What Are the Pros and Cons of Concrete Fences?
They might not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of fencing, but concrete fences are actually fairly common. In fact, whether you’re talking about concrete palisade, concrete ranch rail or concrete privacy fences, there’s a concrete alternative to nearly every type of fence you can think of.
Let’s take a closer look at what the pros and cons of concrete fences are, so you can decide if they are the right fence for your project.
Pros of Concrete Fences
We always like to look on the bright side, so let’s look at the pros of concrete fences first.
They Don’t Rust
The first positive aspect of concrete fences is that they don’t rust – which means you don’t have to worry about that even if you install them in a more corrosive environment.
However, remember that most concrete fences have reinforcing, which is usually steel, and if the fence cracks or is damaged and that steel is exposed, it can corrode and weaken your fence.
Can Be Cast in Endless Shapes
Perhaps one of the biggest pluses about concrete fences is that concrete can be cast and molded into an almost endless array of shapes.
Whether it’s a wood or stone pattern on the surface of a concrete fence panel, tapered fence posts or something else, concrete can probably be used to create it.
They’re Strong
As you can imagine, a fence made of concrete is strong and durable. However, concrete can also be brittle, and if your fence is struck directly by a car or similar, it could still crack.
Can Be Tinted
Concrete is versatile in more than simply the many ways it can be shaped and molded. Concrete can also be tinted, and there are even various aggregates that can be mixed in or applied to the surface of the concrete for a different look.
Cost Effective
Considering the lifespan of a concrete fence, this can be a very cost-effective fencing option.
Cons of Concrete Fence
Of course, even when a fence product is great, there are some negatives to consider too.
It’s Very Heavy!
Concrete weighs about 2.4 metric tons per cubic meter. In plain English, that means it’s VERY heavy.
That’s a good thing once your concrete fence is in place, but it can cause trouble getting it there.
Because concrete fence is so heavy, it usually takes a little longer to install than other types of fences. This can increase the installation cost for this type of fence.
Not Freeze/Thaw Friendly
In colder climates, winter is often a cycle of freezing and thawing, and that’s not ideal for concrete fence.
When water freezes, it expands, and if water has found its way into cracks and crevices in your concrete fence, it can freeze, expand and damage your fence.
Not Easy to DIY
Very often, concrete fences are manufactured and installed by the same companies. These companies own the molds they use to produce their fences, so it’s not that easy to purchase concrete fence products for self install. This also makes DIY repairs difficult, and if the company you bought your fence from is not around anymore when you need them, you might not be able to get the same materials.
A Solid Fence Option
In general, if you live in a warmer climate and you’re looking for a strong, cost-effective and very durable fence solution, concrete fences are a great choice.
Be sure to research the product and manufacturer you’re considering buying from and ask for references and photos of previous projects before you make any decisions.
