There are several types of lumber that make for beautiful and long-lasting wooden fences. A general rule of thumb is to make sure your fence blends in well with your home or office style, and compliments the other properties in your neighborhood. We see a lot of red cedar fencing in Van Nuys and around the Valley. Keep in mind that whichever type of wood you choose, make sure it is rot-resistant to prevent it from deteriorating over time. Using pressure-treated wood, staining and painting the fence will help it last for many years.

Pressure-Treated Pine – perhaps the most common wood used for fencing as it is both affordable and easy to work with. Although it is less durable than some of the harder woods, with regular maintenance it can last for many years.

Western Red Cedar – one of the most stable woods, red cedar has all of the character you want in a classic yet modern fence. It has oils that naturally resist the effects of Mother Nature, ages beautifully and can last up to 20 years or more with diligent care. The rich texture and knots truly bring out the warm personality of this easy to work with and vibrant colored choice for your fence. It’s easy to cut and stain, and is sustainable. Red cedar has little impact on the environment compared to other options like vinyl. We love working with it so much that it’s the featured in our wooden fencing gallery you can discover here!

Redwood – redwood fencing is a high end choice for fencing in So Cal. It is in the cedar family, but is very scarce cedar. It is also costs a bit more, and many believe it’s worth it. It has a natural, rustic charm you won’t find in many types of wood. Redwood has a deep, rich red color that looks fantastic. And, it also is naturally resistant to bugs and nature.

A wooden privacy fence, whether a purely split rail or picket fence or as part of a fence gate system can add to your home’s beauty and security. They typically last around 15-20 years, and with diligent maintenance and upkeep residential wood fencing can last for many decades.

Dry Rot stinks! Rotting occurs when a wooden fence loses its natural oils on the surface.  Wet Rot. Using pressure treated lumber, proper staining, cleaning, and installing correctly in the beginning goes a long way to prevent your wooden fence for rotting out. If you see rotting, replace those materials as soon as you are able.

After securing and covering everything in the environment around your fence; driveway, bushes, kids, etc., apply an industry approved fence cleaning solution. Most retailers carry them in stock and they are fairly inexpensive. Also add a wood preservative to seal your fence to prevent rotting.

Wrought iron, like steel, will last a lifetime when maintained correctly although it requires little maintenance. Wrought iron fences can be stylish and ornate while providing the best security for your home or office fencing in Sherman Oaks. Wrought iron security fences are the style many of our clients prefer because they secure and enhance the property they protect.

Chain Link fencing is the most cost effective choice for privacy or security fencing and is sturdy with little maintenance needed. It is the most popular fencing option you’ll see around your community whether at schools, complexes – almost everywhere. This makes chain link fencing a flexible solution, and paired with barbed wire can provide a formidable security solution for business or industry. However, they can easily be seen through, so the privacy factor isn’t the best. They are also fairly easy to scale or climb over, so other metal fences like aluminum, iron, or steel are preferred by residential homeowners.

Aluminum fencing will generally be a bit cheaper than wooden options, but not by much. Aluminum fence costs vs wood fencing are about equal for the materials. However, wooden fencing is more labor intensive, so the costs for labor will be higher on average.

Aluminum does not rust like other metals such as iron. Aluminum fencing properly maintained can last a lifetime.

Steel fencing is more sturdy than aluminum, but aluminum is more environmentally friendly. They can be recycled and leave less of a footprint. Steel fencing is a better option for commercial and industrial usage due to its superior strength. Many of our commercial fencing projects are constructed of steel, and are still pleasing to look at.

Steel fencing is the strongest type of metal fencing for both residential and commercial applications. It is heavy and virtually unaffected by the environment. Galvanized steel; hot dipped with powder coating are among the most attractive and safe fences we install for clients in Sherman Oaks. They lend themselves well to more ornate designs without compromising safety and privacy. Due to their heavier weight, steel fences are more labor intensive to install. They can last for many decades.

Generally speaking, metal fences with a galvanized finish doesn’t rust or break down. Whether aluminum or steel, when galvanized they can last for generations with little maintenance needed.

The most durable fencing materials aside from the more durable wooden options is vinyl. It is very durable, resistant to the elements, and will last for many years if maintained.

Vinyl fencing lasts longer than wood as it is synthetic, needs little maintenance, and isn’t subject to Mother Nature. A talented fence contractor like OT Gates and Fence Repair can craft a vinyl fence solution that looks as good (and sometimes better) than wood fence designs.

At OT Gates and Fence Repair, our fence repair service in Sherman Oaks is fast, affordable, and efficient. We are one of the few companies who actually stand by and guarantee our Same Day Service. Time is our most valuable resource, and we will not waste it. We are always  striving to provide commercial and residential fencing solutions that are visually beautiful, but also built to handle San Fernando Valley heatwaves, and rain storms. And, they will keep your loved ones in and intruders out. Your fence contractor practices safety first, we can discuss the best way way to solve your fencing issues over the phone before we begin.