What is the Longest Lasting Material for Fencing?

precast concrete fence outside of a gated community in California

Some people pick out fencing material based on looks or style. Some want the cheapest option. Many want the longest-lasting material for fencing. After all, who wants to go through the process of building a fence only to need to redo it in a few years? 

If you want the longest-lasting material for fencing, you need to pick precast concrete. Here is a comparison of some of the most popular options.

1. Wood Fence

Wood is a popular option for many. It is classic and matches with a lot of styles. A wood fence is easier for a beginner to install, and it is cheaper than a brick or a stone fence.

Wood does have a lot of potential problems. Wood quickly rots, burns, cracks, and gets eaten by pests. You can expect to do a lot of repairs on a wood fence.

A wood fence will last around 30 years if it is well maintained. This means regular repairs and re-staining. 

It also matters what type of wood is used to build the fence. Thirty years is a reasonable estimate for a cedar fence. Building a fence with lower quality wood, like pine or spruce, will also shorten its lifespan.

2. Chain Link Fence

This is one of the cheapest options to install. It also isn’t very attractive – making it a better option for the unused property.

Its low cost also means that it has the shortest lifespan of all the options. You can expect to have your chain link fence lasts for around 20 years. Just like with wood, the more you care for a chain-link fence, the longer it will last.

3. Vinyl Fence

Vinyl fencing is a more modern option. It isn’t susceptible to pests, rain, or temperature changes. It does tend to yellow in the sun. And it unfortunately just looks cheap and plastic.

While vinyl fencing claims it can last a really long time – more than 30 years, it begins warping from the sun after around 5 years. You don’t need to stain it regularly like wood, and it is easy to clean. 

4. Precast Concrete Fence

We definitely saved the best for last. Precast concrete is easy to install, easy to maintain, and highly adaptable to your needs and wants. 

Need a fence that is tall? At American Precast, we can build them up to 14 feet tall. Want a fence with a unique texture or color? We can add pigment or aggregate into the wet concrete before pouring for long-lasting interest.

And precast concrete is the king if you are looking for a long-lasting fence. Concrete is one of the most durable building materials. There is a reason ancient engineering works, like the Roman Aqueducts, are still standing. They were made using concrete.

You can expect your precast concrete fence to look great for at least 50 years and up to 100 years. 

That is if it is made well. Our precast concrete is built inside in a near-perfect environment. Traditional concrete built outside can weaken when it hardens in too dry, too wet, too hot, or too cold conditions. American Precast Concrete fences are built perfectly – every time. Contact us today to get started.