18 Best Residential Fences: Types Installation, Cost, Repair and Maintenance

Residential fencing serves both practical and aesthetic purposes, shaping the security, privacy, and overall look of a property. From traditional wood and decorative vinyl to durable metal and composite options, each fence type offers unique advantages that influence installation, cost, repair, and long-term maintenance. Understanding these factors helps homeowners choose a fence that not only enhances curb appeal but also delivers lasting value and protection.

What is Residential Fencing?

Residential fencing is a structure built to provide security by deterring intruders, creating a barrier, and marking boundaries. It helps keep children and pets safe while adding aesthetic appeal, reducing noise, and improving the comfort of outdoor spaces. With a wide range of options, residential fencing serves both practical and visual needs for homeowners.

Residential fencing is designed around safety, style, and property value. It can serve as a privacy screen, create a defined boundary, and enhance curb appeal, while also contributing to noise reduction and a sense of seclusion. Materials vary widely from bamboo or reed screens and natural plants to wooden panels and mesh giving homeowners the ability to select a style that matches their property and neighborhood.

Why Do People Install Residential Fencing?

People install residential fencing for both practical and aesthetic reasons. At the most basic level, a residential fence provides security by deterring intruders, creates a barrier, and clearly marks property boundaries. Beyond that, residential fencing helps keep children and pets safe, reduces noise, and adds aesthetic value that improves the overall comfort of a home.

For residential properties, fencing is about safety, privacy, and curb appeal. It gives families a secure place to relax, creates a defined outdoor space, and increases property value while matching the style of the home and neighborhood. Residential fencing also supports design flexibility, whether through privacy screens, wooden panels, or natural materials, allowing homeowners to balance protection with appearance.

What are the Most Common Types of Residential Fences?

Residential fences come in many styles and materials, each with its own strengths. Some are designed for security and durability, while others emphasize aesthetics, property value, or creating safe boundaries for children and pets. The types of fences are listed below:

• Split rail residential Fence
• Composite residential Fence
• Lattice residential fence
• Masonry residential fence
• Bamboo residential fence
• Metal residential fence
• Concrete residential fence
• Privacy residential fence
• Shadowbox residential fence
• Electric residential fence
• Glass residential fence
• Pool residential fence
• Post and rail residential fence
• Wire residential fence
• Barbed wire residential fence
• Board on board residential fence
• Cedar residential fence
• Picket residential fence

Residential Split Rail Fence

A split rail residential fence is a fence made from two components: vertical posts and horizontal, rough-hewn rails that fit into pre-drilled holes or a zig-zag interlocking pattern. Characterized by its simple, rugged construction and rustic aesthetic, it's historically used to define property lines and contain livestock but is also popular for its open, natural look in residential settings. Split rail fences are durable, relatively easy to install, and come in natural wood or modern vinyl options.

A residential split rail fence costs vary widely, from roughly $5 to $30 per linear foot, depending on material, number of rails, and labor costs. Cedar is a common and more durable (but pricier) option than pine, with vinyl and metal alternatives available. Key cost factors include the chosen materials, the total length of the fence, the complexity of installation, and potential expenses for site preparation or land surveys.

To install a residential split rail fence, you'll need to mark the fence line, then dig holes for the posts, set and tamp the posts ensuring they are plumb, and finally insert the rails into the post holes, allowing for sufficient overlap. Finally, secure the posts and rails with tamping, and optionally, concrete for gate posts.

Split rail fence maintenance involves regular inspections for damage, replacing loose or rotted rails promptly, cleaning to prevent dirt and mold buildup, and applying a wood preservative or sealant every few years to protect the wood from moisture and UV rays.

Residential Composite Fence

A composite residential fence is a durable, low-maintenance fencing material made from a blend of recycled wood fibers and recycled plastics. It offers a natural wood-like appearance while resisting common issues of wooden fences, such as rot, splintering, insect infestation, and warping. By combining the strength of plastic with the aesthetic of wood, composite fencing provides a long-lasting, environmentally friendly, and aesthetically pleasing alternative for residential properties

Composite residential fence cost includes higher upfront material and installation expenses compared to wood, but its durability, low maintenance, and long lifespan make it a cost-effective investment over time. Factors influencing the price include the fence's height, linear footage, choice of style (picket vs. privacy), the quality of the composite material, installation complexity due to terrain, the need for professional installation, and required accessories like gates.

