Pittsburgh Wood Fencing

No matter what kind of house you live in, or what part of the country you are from, very few things make a yard more American than a wood fence. Pittsburgh is home to many such fences, and unless trends change drastically, will still contain many of them for the foreseeable future. While some newer materials have come along that pose viable alternatives to traditional fencing, like sandwiches with french fries in the middle and words like "yinz," there will always be a place for wood fencing in Pittsburgh.

Benefits of a Wood Fence in Pittsburgh
Unlike other fencing options, Pittsburgh wood fences are generally installed more for appearance than for function. In a very dry climate where the seasons aren't extremely marked (L.A. for example), wood fencing has fewer maintenance issues and can easily last a very long time. In an area where there's a lot of moisture in the air and in the ground, and where seasonal changes are quite dramatic like Pittsburgh, wood fences require a whole lot more attention to look their best and to reach their maximum life-span.

No, in Iron City and the surrounding areas, putting in a wood fence is generally an aesthetic, rather than a practical, decision. They look great nearly everywhere and can be especially appealing around other natural building materials such as brick and stone (which, of course, there is no lack of in the great state of PA). Aside from simply marking a property line or keeping your dog from roaming the streets, wood fencing makes a bold, but pleasant and warm, statement when put around a home.

Though outperformed in many technical aspects by materials like vinyl, wood fencing does have certain properties that make it a good choice for your home. First, wood is easy to work with. Many folks even have the tools necessary to repair a wooden fence right in their own homes. Wood fencing also comes in more styles and varieties than other fencing materials. If you want your property to have a specific and unique look, it will most likely be easier to find the style you're searching for made out of wood.

Other Fencing Materials
Other than wood, the most popular fencing materials are metal and vinyl. Vinyl makes a very durable, low-maintenance, and cost-effective fence, but, while modern vinyl fencing looks much better than its predecessors, it has not matched other materials when it comes to curb appeal.

Metal fencing is a rather broad term when you consider the amount of metals available. Aluminum is common and makes a practical, rust-resistant fence. It is not, however, as ornate as other metals. Wrought iron fencing is extremely expensive, quite rare, and very beautiful, but will require a big initial investment and a fair amount of upkeep. If you have a real wrought iron fence (not a mild steel fence, which is a different material that is commonly marketed as wrought iron), it is well worth restoring or maintaining. True wrought iron is extremely valuable and deserves to be taken care of. Other metals like copper or bronze exist but are extremely rare and expensive.

Pittsburgh Wood Fencing Prices
Across the nation, installing a wood fence averages around $3,000. In Pittsburgh, wood fences should be at or around that price, but expect to pay more for large jobs or specialty wood. When comparing prices with other fencing materials, the upkeep and service that will be likely for your wood fence over the next 10 years should be taken into account as well.