Comparing the Most Popular Fence Options for South Dakota Homeowners
Installing a new fence is one of the best investments you can make in your home. A quality fence provides security, privacy, curb appeal, and creates an outdoor space your family can enjoy for years.
But with so many materials available, one question comes up again and again:
“Which fence is right for me?”
The answer depends on your priorities.
Are you looking for natural beauty? Low maintenance? Maximum privacy? A budget-friendly solution? Or perhaps something that combines all of those?
At Babb Custom Deck & Fence, we help homeowners throughout Sioux Falls and the surrounding communities compare their options and choose the fence that best fits their lifestyle, property, and budget.
Let’s take a look at the five most popular fence materials we install.
1. Western Red Cedar
The Timeless Classic
For homeowners who appreciate the beauty of real wood, Western Red Cedar remains one of the best fencing materials available.
It’s our preferred wood fencing option because of its natural durability, attractive appearance, and ability to be customized in countless ways.
Whether you prefer a traditional privacy fence, a capped design, picture-frame trim, or a modern horizontal fence, Western Red Cedar offers unmatched versatility.
Pros
✔ Beautiful natural appearance
✔ Naturally resistant to insects and decay
✔ Excellent privacy
✔ Highly customizable
✔ Can be stained or left to weather naturally
✔ Warm, timeless character
Cons
✘ Requires periodic staining or sealing if you want to preserve its original color
✘ Higher maintenance than vinyl or composite
✘ Moderate upfront investment
Best For
- Privacy
- Custom fence designs
- Homeowners who value natural materials
- Long-term curb appeal
2. Black Vinyl-Coated Chain Link
Practical, Affordable, and Durable
Chain link fencing has come a long way.
Today’s black vinyl-coated chain link blends into the landscape far better than traditional galvanized fencing, making it a clean and practical option for many homeowners.
While it doesn’t provide privacy, it offers outstanding durability and value.
Pros
✔ Lowest upfront cost
✔ Extremely durable
✔ Very low maintenance
✔ Excellent for pets
✔ Great for large yards
✔ Doesn’t block views
Cons
✘ Little to no privacy
✘ More functional than decorative
✘ Doesn’t reduce wind or noise
Best For
- Pet owners
- Large backyards
- Budget-conscious homeowners
- Property boundaries
3. Vinyl Privacy Fence
Low Maintenance and Clean Appearance
Vinyl fencing has become increasingly popular because homeowners love how little maintenance it requires.
Unlike wood, vinyl doesn’t require staining, painting, or sealing.
A simple cleaning every so often is generally all it needs.
Pros
✔ Extremely low maintenance
✔ Never needs painting or staining
✔ Won’t rot
✔ Resistant to insects
✔ Excellent privacy
✔ Consistent appearance year after year
Cons
✘ Higher upfront cost than chain link
✘ Less customizable than wood
✘ Lower-quality vinyl products can become brittle in extreme cold
Best For
- Busy homeowners
- Families wanting privacy
- Long-term ownership
- Low-maintenance lifestyles
4. Ornamental Iron
Elegant, Open, and Built to Last
Despite the name, today’s ornamental fences are commonly manufactured from powder-coated steel or aluminum.
These fences provide excellent security while maintaining open views, making them popular around pools, front yards, and decorative landscapes.
Pros
✔ Elegant appearance
✔ Excellent curb appeal
✔ Extremely durable
✔ Low maintenance
✔ Doesn’t block views
✔ Adds value to your property
Cons
✘ Limited privacy
✘ Higher upfront investment
✘ Doesn’t provide wind protection
Best For
- Front yards
- Pool enclosures
- Decorative landscaping
- Homes with scenic views
5. Composite Fence
Premium Performance with Minimal Maintenance
Composite fencing combines recycled wood fibers and modern polymers to create one of the most durable privacy fence options available.
It offers the appearance of wood without many of the maintenance requirements.
Pros
✔ Extremely low maintenance
✔ Won’t rot
✔ Resistant to insects
✔ Doesn’t warp like traditional wood
✔ Outstanding privacy
✔ Long-lasting appearance
Cons
✘ Highest upfront investment
✘ Fewer customization options than cedar
✘ Premium material comes with premium pricing
Best For
- Luxury homes
- Long-term homeowners
- Premium outdoor living spaces
- Homeowners wanting minimal maintenance
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fence Material | Upfront Cost | Maintenance | Privacy | Curb Appeal | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Red Cedar | $$ | Moderate | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Excellent |
| Black Vinyl-Coated Chain Link | $ | Very Low | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | Excellent |
| Vinyl Privacy | $$$ | Very Low | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | Excellent |
| Ornamental Iron | $$$ | Low | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | Excellent |
| Composite | $$$$ | Very Low | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Outstanding |
Think Beyond the Initial Price
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is focusing only on the initial quote.
Instead, ask yourself:
- How will this fence look in 10 years?
- How much maintenance will it require?
- Will I enjoy taking care of it?
- Will it fit the style of my home?
- How important is privacy?
- Do I have children or pets?
- Am I planning to stay in this home for many years?
The least expensive fence today isn’t always the least expensive over its lifetime.
Maintenance, repairs, and long-term durability all contribute to the true cost of ownership.
Why Material Quality Matters
Not all fences made from the same material are equal.
For example:
- Not all cedar is Western Red Cedar.
- Not all vinyl products have the same wall thickness or UV protection.
- Powder coating quality varies between ornamental fence manufacturers.
- Composite products differ significantly in color stability and durability.
A fence may look similar on installation day, but quality materials often look much better years later.
That’s why we focus on products we trust to perform in South Dakota’s demanding climate.
Which Fence Should You Choose?
If you love the warmth and character of natural wood…
Western Red Cedar is hard to beat.
If you’re looking for the most affordable way to safely contain children or pets…
Black vinyl-coated chain link offers tremendous value.
If you want privacy without the ongoing maintenance…
Vinyl Privacy is an excellent choice.
If your priority is elegance and open views…
Ornamental Iron provides timeless style.
And if you’re looking for a premium privacy fence with outstanding durability and minimal upkeep…
Composite fencing may be your best long-term investment.
Our Philosophy at Babb Custom Deck & Fence
There isn’t one “best” fence for everyone.
There is only the fence that’s best for your home, your family, and your lifestyle.
That’s why we spend time understanding your goals before recommending a material.
Whether your priority is:
- Protecting pets
- Creating privacy
- Enhancing curb appeal
- Reducing maintenance
- Maximizing long-term value
We’ll help you compare your options and make an informed decision.
Final Thoughts
Every fence has strengths.
Every fence has trade-offs.
Understanding those differences allows you to choose a fence you’ll continue to appreciate long after installation.
After all, a fence isn’t just a property line.
It’s an investment in your home, your family, and your outdoor lifestyle.
At Babb Custom Deck & Fence, we’re committed to helping homeowners build fences that are not only beautiful today—but built to last for generations.
Let’s Find the Right Fence for Your Property
Whether you’re considering Western Red Cedar, Vinyl-Coated Chain Link, Vinyl Privacy, Ornamental Iron, or Composite, we’d be happy to walk you through the options and help you choose the best solution for your property.
Contact Babb Custom Deck & Fence today to schedule your consultation and let’s build a fence that’s designed for your lifestyle—and built for generations.