Comparing the Most Popular Fence Options for Sioux Falls & South Dakota Homeowners
Choosing a new fence is about much more than simply picking a material.
Every fence has its own strengths, maintenance requirements, appearance, lifespan, and price point. The best choice depends on how you plan to use your property, your budget, and how much maintenance you’re willing to do over the years.
At Babb Custom Deck & Fence, we believe the cheapest option isn’t always the best value—and the most expensive option isn’t always necessary. Our goal is to help homeowners understand the advantages and trade-offs of each fencing material so they can make the right decision for their home.
Let’s compare the five fence types we install most often.
1. Western Red Cedar
Timeless Beauty with Natural Character
Western Red Cedar remains our favorite wood fence material—and for good reason.
It offers a warm, natural appearance that simply can’t be replicated by manufactured materials. Whether you choose a traditional privacy fence, a picture-frame design, or a modern horizontal fence, cedar creates a classic look that complements almost any home.
Pros
✔ Beautiful natural appearance
✔ Naturally resistant to insects and decay
✔ Highly customizable
✔ Can be stained or left to weather naturally
✔ Excellent privacy
✔ Adds warmth and character to your property
Cons
✘ Requires periodic staining or sealing to maintain its original color
✘ Higher maintenance than vinyl or composite
✘ Higher upfront investment than chain link
Best For
- Homeowners who appreciate natural wood
- Privacy fencing
- Custom fence designs
- Homes where curb appeal is a priority
2. Black Vinyl-Coated Chain Link
Affordable, Practical, and Durable
Today’s black vinyl-coated chain link fences are a significant improvement over the bright galvanized chain link fences of the past.
The black finish blends into the landscape, making the fence less noticeable while providing a practical and cost-effective solution.
Pros
✔ Lowest upfront cost
✔ Extremely durable
✔ Very low maintenance
✔ Excellent for pets
✔ Great for large yards
✔ Doesn’t block views
Cons
✘ Minimal privacy
✘ More functional than decorative
✘ Doesn’t significantly reduce noise or wind
Best For
- Pet owners
- Large backyards
- Budget-conscious homeowners
- Property boundaries
3. Vinyl Fence
Clean Appearance with Minimal Maintenance
Vinyl fencing has become increasingly popular among homeowners looking for long-term convenience.
Unlike wood, vinyl won’t need staining or painting, making it a favorite for those wanting a clean appearance with very little upkeep.
Pros
✔ Very low maintenance
✔ Never needs painting or staining
✔ Won’t rot or attract insects
✔ Consistent appearance
✔ Available in multiple colors and styles
✔ Excellent privacy options
Cons
✘ Higher upfront investment than wood or chain link
✘ Less customizable than cedar
✘ Lower-quality vinyl products can become brittle over time, especially during harsh winters
Best For
- Busy homeowners
- Long-term ownership
- Low-maintenance lifestyles
- Privacy fencing
4. Ornamental Iron (Steel or Aluminum)
Elegant, Strong, and Built to Last
Ornamental fencing is an excellent choice when you want security and curb appeal without closing off your property.
Despite the name, many modern ornamental fences are made from powder-coated steel or aluminum for exceptional durability and low maintenance.
Pros
✔ Elegant appearance
✔ Extremely durable
✔ Excellent visibility
✔ Low maintenance
✔ Ideal around pools
✔ Enhances property value
Cons
✘ Provides little privacy
✘ Higher upfront investment
✘ Not ideal if your primary goal is keeping your backyard secluded
Best For
- Front yards
- Pool enclosures
- Decorative fencing
- Homes with scenic views
5. Composite Fence
Premium Privacy with Minimal Maintenance
Composite fencing combines recycled wood fibers and synthetic materials to create a fence that delivers the appearance of wood without the ongoing maintenance.
For homeowners seeking a premium, long-lasting privacy fence, composite is an outstanding option.
Pros
✔ Extremely low maintenance
✔ Won’t rot or warp
✔ Resistant to insects
✔ Excellent privacy
✔ Outstanding long-term durability
✔ Beautiful, consistent appearance
Cons
✘ Highest upfront investment
✘ Fewer style options than custom cedar
✘ Premium product with premium pricing
Best For
- Long-term homeowners
- Luxury outdoor living spaces
- Low-maintenance lifestyles
- Modern homes
Comparing Your Options
| Fence Type | Upfront Cost | Maintenance | Privacy | Curb Appeal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Red Cedar | Moderate | Moderate | Excellent | Excellent |
| Black Vinyl-Coated Chain Link | Low | Very Low | Low | Good |
| Vinyl | Moderate to High | Very Low | Excellent | Very Good |
| Ornamental Iron | High | Low | Low | Excellent |
| Composite | Highest | Very Low | Excellent | Outstanding |
Don’t Focus Only on the Initial Price
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is comparing fence quotes based solely on the upfront cost.
A lower-priced fence may seem like the better deal today—but what will it cost you over the next 10, 15, or 20 years?
Think about:
- Maintenance
- Repairs
- Staining or painting
- Replacement boards
- Appearance over time
Sometimes spending a little more upfront saves thousands of dollars—and countless hours of maintenance—in the years ahead.
The Cheapest Fence Isn’t Always the Least Expensive
We often tell homeowners:
“Why go with the cheap when, in the long run, the good costs less?”
A quality fence doesn’t just last longer.
It continues to:
- Look better
- Function better
- Add value to your property
- Enhance your enjoyment of your outdoor space
That’s real value.
Which Fence Do We Recommend?
There isn’t a single “best” fence.
There’s only the fence that’s best for your property and your priorities.
If you value:
Natural beauty and customization?
Choose Western Red Cedar.
Affordability and practicality?
Black vinyl-coated chain link is hard to beat.
Low maintenance with excellent privacy?
Consider Vinyl.
Elegant appearance and open views?
Ornamental iron is an outstanding choice.
Premium durability with almost no maintenance?
Composite fencing delivers exceptional long-term value.
Final Thoughts
The best fence isn’t necessarily the cheapest or the most expensive.
It’s the one that fits:
- Your lifestyle
- Your property
- Your maintenance expectations
- Your long-term goals
At Babb Custom Deck & Fence, we take the time to understand how you’ll use your yard before recommending a fence. That way, you invest in something you’ll enjoy for years to come.
Because a quality fence isn’t just about defining your property line.
It’s about protecting what matters most.
Protecting Your Pools. Pets. Privacy.
And building something that lasts.
Let’s Find the Right Fence for Your Home
Whether you’re looking for the timeless beauty of Western Red Cedar, the practicality of chain link, the convenience of vinyl, the elegance of ornamental iron, or the premium durability of composite, we’re here to help.
Contact Babb Custom Deck & Fence today to schedule a consultation and discover which fence is the perfect fit for your property and your lifestyle.