Vinyl and aluminum fences are your long-term safest fences for children.

A classic choice, a wooden fence is ideal for your dog run, especially if your dog tends to bark or growl at passers-by. 

Cedar, the king of backyard privacy fencing, is known for its long-lasting good looks—tight grain, fewer knots, and a desirable red hue—and its promise never to warp or shrink. One issue, cedar fence installation cost is quite high. So that's something you'll want to consider.

While a good quality stain alone is sufficient to protect your fence from everyday wear-and-tear, applying a durable sealant over the stain can prolong the finish—and the life of your fence. For best results, apply a single coat of clear, weatherproof sealant by brush, roller, or sprayer. Qualified fence contractors will be happy to discuss followup maintenance options for you going forward after your initial installation.

Generally, the two most durable and long-lasting fencing materials include wrought iron and steel fencing. Steel is a little more common on residential properties due to the fact that it is lighter and more versatile than wrought iron. Still, steel fencing can be extremely heavy and durable as a result. That said, vinyl fences and wood fences, when installed correctly by experienced fence contractors, can last as long as you would ever want a fence to last. 

The cheapest fence to install is a chain link fence. They need very little work to set them up, and the material itself isn't expensive. On/off ground rails would be more expensive because they require digging holes for each post as well as setting those posts in concrete. If you are looking for more aesthetic value with pre-made panels, wood would be the most expensive.

Vinyl fencing is typically more expensive to install, but less expensive when considering the long-term investment. Wood fencing is cheaper initially; however for vinyl fences maintenance and repair costs are very minimal compared to wood (no painting or staining). While wood fences require occasional painting and staining, which can add up in labor and materials. They're also more likely to rot or require boards to be replaced. Vinyl will never rot, but it will need a good washing every couple of years.

Vinyl fencing typically lasts the lifetime of a home. If properly cared for, you can expect vinyl to last about 30 years.

Yes, absolutely. When you use water for vinyl fencing, make sure to avoid the gate and railings and turn off any automatic/electric gates (this does not apply if your fence is a non-powered variety).

There are many reasons why homeowners choose vinyl fences, but vinyl isn't perfect. The cons include:

Installation Cost: Vinyl fences are considerably more expensive than wood fences or chain link fences.

Vinyl is Plastic: More often than not, a wood fence is the better option for homeowners looking for a natural and authentic look. Vinyl fencing can't handle high levels of heat and direct sunlight as it will begin to warp and lose its color/luster. In addition, unfortunately vinyl fencing cannot be stained to achieve a more antiqued appearance.

Costly to Repair: Unfortunately, vinyl fences are considerably more costly to repair than a standard wood fence. Vinyl fencing, unlike wood or chain link, cannot be repaired using basic tools such as a brad/staple gun and plain nails. Repairs require special equipment. On the flip side, they don't need to be repaired as often.