Composite residential installation involves attaching composite materials—such as for cladding, decking, or fencing—to a prepared structure, typically a subframe of battens or posts, with features like a weather-resistant membrane and ensuring expansion gaps for thermal movement. The process of installation begins with site preparation and subframe installation, followed by the careful attachment of the composite pieces using clips or screws, paying attention to level lines, proper spacing, and finishing touches like corner trims

Doing general maintenance on your composite fencing is simple: you just need to clean it with soapy water, scrub it to remove contaminants, rinse it off, and allow it to dry. But there are situations where you'll need to be more proactive and adjust your maintenance processes.

Residential Lattice Fence

A lattice fence is a fence design that uses a framework of crossed, intersecting strips or panels to create a decorative, open-patterned grid, often with diamond or square openings. It's known for its decorative appeal, functionality as a support for climbing plants, and the ability to add height or a visually softer boundary than a solid fence. Lattice panels can be made from wood, which offers a traditional look but requires maintenance, or from vinyl/plastic, which provides a low-fuss, durable, and weather-resistant option

Lattice residential fence costs vary significantly, but expect to pay between $8 to $20 per linear foot for a standard installation. The price depends heavily on the material (wood, vinyl, bamboo), the style of lattice, and whether you're including labor and installation. Wood is a traditionally popular and budget-friendly option, while vinyl and other materials can offer increased durability at a higher cost

Lattice residential fence costs vary significantly, but expect to pay between $8 and $20 per linear foot for a standard installation. The price depends heavily on the material (wood, vinyl, or metal), the complexity of the design, your property size, and any additional features like gates or posts. Vinyl and metal lattice fences are generally more durable but can be pricier than traditional wood options, while bamboo is a budget-friendly choice. 

With regular maintenance, such as cleaning and applying a protective finish every few years, your cedar lattice fence can last several decades. The exact lifespan will depend on factors like climate and how well it's cared for, but you can expect a durable fence that ages gracefully over time.

Residential Masonry Fence

Masonry fencing is a type of fence that can be made with a variety of materials like brick, cast stone, concrete block, granite, limestone, marble stone or stucco. The chosen materials are then bound together by mortar or as interlocking units.

A bamboo fence offers an eco-friendly, tropical look for screening and light privacy. It’s lighter and less secure than wood or metal. Costs are $10–$25/ft, plan on sealing and periodic panel replacement over a 7–15 year lifespan.

Residential Metal Fence

A metal residential fence is a durable, secure barrier made from steel, aluminum, or wrought iron, offering high security, low maintenance, and a variety of aesthetic styles to define property boundaries and enhance curb appeal. Popular designs include classic tubular styles, modern flat panels, and decorative woven steel fences, all providing a long-lasting, weather-resistant alternative to wood and vinyl fencing

Metal fence cost ranges from $6 per foot (chain-link) to over $85 per foot (wrought iron), with total projects often costing $3,000–$8,000 or more for a typical 100 ft fence. Key factors are the type of metal, such as aluminum, steel, or wrought iron, material quality and height, the design complexity, and labor and installation costs.

Residential Concrete Fence

A concrete residential fence is a durable and low-maintenance barrier for security, privacy, and aesthetics, made from concrete blocks or panels supported by steel-reinforced posts. It offers longevity, excellent noise reduction, and customization options to mimic other materials like brick or stone, though it can be a significant upfront investment. Concrete fences provide a strong, secure boundary against pests and weather, lasting for decades with proper installation.

A concrete residential fence's cost depends on linear meterage, panel design, post requirements, and installation. While materials and labor can range from $53 to $128+ per linear foot, additional costs for old fence removal, delivery, and site preparation also factor in. Precast panels are a cost-effective, quick solution, while custom concrete or poured fences may have higher labor costs. 

Residential Privacy Fence

A privacy fence is a solid barrier, typically 6-8 feet tall, designed to block visibility and noise from your property, creating a private, enclosed space. Unlike standard fences with gaps, a privacy fence features solid panel construction, providing seclusion and security from neighbors and passersby. Materials like wood, vinyl, or composite can be used, offering benefits such as increased property security, noise reduction, and a boost to curb appeal. 

A residential privacy fence generally costs $20 to $60 per linear foot, but this can vary significantly based on material choice, fence height, site preparation, and labor costs. Key factors that influence the final price include using wood, vinyl, or other materials, as well as the length and height of the fence. You may also incur additional costs for installing gates, obtaining permits, and dealing with challenging terrain like hills or rocky ground. 

