Choosing a fence
Cedar, steel, vinyl or chain link: choosing a fence for a Fraser Valley yard
Four materials, four very different fences. Here is how to match privacy, looks, upkeep and budget to the way you actually use your yard.
Abbey Cedar Products 2 min read
Most people start with a picture of the fence they like. That is a good start, but the right fence also depends on what the fence has to do: keep a dog in, block a neighbour's window, frame a garden, or mark a long property line on an acreage.
Here is a plain comparison of the four materials we build with most.
Western Red Cedar
Cedar is the classic Fraser Valley fence. It is warm, it suits almost any house, and it can be built in many styles: solid privacy, lattice top, slat top, horizontal boards or picket.
- Good for: full privacy, gardens, front yards, matching gates and arbours
- Upkeep: keep plants and soil off the boards, and stain or seal every few years if you want to keep the colour
- Flexible: custom heights and widths are easy because panels can be built to size
See our cedar fence panels.
Cedar and steel
Cedar posts and frames with black corrugated steel in between. You get the warmth of wood around the edges and a clean, modern panel that does not need staining.
- Good for: newer homes, side yards, driveways with matching gates
- Upkeep: only the cedar parts need attention
See the cedar-framed steel fence.
All-steel privacy
Steel panels on steel posts. Very low upkeep and a crisp line around a new lawn.
- Good for: full privacy with almost no maintenance
- Think about: the look is more modern and less natural than cedar
Vinyl
Vinyl never needs paint or stain and comes in white, tan and grey, in privacy, semi-privacy, picket and ranch-rail styles.
- Good for: a clean, bright look and very little maintenance
- Think about: colour choice is limited compared with stained wood
Chain link
The practical choice for long runs, dog runs, acreages and commercial sites. Vinyl-coated mesh in black, green or brown blends in better than plain galvanized, and privacy slats can be added.
A quick way to decide
- Write down the one job the fence must do (privacy, pets, security, looks).
- Decide how much upkeep you are happy with.
- Look at photos of real fences in our gallery and note what you like.
- Ask for a quote on one or two options so you can compare.
Not sure? Send us the length, height and style you are considering and we will suggest options.
