texas property owners love using aluminum for:
- Two-rail and three-rail fences
- Closer-spaced ‘puppy’ pickets
- Double-picket and double-alternating picket fences
- Extended- and spear-top staggered fences
- Custom fence accents
How to Maintain An Aluminum Fence
If you’re a time-poor homeowner, the minimal maintenance an aluminum fence requires will appeal.
- Occasional cleaning by spraying the fence with a garden hose to remove dust, grass, and debris, followed by warm, soapy water with a soft cloth – working from top to bottom
- Occasional inspection of the powder coating – looking for signs of chips, scratches, and wear
- Sealing minor scratches with touch-up paint
- Occasional inspection of hardware, such as fasteners and moving parts
- Keeping mulch, leaves, soil, and vegetation away from the bottom of the fence to prevent trapped moisture
So, Which Fence Material Should I Choose?
Ultimately, whether you choose to install a Western Red Cedar, vinyl/PVC, aluminum, or another fence material with the help of a fencing contractor depends on a variety of factors, including:
- Your budget: Some materials are more budget-friendly than others
- The weather in your region: Texas is a big state, and the climate varies!
- Your preferences: You might prefer the natural beauty of cedar or the sleekness of vinyl/PVC
- Maintenance: Some materials require painting and staining, while others require simple washing
- Privacy/security: Some fence materials enable light and views, while some are a solid barrier for light, visibility, and noise
Whatever Your Material Preferences, 4-D Construction & Fencing is Your Local Trusted Fencing Contractor
Whether you prefer the contemporary elegance of vinyl/PVC, the resilience and beauty of Western Red Cedar, or the strength of aluminum, 4-D Construction & Fencing in Frisco, Texas, is here to build the fence that best fits your goals and preferences.
Ready to get started? Contact our award-winning fencing specialists for a no-obligation estimate. We’re proud to work with residential and commercial property owners throughout North Texas, including Frisco, Plano, The Colony, Dallas, and beyond.
