Most people building a fence in Acadiana have a dog in mind. Chain link and wood privacy are the two most common answers. Each does the job, and each fails a different kind of dog.
Start with the dog
- Jumpers: height is everything. A 4 ft fence holds most small and medium dogs. Athletic large breeds often need 5 or 6 ft.
- Climbers: some dogs climb chain link like a ladder. A smooth wood face gives them nothing to grab.
- Diggers: any fence can be dug under. The fix is at the bottom, not the fence type: a buried wire apron or a concrete strip along the line.
- Barkers: a dog that sees every passing car, jogger and cat will bark at all of them. Solid wood blocks the view, which often calms things down.
Chain link: the case for it
- Lower cost to start and almost no upkeep.
- Lasts a long time in humidity, especially black vinyl-coated.
- You can see the dog from anywhere in the yard.
- Lets the breeze through, which matters in a Louisiana summer.
For a big or pushy dog, ask for heavier fabric. Wire gauge runs backwards, so a lower number means thicker wire. A bottom tension wire keeps the fabric tight at the ground where dogs push.
Wood privacy: the case for it
- Blocks the view, so less barking at the street.
- Hard to climb.
- Privacy for you, too.
The tradeoff is upkeep. A wood fence needs an oil-based stain every few years. Dogs that chew or scratch will also find the soft spots. Keep the pickets a little off the ground and fix loose boards right away. A dog will find a gap fast.
Gates are where dogs get out
Whichever fence you pick, the gate is the weak spot. Use a latch that closes on its own and a gate post set heavier than the line posts so the gate doesn’t sag and leave a gap. Self-closing hinges help if kids or guests leave it open.
What about the cost?
We don’t post prices because material costs change too often. Chain link usually comes in lower than wood privacy for the same footage, and black-coated chain link lands somewhere in between. Request an estimate for current numbers.
Ready to fence in the yard?
Pick the fence type, enter the footage, and a local pro or supplier will follow up. Read more on chain link and wood privacy.