Your Complete Guide to Fencing for Privacy and Security

How to Choose the Right Fence Material for Your Property

Whether you’re creating a peaceful backyard sanctuary, keeping pets and kids safe, or protecting your property from unwanted attention, choosing the right fence is one of the smartest investments you can make. At AVO Fence & Supply, you’ll find a wide range of fencing materials, from classic wood and modern vinyl to high-security mesh, designed to balance privacy, strength, and long-lasting performance.

Let’s walk through the best options and how to decide what’s right for your property.

1. Cedar Wood Fencing: Natural Beauty Meets Solid Privacy

Cedar wood fencing has stood the test of time as a top choice for homeowners who want privacy and style. AVO has an extensive selection of cedar lumber and fence materials you can use to build a custom wood privacy fence, tailored to your landscape, needs, and budget.

Why Cedar is Great

• Complete visual privacy: Solid cedar panels block sightlines entirely when built tall enough, making them perfect for backyards and outdoor living spaces.
• Natural resistance: Cedar’s oils help protect it from rot and insects, reducing maintenance compared to untreated pine.
• Aesthetics: Over time, cedar weathers to a beautiful silvery patina that blends naturally into gardens and landscapes.

Keep in mind that cedar needs periodic staining or sealing to maximize longevity. Cedar is best for homeowners who love a classic aesthetic and don’t mind caring for the fence over time.

2. Vinyl Fencing: Low-Maintenance Privacy That Lasts

If you’re seeking maximum privacy with minimal upkeep, vinyl is a standout option.

Why Vinyl Fences Are Popular

• Solid privacy panels: Vinyl privacy fences are designed so boards butt tightly together, eliminating gaps and creating a visual barrier.
• Zero paint or stain: Unlike wood, vinyl won’t rot, warp, or get eaten by insects. Just hose it off occasionally to keep it looking great.
• Durability: Designer vinyl options often include steel reinforcement and UV-resistant finishes for enhanced strength and longevity.

This material is ideal if your top priorities are privacy and low maintenance. Vinyl tends to cost more upfront than wood, but when you factor in no staining, sealing, or frequent repairs, it’s a smart long-term investment.

3. Ornamental Iron & Metal Fencing: Elegant Yet Secure

Maybe you want security first but don’t want to sacrifice curb appeal. AVO carries ornamental steel and aluminum fencing options that blend robust strength with architectural beauty.

What Makes Metal Fences Strong

• Steel and aluminum frames: These metals are rigid and weather-resistant, making them hard to breach or damage.
• Aesthetic flexibility: Ornamental designs, such as Ameristar’s steel and aluminum products, add a decorative element while still defining your property line.

Perfect for front yards, gated entries, or security perimeter fencing where airflow and sightlines are desired. Since traditional ornamental metal fencing isn’t fully solid (like wood or vinyl), you might combine it with plantings or privacy screens to reduce visibility even more.

4. High-Security Fencing: For Maximum Protection

For properties where security, not just privacy, is paramount, AVO’s Security catalog includes high-performance options built with engineered mesh systems like WireWall by Riverdale Mills and other Ameristar security solutions.

What High-Security Fencing Offers

• Anti-climb characteristics: Tight mesh patterns and heavy gauge wire make it extremely difficult to scale or cut through.
• Rigidity and deterrence: These systems are designed for environments where security is critical, such as commercial sites, government facilities, or areas needing maximum perimeter control.
• Customizable configurations: You can often choose heights, coatings, and accessories to suit different risk levels.

This type of fencing isn’t common for residential yards, but for high-security needs, like protecting equipment yards, storage facilities, or sensitive zones, it’s one of the strongest options available in AVO’s product range.

5. Choosing the Right Gate: Secure & Stylish

Whatever fence material you go with, don’t forget the gate! AVO offers gates in the same materials as their fences — wood, vinyl, ornamental, and chain link— and you can customize them for privacy, height, and even security features like key locks or electronic access. Some gate options are built to the same level of security as your fence, with robust hinges and latches to prevent easy entry. This makes them both a functional and aesthetic part of your perimeter.

Tips for Choosing Your Privacy & Security Fence

Here are some practical tips to make your decision even easier:

Height Matters

For maximum privacy, fences are typically built from 6 feet up to 8 feet or more, though local codes often regulate the maximum height without special permits. Always check local rules before you build.

Think About Maintenance

• Wood: Great natural look, if left as is will weather to a silver gray color. Staining/sealing every few years will increase the life expectancy of cedar wood fencing.
• Vinyl: Minimal maintenance; just occasional cleaning.
• Metal: Low maintenance, especially aluminum; steel may benefit from occasional rust checks.

Consider Appearance vs Function

Your fence should fit your home’s style while doing its job. Sometimes adding plants, lighting, or accent features can enhance both security and curb appeal.

Custom Options Help

AVO offers custom cuts and design consultations if your project has unique requirements, whether fitting an oddly shaped yard or incorporating decorative elements.

Choosing the best fence for privacy and security doesn’t have to be overwhelming. AVO Fence’s experts are here to guide you. Whether you prefer the rich, natural appeal of cedar, the fuss-free performance of vinyl, the classic strength of ornamental metal, or the rugged protection of high-security mesh, there’s a solution that fits your goals and budget.

Take time to evaluate your priorities — privacy, maintenance, aesthetics, security level — and pair them with the material that supports them best. With thoughtful planning and quality products, your new fence will not only define your space, it’ll transform it.

AVO Fence & Supply is proud to help New England homeowners and professionals choose fences that provide privacy and security for outdoor spaces. We are the leading supplier of cedar in New England, with locations in Stoughton, Hingham, and Plymouth, MA. Contact us at (781) 341-2963 today!