How To Choose the Right Fence for Your Property in 2026

Texas Fence helps homeowners and businesses compare cedar, iron, chain link, and horizontal fencing so they can choose the right fit for privacy, security, and long-term value.

When people call us asking what type of fence they should put on their property, they usually expect a quick answer. Something simple. But the truth is this. The best fence for your property depends on what you want your fence to do. Some folks want privacy. Others need security. Some want style. Some want all of it in one package.

We have installed thousands of fences across Houston since 2003, and we have seen every yard shape, soil type, drainage issue, HOA requirement, and wind challenge you can imagine. So in this article we break down the four fence types homeowners ask about most. Cedar. Iron. Chain link. Horizontal. We help you understand how each fence works, what it costs to maintain, how long it lasts, and why one option might fit your property better than the others.

We keep it simple. Clear. Real. The way people like to talk when the work needs to get done and done right.

Cedar Privacy Fences

Cedar is the most popular fencing material in Houston. People pick it because they want privacy, strength, and a clean look from the street. At Texas Fence we use Grade 1 Western Red Cedar. It has fewer knots, straighter boards, better aging, and better resistance to decay.

You also get something people do not think about at first. Silence. Cedar absorbs sound better than most materials. That makes it a great choice for homes near busy streets.

Cedar works well with different styles. Cap and trim for a finished look. Horizontal boards for a modern feel. Rot board and steel posts for better support.

If you want privacy, this is the fence we recommend. It stands tall. It looks natural. And when you stain it, it lasts years longer than standard builder fences.

Iron Fences

Iron fences serve a different purpose. They do not block the view. They do not give privacy. What they do give is strength. Security. A sharp, clean look that never goes out of style.

People install iron fencing around pools, driveways, commercial sites, office parks, apartment complexes, and front yards where the open look matters more than blocking the view.

We custom-weld many of our iron fences, and we powder coat them for protection. Iron lasts a long time when built right and maintained with care. If you want curb appeal and security at the same time, iron is a strong choice.

Chain Link Fences

Chain link is the fence people call for when they need something strong and practical at a good price. It works for athletic fields, dog runs, commercial yards, warehouses, storage areas, and large properties where budget and function matter more than style.

It is a fence that does its job. Keeps people out. Keeps animals in. Holds up against weather and impact.

Many people do not know that chain link can be upgraded. You can add privacy slats. You can add vinyl coating for better appearance and rust protection. You can add tension wire for strength.

If you want fencing that works hard without costing more than it needs to, chain link is a smart option.

Horizontal Fences

This is the fence homeowners call stylish. Modern. Different. Horizontal fences change the entire look of a home. They give a clean, straight line that feels intentional and upscale.

Most of the horizontal fences we build use Western Red Cedar because it handles movement and moisture better than softer woods. The layout matters. The spacing matters. The board thickness matters. The design needs to be done right or the fence will sag over time.

But when it is built correctly, it is one of the best looking fences you can put on a home. It turns heads. It raises curb appeal. It makes a property feel new.

Which Fence Lasts the Longest

People ask us about longevity all the time. Here is a simple breakdown.

Cedar lasts the longest of all wood options, especially when stained and installed with steel posts.
Iron lasts decades when powder coated and maintained.

Chain link lasts decades even with very little upkeep.
Horizontal fences last as long as cedar vertical fences when built with the right board quality and support structure.

The real truth is this. The lifespan of any fence depends on the grade of materials and the workmanship. We build with Grade 1 cedar, steel posts, heavy-duty brackets, and clean welds so your fence stands up to Houston weather.

Choosing a Fence for Privacy

If privacy is the main goal, cedar and horizontal fences are the top choices. Cedar gives a natural look with full coverage. Horizontal fences give privacy with more style.

Chain link and iron fences are not privacy fences unless you add screens or slats.

Choosing a Fence for Security

Iron is the strongest security fence. It keeps intruders out and gives you clear visibility.

Chain link also offers strong security when installed with proper height and tension.

Cedar and horizontal fences give privacy, but privacy is not always the same as security. Some people prefer to see who is near the property, which is why they choose iron.

Choosing a Fence for Curb Appeal

Horizontal and iron fences lead this category. Cedar cap and trim is also a strong choice.

Chain link is about performance rather than looks.

Choosing a Fence for Commercial Use

We install a lot of iron and chain link for commercial sites, warehouses, schools, HOAs, and office buildings. These properties need fences that handle heavy use and large areas. They need low maintenance. They need long lifespan. Iron and chain link meet those needs more consistently than wood.

Driveway Gates and Access Control

No matter which fence you choose, a driveway gate can make your property more secure and more convenient. We install custom wood and iron gates, plus LiftMaster access control systems for remote entry. For homes, HOAs, and commercial sites, gates offer real value.

Some homeowners pair cedar fences with iron driveway gates. Others pair iron fences with wooden gates to soften the look. It all depends on the style of the home.

Common Questions Buyers Ask About Fences

Here are the questions we hear every week.

How tall should my fence be?

Most privacy fences are six feet tall. Some HOAs allow eight feet. Iron fences vary by design. Chain link often ranges from four to eight feet, and sometimes higher for commercial sites.

Do I need steel posts?

Yes. Wood posts rot faster in Houston soil. Steel posts carry more weight and last longer, especially in storms.

Should I stain my cedar fencing?

Yes. Staining protects your investment. It keeps moisture out and slows aging. It also improves the color and grain.

How long does installation take?

Most residential fences take one to three days depending on size, layout, and material. Commercial projects vary.

Do you handle permits or HOA approvals?

We assist where needed. Many HOAs have specific rules we help homeowners navigate.

Takeaway

Choosing the right fencing for your property does not have to be complicated. When you know what matters most privacy, security, style, or cost the decision becomes clear. Cedar gives privacy and beauty. Iron gives strength and curb appeal. Chain link gives durability and value. Horizontal fences give modern style with solid function.

At Texas Fence we build fences that last. Grade 1 materials. Skilled crews. Clean work. No surprises. No shortcuts. When you are ready for a fence that makes your property better and stronger, we are here to help, from start to finish.