Choosing a fence is not simply a matter of picking the style that looks best in a photograph. The right fence depends on what you need it to accomplish, how much maintenance you are willing to perform, your property’s layout, and your budget.

Northwest Washington adds another consideration: weather. Frequent rain, moisture, wind, uneven terrain, and seasonal vegetation growth can all affect how a fence performs. According to HomeAdvisor, a professionally installed fence may deliver a return on investment of up to 70% when designed and installed properly. Proper material selection and professional installation are therefore just as important as appearance, making it worthwhile to compare experienced fence companies before starting your project.

Below are six of the most common fencing options for homes and properties in Whatcom, Skagit, and Snohomish counties.

1. Cedar Fencing

Best for: Privacy, custom designs, natural appearance, and residential backyards.

Cedar remains one of the most popular fencing choices in the Pacific Northwest. Its natural color and texture complement wooded properties, landscaped yards, and both traditional and contemporary homes.

Cedar is also highly customizable. Depending on your goals, a cedar fence can be built with:

• Full-privacy boards
• Alternating or “good neighbor” boards
• Horizontal boards
• Decorative lattice
• Running top caps
• Open rail or split-rail designs
• Wood-and-wire combinations

A cedar privacy fence can create a defined outdoor living area and reduce direct views into a backyard. Open cedar designs can establish a property boundary without completely blocking the surrounding landscape.

The main tradeoff is maintenance. Cedar naturally changes color as it weathers. Homeowners who want to preserve its original appearance should plan to stain or seal it periodically. Individual boards may also require replacement over the life of the fence. Many fence companies recommend cedar for its balance of durability, privacy, and natural beauty, especially in the Pacific Northwest.

For homeowners who value privacy, customization, and a natural Northwest appearance, cedar is often the strongest overall choice.

2. Vinyl Fencing

Best for: Low-maintenance privacy and a consistent, finished appearance.

Vinyl fencing provides many of the same privacy benefits as cedar without requiring regular staining or painting. It does not rot, splinter, or attract wood-damaging insects, and most routine cleaning can be handled with water and mild soap.

Vinyl works well for homeowners seeking privacy, a clean appearance, and minimal maintenance. Many fence companies recommend it because it resists weathering and avoids the upkeep associated with wood. Although installation quality matters, vinyl remains a practical long-term option for durable, low-maintenance fencing that maintains a uniform look for years.

3. Chain-Link Fencing

Best for: Pet containment, property boundaries, durability, and cost-conscious projects.

Chain-link fencing is one of the most practical fencing systems available. It is durable, requires relatively little maintenance, and can cover larger areas more economically than many privacy-fence options, making it a popular choice recommended by fence companies for residential and commercial properties.

Homeowners are no longer limited to standard galvanized chain link. Black, brown, and green coated systems can blend more naturally with landscaping and residential architecture.

Chain link works especially well for:

• Dog runs and pet areas
• Side yards
• Large backyards
• Utility areas
• Garden protection
• Rural and semi-rural properties
• Driveway gates

Its primary limitation is privacy. Standard chain link preserves visibility rather than blocking it. Privacy slats or screening products can provide additional coverage, but homeowners seeking complete visual privacy may be better served by cedar or vinyl.

For secure containment and long-term functionality at a reasonable cost, chain link remains one of the strongest options.

4. Ornamental Metal Fencing

Best for: Front yards, pools, decorative boundaries, security, and open views.

Ornamental metal fencing combines an upscale appearance with strength and visibility. It is commonly used around front yards, landscaped areas, pools, retaining walls, and properties where homeowners want a defined boundary without creating a solid visual barrier.

Modern ornamental systems are available in a variety of heights, rail configurations, picket styles, and finishes. Decorative gates can also be designed to coordinate with the fence and the architecture of the property, and experienced fence companies can help homeowners choose options that complement both their property's style and functional needs.

Ornamental fencing generally requires less maintenance than wood and provides better visibility than privacy fencing. However, that openness means it will not screen neighboring properties or create a secluded backyard.

Picket spacing should also be considered when the fence will contain small dogs or other animals. Some styles can incorporate tighter spacing or lower “puppy panels” for improved containment.

Ornamental metal fencing is often the best choice when curb appeal and an open appearance matter more than privacy.

5. Deco Mesh Fencing

Best for: Modern or rustic designs, pet containment, gardens, and preserving views.

Deco mesh fencing typically combines rigid wire mesh with wood or metal framing. This creates a system that feels more substantial and intentional than basic agricultural wire while maintaining visibility through the fence.

It can complement modern homes, wooded properties, gardens, and rural settings. Depending on the frame and finish, deco mesh can look either contemporary or rustic.

Common applications include:

• Backyard and side-yard boundaries
• Dog containment
• Garden enclosures
• Wood-and-wire gates
• Properties with scenic views
• Residential and agricultural transitions

The mesh opening should be selected based on the intended use. A design that works for a large dog may not contain a smaller animal. The height, bottom clearance, post spacing, and gate design should all be considered as part of the complete system.

Deco mesh is a strong option for homeowners who need containment but do not want to block light or surrounding views.

6. Animal and Agricultural Fencing

Best for: Dogs, livestock, acreage, pastures, and specialized containment.

Animal fencing is not one specific product. It is a fencing system designed around the animal being contained, the terrain, and the size of the enclosure.



Depending on the application, the right system may include:

• Chain link
• Woven or welded wire
• Field fencing
• Cedar posts and rails
• Deco mesh
• Specialized gates
• Additional height or lower reinforcement

A fence that works for one animal may not suit another. Experienced fence companies consider animal behavior, terrain, gate placement, and daily access needs when recommending materials and layouts. The best animal fence is designed for long-term function, safety, and reliable performance rather than simply choosing the lowest-cost option.

Do Not Overlook the Gate

A fence is only as functional as its access points. Gates experience more movement and wear than any other part of the system, so their size, framing, hinges, latches, and supporting posts matter.

Before selecting a gate, consider:

• Who or what needs to pass through it
• Whether it will be used daily or occasionally
• Pedestrian, lawn equipment, trailer, or vehicle clearance
• Ground slope and swing clearance
• Single-swing, double-swing, rolling, or cantilever operation
• Child and pet security
• Manual or automated operation
• Coordination with the fence design

Custom-built gates can be designed to match cedar, vinyl, chain-link, ornamental, and deco mesh fencing while fitting the specific opening and intended use.

Which Fence Type Is the Best?

There is no single material that is best for every property.

• Choose cedar when privacy, natural appearance, and design flexibility are the main priorities.
• Choose vinyl when you want privacy with minimal ongoing maintenance.
• Choose chain link when economical containment and durability matter most.
• Choose ornamental metal when curb appeal, security, and open visibility are more important than privacy.
• Choose deco mesh when you want containment while preserving light and views.
• Choose a purpose-built animal or agricultural fence when the system must accommodate pets, livestock, acreage, or uneven terrain.

The strongest decision usually comes from identifying your top two priorities first. For most homeowners, those priorities are some combination of privacy, appearance, pet containment, maintenance, and budget.

Get Help Selecting the Right Fence

Northwest Fence provides professional fence and gate installation, custom fabrication, and fencing material sales for residential, commercial, and agricultural projects. Among trusted fence companies, our team serves customers throughout Whatcom, Skagit, and Snohomish counties, helping compare materials, styles, gates, and layout options that fit each property's needs and goals.

Contact Northwest Fence to schedule an on-site estimate, explore fencing solutions, or discuss materials and recommendations for your next do-it-yourself fencing project with guidance from experienced professionals.