What You Should Know Before Putting A California-Style Chain-Link Fence In Your Yard

Good fences make good neighbors, as the saying goes. But most new home construction these days doesn't come with any fencing, and installing your own can cost a pretty penny. The most common types of fences for your home come in a variety of materials, depending on your needs and budget. Costs can easily run into the thousands of dollars. The cheapest material is chain-link, which can be half the cost of wood or vinyl products. But the look of this bargain material is, well, uninspiring. An alternative that is gaining popularity is a California-style chain-link, which combines standard metal mesh with decorative wood framing, upping its visual appeal.

Chain-link is great as a simple fencing solution to keep pets and kids contained or cordon off a sports court, and it maintains sight lines throughout a property. Made of galvanized steel, chain-link is very durable and is unlikely to need a lot of ongoing maintenance like vinyl, which needs frequent cleaning, or wood, which is vulnerable to insect and moisture damage. But while installing quality fencing materials is a landscaping idea that can help sell your home, plain chain-link can have the opposite effect, signaling to buyers there might be safety concerns like being in a high-crime or excessive loitering area. California-style chain-link, on the other hand, looks more refined, using wooden posts and beams to frame lengths of steel mesh for a more architectural feel. The posts are usually topped with decorative caps, further adding to the finished look. 

If you are considering California chain-link, you'll have a lot of choices to make to personalize the style. Chain-link itself comes in a variety of mesh sizes, and can also be purchased as vinyl-coated or painted black for a more sophisticated look. Such coatings will cost you more than standard steel, but might be worth it for aesthetics. The wooden posts and rails used for California-style chain-link are not as durable as the steel used in the traditional style of this fence type. Periodic resealing of your fence's wood parts is necessary to prevent water damage and rot, and can also help with insect damage. Experts recommend resealing every two to three years, although if you notice cracking and staining, you might need to do it more often. 

There are many fencing companies offering California-style chain-link, but you can save on installation costs if you build your own fence. Just make sure you do some prep work by knowing your property lines, talking to your neighbors, and getting the right tools. Your local zoning regulations will determine the proper height and placement. And this style of fencing may still be banned under local codes or your HOA rules. If your local regulations ban chain-link, you can ask governing parties whether California-style is approved. Be prepared with some photos of this fence type, since it is a style that may be unfamiliar in your area.