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Like most construction sectors, fencing suffered during (and following) the 2007-09 recession. Despite this, forecasters expect a brighter future for the fencing industry, predicting fencing demand will expand 2.9 percent per year until 2014. Of course, this is predicated on the belief there will be a rebound in new-home construction. With this, the market is predicted to marginally exceed pre-recession levels and to rise slightly faster than it did in the 2004-2009 period, reaching $10.3 billion in 2014.
Residential Fencing Residential buildings represent the largest fencing market niche, so the predicted recovery in residential construction will boost fencing demand over the next few years. The residential market is predicted to account for about two-thirds of the approximately $1.5 billion advance in total fencing demand through 2014. Most of this is expected to come from new housing. Demand will also be supported by replacement and improvement increases.
Non-Residential Fencing Fencing demand in the nonresidential building construction, non-building construction and agricultural markets will advance 1.1 percent annually through 2014. Rebounding office, commercial construction and transportation construction spending is also expected to spur growth, as well as accelerating institutional construction spending.
Fencing Growth By Product Type Among the main fencing material categories, the most rapid growth through 2014 will come in the plastic and composite-fencing material niche. Concrete will also see above-average demand gains through 2014.
Metal Fencing In 2009, metal fencing accounted for the fencing market?EUR??,,????'?????<
Wood Relative to other materials, wood-fencing demand will advance at the slowest pace through 2014, due primarily to increasing market penetration from plastic and composite-fencing products.
Chain Link Over the next two years, the demand for chain link fencing in the United States is expected to grow two percent each year, due mainly to the material's popularity and low cost as a boundary marker and its use in security projects.
What LC/DBM Readers Report Recently, LC/DBM conducted a survey of fencing contractors. Overall, the survey illustrates that the industry is improving, but is held back from substantial growth by the sluggish economy and its predictable consequences.
What Contractors Are Installing According to the survey, wood is still the material of choice by a wide margin. Nearly 72 percent of residential landscape contractors use wood, followed by 32 percent using vinyl, 24 percent chain link, 11 percent wrought iron and 8 percent aluminum. Shown here is a high-tech hydraulic and electro-mechanical gate opener. It comes in three models for slide gates, and five for swing-style gates. All models use 24V DC and/or 120 VAC power, and most are compatible with BFT?EUR??,,????'?????<Ultrafence.com
The Contractors' Fencing Business A mid-year snapshot shows that business in general skews toward the positive, but only slightly. When asked their predictions for the next few years, contractors predict that mostly their businesses with either stay the same (56 percent) or improve (34 percent more jobs) and 6 percent (a lot more jobs). 14 percent said they see less work in the next few years and zero predicted a lot less work.
When asked how their business was compared to 2011, the numbers are slightly less positive, as 34 percent reported that their 2012 sales were either less or much less than 2011. 53 percent reported their sales as the same, and 11 percent reported their sales as higher. The sluggish economy shows a recurring influence in a number of areas. When asked on what clients base their buying decision, 74 percent said price, 40 percent said longevity and 37 percent said style.
Future Material Trends Even though wood accounts for more than 70 percent of the jobs performed in 2012, contractors predict that the use of non-wood fencing materials will increase. Most predicted that vinyl-fencing products will lead the way. When asked about growth potential, 40 percent predicted decorative fencing would increase, while 45 percent said security represents the biggest trend.
Challenges Facing Fencing Contractors In the survey's comment section, a clear pattern emerges as to what contractors feel are the biggest challenges they face. To a large extent, challenges come from unlicensed contractors who under-bid and use inferior products, as well as the challenges faced from undocumented workers, whom don?EUR??,,????'?????<
The fencing market, like many construction-centric industries, seems to be in lock-step with the economy as a whole. Fencing contractors appear to be doing slightly better than they were a few years back, but substantial growth appears tied to a rebounding new-home market.
Fencing Style Guide There are a host of different materials and products landscape contractors can choose from. These styles can be specified based on client wishes, applications, climate conditions, durability and ease of installation. Wood Fencing Wood is a popular fencing option as both a practical and attractive way to add fencing to a property, and new developments in wood-fence installation help decrease the potential for warping and rotting. Steel and metal posts can be used to install wood fences to help increase longevity. Clever design can make the metal components virtually invisible, which enhances aesthetic appeal. This solution helps make wood fencing a durable option. It's easy to change the look of a wood fence by choosing from the many varieties of stains available, along with being able to paint it any color.
Vinyl Fencing Easy to install, vinyl comes in appealing styles, including ornamental, post and rail, privacy and traditional white-picket fencing, which all provide a natural look with texture and color options. Vinyl fences do not require painting, and their maintenance is generally no more than a periodic washing.
Ornamental Fencing Ornamental fencing adds style and elegance along with security to properties. The spaced picket fence style allows see-through security, while contractors can choose from various paint finishes to individualize the fence. Commercial ornamental fencing is used in a variety of applications, including around apartment buildings. Aluminum fencing is ideal for the damp environment around a pool.
Composite Fencing Composite fence materials usually come with extensive warranties, from 20 years or more. It?EUR??,,????'?????<
Chain-Link Fencing Often associated with security, chain-link fences offer a versatile choice. Vinyl color-coated options can make chain-link fence better blend into the landscape. Black, green, and brown are most often used to minimize the fence's presence.
Chain-link provides security while allowing homeowners to see through it. Slats can also be inserted for additional privacy. Industrial chain-link is the number one way to provide a safe and secure work environment.
Francisco Uviña, University of New Mexico
Hardscape Oasis in Litchfield Park
Ash Nochian, Ph.D. Landscape Architect
November 12th, 2025
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