Get matched with top fencing pros in Wrightsville Beach, NC

It is almost always necessary to hire a land surveyor near you to ensure your fence sits on the right side of the property line. Mistaking the shape of your property can lead to fines and costly changes if you have to move or adjust the privacy fence—not to mention some surly looks from your neighbor. We recommend jumpstarting your fence planning in the spring to ensure there is plenty of time to map out your plan before construction season.

The lifespan of a fence can range from 5 to 50 years, depending heavily on the material, local climate, and how well it is maintained. For example, a wooden fence might last 7 to 15 years, while a vinyl fence typically lasts 20 to 30 years. Metal, composite, and glass fences have some of the longest lifespans. Proper maintenance, such as regular cleaning, inspections, and staining or sealing for wood, is key to extending the life of any fence material. Vinyl and composite are durable options that don't require sealing.

Since wood is weaker when installed horizontally versus vertically, a horizontal fence is prone to sagging. You can prevent this drooping from happening by building a sturdier fence. Use softwoods that are more stable, such as cedar and redwood, or denser hardwoods for your fence materials. If you can’t afford these pricey materials, use thicker two-by-six pressure-treated pine boards or shorten the span the fence boards have to cover by installing more posts.

Privacy fences in residential neighborhoods tend to stand between 6 and 8 feet tall, but local building code usually dictates the maximum height. Livestock fences that border large land plots range from 3 to 6 feet. Shorter, decorative fences, which are common in front yards, are around 3 feet tall, on average. Fence height also tends to vary by material, with wood fences usually sitting at 6 feet tall, and chain-link and wrought iron fences tending to sit at half that.