Home Sweet Fence – Discover the Best Residential Fencing Options

Why the Right Fence Transforms Your Property

Residential fencing options have an outsized impact on curb appeal, security and resale value. The right fence protects kids and pets, mutes street noise, and turns an ordinary yard into a private sanctuary.

Quick answer – popular choices and typical New England prices:

• Wood – classic, customizable ($13-19/ft, 15-30 yrs)
• Vinyl – zero-maintenance, color-fast ($25/ft, 25 yrs+)
• Aluminum – rust-proof elegance ($24-32/ft, 25 yrs+)
• Chain Link – budget, pet-safe ($12-14/ft, 20 yrs+)
• Composite – eco-friendly strength ($11-45/ft, 25 yrs+)
• Wrought Iron/Steel – premium security ($28-56/ft, 50 yrs+)

Climate, HOA rules and your day-to-day maintenance tolerance matter as much as looks and price. The guide below pares the choices down to what works best around Exeter, Portsmouth, Manchester and the rest of NH, MA and ME.

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Understanding Residential Fencing Options: The Big Picture

When families from Exeter to Haverhill call Brentwood Fence, they usually ask for the same three things: privacy, durability and fair cost. Good news—there’s a material that checks every box; you just have to match it to your priorities.

MaterialPrivacy$/ftLifespanMaintenanceWood (Cedar/PT)High13-1920-30 yrsModerateVinylHigh2525 yrs+Very LowAluminumMed24-3225 yrs+LowChain LinkLow-Med12-1420 yrs+Very LowCompositeHigh11-4525 yrs+LowWrought Iron/SteelMed28-5650 yrs+Moderate

Why Homeowners Love These Materials

• Security – visible barriers deter trespassers.
• Privacy – 6-ft solid panels turn a yard into an outdoor room.
• Pet & child safety – no chasing balls into Dover traffic.
• Curb appeal – real-estate agents in Manchester report quality fencing recoups 50-75 % of its cost at resale.

Below we skim the pros, cons and ideal uses for each material so you can zero-in on the best fit fast.

Material Showdown – Pros, Cons & Costs You Need to Know

Wood Warriors

Cedar and pressure-treated pine remain the most affordable way to get full privacy. They stain or paint any color and are easy to repair one board at a time. Plan on washing and sealing every 2–3 years.[$13-19/ft · 20-30 yr lifespan]
More info about Wood Fencing Installation Services

Vinyl Virtuosos

Modern vinyl mimics wood grain, shrugs off UV and never needs paint. Pay more up-front, spend nothing on upkeep.
[$25/ft · 25 yrs+]
More info about Vinyl Fencing Installation Services

Metal Masters

• Aluminum – powder-coated, rust-proof, pool-code friendly.
• Steel (wrought-iron look) – strongest option for security or decorative scrollwork.
[$24-56/ft · 25-50 yrs]
More info about Aluminum Fencing Installation Services

Budget & Utility Pick – Chain Link

Fast to install, toughest on dogs, cheapest per foot. Add vinyl-coating or slats for better looks and privacy.
[$12-14/ft · 20 yrs+]
More info about Chain Link Fencing Installation Services

Eco & Modern Alternatives

• Composite – up to 95 % recycled wood/plastic, 25-yr warranties, soap-and-water cleanup.
• Bamboo – ultra-renewable; however natural bamboo lasts just a few winters here, so synthetic bamboo panels are the practical route.
• Fabric screens – inexpensive temporary privacy for patios or construction zones.
Latest research on installation costs

Choosing the Right Fence for Your Yard & Climate

New England weather is no joke—deep frost, salty coastal air and heavy snow. Use this checklist before ordering materials:

1. Privacy goal – 6-ft solid, 4-ft picket, or mixed?  
2. Code limits – check town hall & HOA before purchase.  
3. Soil & slope – rocky ledge in Concord? Posts may need steel sleeves.  
4. Wind & snow load – open designs shed gusts and drift weight better.  
5. Maintenance reality – if you hate staining, choose vinyl, aluminum or composite.

Personalizing Style

• Dark stains make yards feel larger; light colors feel classic.
• Horizontal boards = modern; vertical = traditional/economical.
• Lattice, chevron or mixed wood-and-metal frames add character without big cost.

Climate & Sustainability Snapshot

ChallengeBest ChoicesFreeze-thawPosts 4 ft below grade; vinyl, aluminum, composite panelsCoastal saltAluminum, vinyl, stainless/galv. hardwareHeavy snowAngled or open-top designs; reinforced postsGreen goalsFSC-certified cedar, high-recycled composite, locally milled pine.

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Installation, Regulations & Maintenance Made Easy

Professional installers typically cost 50-70 % of the total budget, but they pull permits, call Dig Safe (811) and warranty the work. DIY can save 40-50 % if you have the time and tools—just remember:

1. Mark utilities 72 hrs in advance.  
2. Posts below frost line—about 4 ft here.  
3. Concrete footings 2–3× post width.  
4. Permits: most NH, MA and ME towns require them for fences over 6 ft or near property lines.  
5. Safety: eye/ear protection, proper lifting and ladder use.

Fast-Track DIY Checklist

Tools: power auger, level, string line, circular saw, drill.
Pace: pros = 100-150 ft/day; DIY = 20-30 ft/day.
Hybrid approach: hire the gate and tricky corners, finish the straight runs yourself.

More info about Expert Fence Install Near You: Guide

Keeping Your Fence Looking New

• Wood – wash yearly, re-stain every 2–3 yrs.
• Vinyl & composite – hose off as needed.
• Aluminum – rinse salt spray, touch-up scratches.
• Chain link – clear vines, tighten fabric, spray exposed steel.

Frequently Asked Questions About Residential Fencing Options

How tall should my fence be for backyard privacy?

Six feet is code-friendly and blocks most sightlines. Add 12-18 in of lattice if you need extra height without a fortress look.

What’s the best no-maintenance material?

Vinyl is the hands-down winner, with aluminum and composite close behind.

Do I need a permit?

Nearly every community in NH, MA and ME requires one for fences over 6 ft or near public ways. Check with your town and HOA before digging.

Conclusion

The best fence is the one that balances budget, beauty and upkeep for your lifestyle. Whether that’s cedar privacy in Derry, vinyl around a Dover pool or aluminum overlooking Portsmouth Harbor, Brentwood Fence can make it happen.

Ready to compare quotes or see samples? Our Exeter-based team serves all of New Hampshire plus nearby Massachusetts and Maine.

More info about residential fencing choices in NH.

Build a fence you’ll love coming home to for decades.