A fence can supplement your property in many ways. Of course, it provides privacy not just to your yard, but also inside your home. You can also make your yard safer—which can be very important if you have children and/or pets. An exterior fence is also a major component of the overall aesthetic of your home's exterior. That is, you have to think about how the fencing is going to affect how the outside of your home looks. You also need to think about what material is going to be practical for your daily usage and what would look good with your home. This article looks at two of the best fencing materials for residential properties.

Wood

Wood is probably the first material that you imagine when thinking about a fence. Even though it is old fashioned, it remains one of the most practical fence materials because of how great it looks, even when it ages. People love the natural look of wood because it is rich and authentic. In fact, you will notice that most of the other fence materials on the market actually have a fake wood style in some shape or form. For example, most products will have a printed or stamped wood grain finish, and some will even have multiple colors to look like natural lumber.

Another great thing about having a wood fence is that it is much easier to change and improve. You can paint or stain the wood to customize the color.

Vinyl

Vinyl is probably the most popular alternative to wood when it comes to residential fencing. It is a waterproof, plastic-like material that is suitable for fencing in a number of ways. First of all, vinyl colors stay true and consistent longer than wood. You don't need to worry about painting or staining your fence over the years. This does mean it is not as easy to change the color of your fence.

But, the very best thing about a vinyl fence is that it is so much easier to take care of. Vinyl doesn't need special treatment or cleaning. Since it is waterproof, you can easily clean it with pretty much any liquid solution. This low maintenance, when compared to wood, is a major selling point. You won't need to waste your weekends repainting a vinyl fence as you would with a wood fence. 

Both materials have their unique set of drawbacks and advantages, so choose the product that is right for you. For more information, consult companies like York Fence Co.