Different materials are blended by combination fences to create unique property boundaries that balance function with style. Wood and vinyl combinations remain popular in Burlington, though metal-wood hybrids are being chosen by more homeowners who seek enhanced security. As it turns out, problems that single-material fences can’t address effectively are often solved by these mixed-material installations. Installation complexity gets influenced significantly by the materials chosen and local soil conditions. Whichever material needs the most attention typically determines the maintenance requirements; this catches some property owners off guard initially.
Two or more materials like wood, vinyl, or metal are usually mixed by combination fences to achieve specific goals; privacy, security, and aesthetics are balanced through their popularity.
Fast Facts:
- Wood-vinyl combinations account for roughly 40% of mixed-material fence installations in the Burlington area
- Most combination fences last 15-25 years with proper maintenance
- Installation time increases by 30-50% compared to single-material fences
- Metal-wood combinations provide the highest security ratings
- Property value increases average 3-7% with quality combination fencing
FAQ:
Q: What’s the most popular combination fence style?
Wood and vinyl combinations are chosen most frequently. Natural warmth is provided by the wood while low maintenance is offered by vinyl sections. That still surprises people.
Q – Can I mix more than two materials?
Fair point. Three-material combinations work but complications arise fast. Installation costs are driven up significantly, and maintenance becomes more involved.
Q: How long do combination fences typically last?
The weakest material used determines this entirely. Wood sections might need replacement after 12-15 years while vinyl could last 25-30 years. Planning matters.
Understanding Combination Fence Basics
Specific property challenges that single materials can’t address effectively are solved by combination fences. Vinyl might be used by a Hamilton homeowner for the street-facing section to minimize maintenance, then wood gets switched to for the backyard where natural aesthetics matter more. Financial sense is made by the approach too. More upfront cost comes with vinyl but less ongoing care is required, while flexibility for custom designs and repairs is offered by wood.
Each additional material increases installation complexity. Different post requirements, varying foundation depths, and material-specific hardware all factor into the timeline. Keeping combinations simple initially is recommended by most contractors in Burlington.
Material Compatibility Considerations
Not every material combination works well together. Wood and vinyl pair naturally because similar rates of expansion and contraction are experienced by both during Ontario’s temperature swings. Careful planning around thermal movement is required by metal and wood combinations, especially with aluminum sections that expand significantly in summer heat.
More common for commercial properties in Mississauga are becoming vinyl and metal combinations. Cost-effective coverage is provided by the vinyl while high-stress areas like gates and corners are handled by metal sections. Ongoing challenges are presented by color matching between materials, though. Different fading occurs with vinyl than painted metal over time. Funny thing, really.
Cost Factors and Budget Planning
Wide variation across the Burlington region is shown by material costs. Wood sections typically run $75-95 per linear foot, while $90-130 ranges are seen with vinyl depending on style and thickness.
Complexity increases labor costs. Installation time doubled when switching from a planned wood fence to a wood-vinyl combination was recently discovered by a property manager in Oakville. The additional hardware, different post-setting requirements, and coordination between material types all contributed. Planning helps, but 20-30% higher installation costs should be expected compared to single-material projects.
Maintenance Requirements
Different care approaches are needed by each material in a combination fence. Staining or sealing every 2-3 years is required by wood sections, while only occasional washing is needed by vinyl. Rust treatment or repainting might be needed by metal components depending on the coating used initially.
Whichever material needs the most attention determines the maintenance schedule. Annual wood care will be required by a fence with wood, vinyl, and aluminum sections even though longer periods between service could be managed by the other materials. This frustration is found by some Burlington homeowners after installation. Planning the maintenance approach during design helps avoid surprises later.
Design Flexibility and Customization
Significant design possibilities that single materials can’t match are offered by combination fences. Solid vinyl or wood can be used by privacy sections, while ornamental metal elements might be incorporated by decorative areas. Corner lots in Hamilton where different characteristics are needed by street-facing sections than backyard boundaries work particularly well with the approach.
Mixed materials make height variations easier. Six feet might be run by vinyl sections for privacy while higher extension for security or visual interest is provided by metal accents. Maximum heights are still applied to by local zoning rules in Burlington, but working within those constraints is helped by the design flexibility. Proper engineering for varying heights and materials is ensured by professional installation.
Professional Installation Benefits
More importance with combination installations is gained by working with experienced fence contractors. Material-specific techniques, proper hardware selection, and coordinated installation sequences all require expertise that develops over time. Each material gets handled correctly from the start through King Fence’s professional installation approach.
Proper planning for material compatibility and long-term maintenance considerations are included in the King Fence Promise. Money and frustration over the fence’s lifetime are saved by getting combination fences right the first time. Visit our website to discuss your specific combination fence needs and get expert guidance for your Burlington property.
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