Don't Fence Yourself In

The most favored option is pressure-treated lumber (precut members that have been soaked in a chemical preservative). Staining, painting, or sealing the wood will add to its longevity. (Tip: Many home-center stores sell preassembled fence panels. These sections are made in stock sizes and can be secured directly to the posts.)

• Editor's note: Many environmental organizations are calling for a ban on arsenic-based pressure-treated lumber. Look for warning tags, and wear eye and breathing protection when cutting or sanding the wood. The EPA is currently deciding what to do, and lumber manufacturers are looking for an alternate process.
• Ornamental metal: Homeowners searching for security and permanence often prefer this type of fencing. Handcrafted wrought iron once dominated the field, but now prefabricated steel and aluminum sections are also widely available. Less expensive and easier to install, these panels are made with a durable factory-applied finish. Still, the price tag is higher on ornamental metal than on other options.
• Plastic and vinyl: Consisting of PVC plastic, vinyl fencing is manufactured in a wide range of styles and patterns. Because the color is continuous throughout the material, it never needs painting. Likewise, vinyl won't peel, rust, or decay.

For do-it-yourselfers, vinyl fencing can be purchased in kits. It is imperative to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Be prepared to pay twice as much for vinyl as wood.

• Masonry and stone: Consult experienced help for this type of fencing. The complexity of the design is proportional to the cost, yet few materials are more appealing.

Handy Checklist
Unsure about the type and style of enclosure that's right for your home? Then simplify your options by considering the various roles a fence performs.

• Privacy and protection: Establish what you're aiming to keep in--and what should be kept out.
• Maintaining boundaries: Knowing where your property ends and your neighbor's begins can make life easier for both parties. Also remember when selecting a fence that you're not the only one who'll see it on a daily basis.
• Aesthetic needs: If your home represents a particular architectural style, it is important that a new fence reflect this look as well.
• Other concerns: Factors such as noise control and drainage problems can be successfully handled with the correct choice of fencing.