By Eric Czarnik
C & G Staff Writer

Good fences can sometimes make good neighbors, and they can also be a good investment for a home, experts say.

David Stoutenger, marketing manager of John’s Lumber Co. in Clinton Township, said more people are buying outdoor products this year. Sales for outdoor products overall are up roughly 65 percent this year, and that includes fences.

“I think it tells you that people are spending more on fixing up their home,” he said.

When it comes to pricing, Stoutenger said fences can start at about $6 per foot for material and can go as high as $15-$17 per foot. He said one of the most common options is to erect a 6-foot-tall low-maintenance vinyl fence.

“I see privacy fencing really is the trend currently, where people are trying to create that sort of that ‘staycation’ atmosphere,” he said.

While he said wood is generally more versatile at creating attractive, ornate fence designs, he noted high-quality wood also is usually more expensive than vinyl.

Michael Taylor, owner of Taylor Made Fence LLC in Warren, said PVC vinyl fencing is the most popular type of fence because it is extremely long-lasting if installed correctly.

However, he said, some types of wood can be one-third to one-half cheaper than PVC and can have a relatively long life if treated with care. “Any wood (fence) you get should get a sealer on it at least every three or four years,” he said.

Taylor said chain-link and cyclone fences are usually durable, low-maintenance and generally affordable, but homeowners who wish to set one up should be aware that different grades of thickness exist. He recommended a fence with a thickness grade of 0.065 or higher because those can tolerate more abuse.

“It’s all in the thickness of the material,” he said. “If you’re in a neighborhood with a lot of kids, and they climb the fence, it will sag, it will bend.”

Taylor said, to his knowledge, no community allows a fence to exceed 6 feet in height. But he said fence companies are flexible in creating varying heights for a customer’s needs. “A 4-foot chain-link is your standard,” he said.

Experts say it is a good idea to run a fence plan by neighbors and the municipality’s building department before you start building.

Taylor recommended that homeowners check their city ordinances to see what kind of laws are on the books. “Some cities do have a good neighbor policy,” he said. “If you’re a corner lot, you usually have to do a variance.”

Stoutenger said building departments often have tight fencing regulations when it comes to height and appearance. Some communities require a fence builder to have a signature of consent from the neighbor who shares the boundary, he added.

“Understand that you’re going to be putting up a 6-foot wall to change the neighbors’ view,” he said. “In some cases, I’ve seen neighbors split the cost.”

To reach John’s Lumber Co. in Clinton Township, call (586) 791-1200. For more information about Taylor Made Fence LLC in Warren, call (586) 446-4695.

You can reach Staff Writer Eric Czarnik at eczarnik@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1058.