Residential Shadowbox Fence

A Shadowbox fence is a semi-private fence type where pickets are attached alternately to opposite sides of the fence rails, creating gaps on both sides that are covered by the opposing pickets. This "shadow box" effect allows for some air and light to pass through, providing more ventilation and less of a solid barrier than a traditional privacy fence, while also offering a visually appealing, balanced look from both sides of the property. It's a popular choice for homeowners who want both functionality and a unique, aesthetically pleasing design

shadowbox provides semi-private fence style where pickets alternate on each side of the fence rails, creating gaps that allow light and air to pass while maintaining privacy. Also known as a "good neighbor fence," it's visually appealing from both sides, offering better airflow and wind resistance than solid fences. While not 100% private, it's a stylish, functional, and customizable option for homes, available in vertical or horizontal arrangements with various tops and wood types like cedar, redwood, or pressure-treated pine.  

A shadowbox fence costs between $10 to $40 per linear foot, including materials and labor, with variations depending on material (treated wood is cheapest, cedar and vinyl are more expensive), fence height, and location. Expect to pay around $10-$15/ft for treated wood, $20-$23/ft for cedar, and $27-$40/ft for vinyl. The final price is influenced by regional labor costs, site preparation needs, and the overall complexity of the design and installation

Residential Electric Fence

An electric residential fence deters intruders or animals by providing a mild, non-lethal shock when they touch the fence wires. It works by using an energizer to send pulses through a system of fence wires supported by posts and insulators. When someone or something conductive touches a live wire, it creates a complete circuit back to the ground, allowing the pulse to pass through them and deliver a startling but harmless shock.

An electric residential fence costs roughly $10 to $40 per linear foot, including materials and installation, with the total price depending on fence length, the quality of the energizer, wire strands, and local installation complexity. Key factors affecting cost are the energizer's power, the fence's total length, and the type and number of wire strands.

Regular cleaning of fence wires is important to keep your electric fence working. To ensure safety during the cleaning process, start by turning off the lights on the grill. Use a brush or soft cloth to remove any accumulated dirt, debris, or grass from the cords. Check the wiring for signs or damage while cleaning.

Residential Glass Fence

A glass fence (tempered or laminated) delivers safety with unobstructed views, common around pools and decks. It’s a premium, modern look rather than a high-security solution. Costs are $90–$150/ft, maintenance is mainly cleaning and hardware inspection.

Residential Pool Fence

A pool fence encloses water areas to meet safety codes and reduce liability. Materials include aluminum, vinyl, glass, or mesh. Costs run $15–$40/ft, with 15–25 years of life and code-focused maintenance on gates and latches.

Residential Post and Rail Fence

A post and rail fence uses wide-spaced rails for affordable, open boundaries. It’s ideal for large lots and light containment. Expect $10–$25/ft, 10–20 years of service, and occasional rail/post replacement.

Residential Wire Fence

A wire fence (welded, woven, or chain link) provides practical, low-cost containment for pets, gardens, and boundaries. It favors function over privacy. Costs are $2–$8/ft, lifespan is 10–20+ years with periodic tensioning and rust control.

Residential Barbed Wire Fence

A barbed wire fence deters crossing with sharp barbs and is common on large rural properties. It prioritizes coverage and deterrence over aesthetics. Costs are $1.50–$5/ft, with a 15–25 year lifespan and routine checks for sagging or rust.

Residential Board on Fence

A board on board fence overlaps vertical boards for complete privacy and a sturdy, premium look. It eliminates gaps better than standard stockade styles. Costs are $20–$35/ft, lifespan is 15–25+ years with regular sealing.

Residential Cedar Fence

A cedar fence offers natural beauty, insect resistance, and better rot tolerance than many woods. It balances privacy, durability, and curb appeal. Expect $18–$30/ft, 20–30 years of life, and periodic staining or sealing.

Residential Picket Fence

A picket fence defines front yards with classic style and modest containment. It emphasizes charm over full privacy or heavy security. Costs are $10–$25/ft, wood requires painting or staining, while vinyl is largely maintenance-free.

How to Choose the Right Residential Fence in Dallas, Texas?

To choose the right residential fence in Dallas, Texas, homeowners need to balance privacy, security, style, budget, and durability. Solid styles like board-on-board wood, masonry, or concrete provide strong privacy, while cedar, picket, or lattice add curb appeal. For affordability, split rail or chain link work well, and for low maintenance, composite, vinyl, or metal are the best options.

In Dallas, Titan Fence offers a wide range of residential fencing solutions, from wood and metal to custom designs, with both manufacturer and workmanship warranties. Their approach highlights what to look for in a contractor, quality materials, professional installation, and guidance to ensure the fence fits your home and lifestyle.