You have lived in your home for quite some time now, and for the most part, you enjoy it. It is warm and cozy with enough space for everyone and everything. You like the yard as well; there is one little problem with it, however. There is no fence so there is no privacy.

You could build a fence or have one installed. Either way, you will need to select the right material for the job. Fences come in all types of materials. Some of the more common ones include:

• Bamboo. This durable material makes a great choice for the eco-conscious. It can be grown in just six months, is extremely tough and requires no maintenance.

• Composite. This strong material looks like wood, but holds up even better. It comes in a wide range of colors and requires no maintenance.

• Metal. This material offers many options from intricate ornamental iron fences to simple chain link fences. It is very durable but requires extra care to prevent corrosion.

• Stone. This attractive material is very durable but can be labor intensive. The stone can be dry stacked or set in mortar; mortar will take longer but will make for a stronger fence.

• Vinyl. This material is also very durable and requires very little maintenance. The selection of colors is limited, however, and generally the higher the quality of the vinyl, the more the fence will cost.

• Wood. This material makes an excellent choice for a fence because of its durability. If treated, most types of wood will last an average of seven to 10 years beyond their normal life expectancy. Like metal, wood fences require some maintenance to keep them in good condition.

In addition to a material, you will have to select a fence design. If privacy is your main objective, you might want a privacy fence. Check local ordinances first to find out what regulations are in place on fencing. Traditional privacy fences are six feet high with four-inch wide boards spaced less than an eighth of an inch apart. Semi-privacy fences have boards spaced farther apart.

While privacy may be your main objective in your backyard, you might want something a little different in your front yard. You might want a farm fence or a classic cottage picket-style fence. You might want a wider slat fence or a purely decorative fence for visual appeal.

Along with design, you will want to select a style of fence. This can range from gothic to flat and should suit your personal preferences as well as the style of your home. You may like the gothic style, but it might not work with your contemporary house.

When selecting a fence, do your homework and learn everything you can. You will be investing a lot of time and money in the project, so you want to do it right.

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