Are you planning on building a new fence on your property? Choosing the right fence contractor is just as important as choosing the right materials for fence building. Oklahoma’s climate tends to be quite variable; it goes from blistering summer heat to bitter winter cold, even if we skip the mention of frequent storms, deluges, swamp animals, and strong winds (ref: Tornado Alley).
All these factors combine to create an environment that challenges even the most enduring of all fences. The right choice of fence materials (expert installation + regular maintenance being an added precaution) makes your fence pretty long-lasting. So, are you ready to learn more? But the choice of the best fence material Oklahoma is not easy. You need the best fence contractors Tulsa to answer this question with their expertise, skills, and ample experience.
Oklahoma Weather Challenges and Your Fence
Let’s talk about Oklahoma weather here. Oklahoma experiences some of the most terrifying temperature swings in America. Summer highs often exceed 100°F; winter lows plunge below freezing. These radical temperature shifts make materials expand and contract. These annual expansions and contractions make your materials warp, crack, and sometimes shrink. So:
- Wood fences can splinter, or their fence boards may get separated
- Plastic fences may become brittle and end up cracking
- Cycling expansion stresses joints or coatings
The state of Oklahoma is part of Tornado Alley; it faces strong storms with gusty winds often exceeding 50 mph regularly. These winds exert a lot of pressure on fence posts and panels. They may loosen their foundations or even get dislodged completely due to sheer force.
We shouldn’t ignore Oklahoma’s humid summers and spring rains. These events often cause a buildup of humidity; the conditions created by this constant rain may lead to wood rot & metal corrosion. For instance, untreated wood absorbs this moisture and starts decaying. It slowly weakens and ultimately collapses. Unprotected metals like steel can rust due to moisture.
Vinyl and composite materials tend to be more resistant to these problems, but they can still trap moisture at joints (unless you seal them properly). Moreover, when your materials are exposed to strong sunlight for a long time, they start experiencing certain problems, like these:
- Color fading
- Degradation
- Brittleness
UV rays break down polymer bonds in vinyl and plastics unless UV inhibitors are incorporated, and they dry out wood fibers, making them more vulnerable to cracking. This is what you must keep in mind when you’re trying hard to find the best materials for building your fence.
What Makes a Fence Material “the Best” in Oklahoma?
We’ll discuss the different popular materials used for fence building, but we’ll do it in another section. For now, we’ll go over the factors that make one the best fence material Oklahoma. These factors will help you determine the actual winner based on your city’s climate:
- Longevity & Durability: A fence that lasts multiple decades offers the best value; there is no doubt about it.
- Weather Resistance: Can this material withstand wind pressure and moisture? Can it easily bear intense heat, cold, sunlight, and other elements without rotting?
- Low Maintenance: Some materials are sensitive and require frequent repairs. They also need constant staining & cleaning. You can reduce your workload and expenses by going with a low-maintenance option.
- Aesthetic Variety: Can you fit your fence with your preferred architectural style with this material?
- Cost Effectiveness: What are the initial costs of this material? Will it burn a hole in your wallet due to ongoing maintenance? You have to take these factors into account as well.
5 Popular Fence Materials for Oklahoma Homes
- Vinyl Fencing
Vinyl fences are made from PVC or polyvinyl chloride. Homeowners like them because they’re resistant to some of Oklahoma’s most common weather stressors. They are a practical & pretty long-lasting option for you.
| Pros | Cons |
| Rot resistanceNot prone to water damageResists insect infestationUV-protected formulations Maintains its color in intense sunlightCan mimic the look of painted woodRequired minimal maintenance & only occasional cleaning | More expensive than wood (upfront)Extreme impacts like fallen limbs may crack vinyl panelsVentilated style reduces privacy |
- Wood (Cedar & Pressure-Treated) Fencing
Wood fences give you timeless natural beauty & versatility in design. But you need to take great care of them.
| Pros | Cons |
| Resistance to rot & insects (in options like cedar & redwood)Warm and organic appearanceYou may customize them with paint or stainStyles can range from privacy boards to classic pickles | Annual or biennial staining/sealing is required Can crack and warp very easily |
- Metal (Steel & Aluminum) Fencing
Metal fences offer superior strength, security, and a modern look. If you’re worried about snakes in Tulsa, metal-based mesh fences keep snakes at bay.
| Pros | Cons |
| Natural corrosion resistanceLightweightLow-maintenance Perfect for humid Oklahoma summersExceptional strength and durability Resist wind and impact damage Available in ornamental designs | ExpensiveLimited privacy options |
- Composite Fencing
Composites blend wood fibers and recycled plastics to mimic wood’s functionality with boosted durability. These fences offer a modern, resilient alternative suitable for Tulsa residents.
| Pros | Cons |
| Rot & pest resistantDoesn’t warp like natural woodMinimal upkeep requiredNo staining neededeco-friendly | ExpensiveAbsorbs heat in direct sunlight |
- Chain-Link Fencing
Lastly, let’s not forget about chain-link fences. They are also very popular. You will find them an economical choice for Tulsa homeowners. They have an average aesthetic score but make up for it in durability. Chain-link is ideal where security and budget are priorities over design.
| Pros | Cons |
| Cost-effective solution Perfect for larger areas Work amazingly as security fencesGalvanized chain-links can resist rustVinyl-coated chain-link requires little upkeepOpen weave promotes wind flowLower risk from storm damage | Offers you very low privacy Requires privacy slats or landscapingUtilitarian appearance |
Top Materials to Avoid When Building a Fence in Oklahoma
We discussed some contenders for the title of the best fence material Oklahoma. But is there a wrong option as well? Sadly, yes! Certain materials must be avoided in Tulsa. They are simply bad in the Oklahoma environment. Check out this table to learn more about them.
| Untreated or Low-Quality Wood | This wood is prone to rotting and warping. It can suffer from insect damage. You have to apply proper sealing and treatment to make it work. |
| Cheap, Thin Vinyl | This vinyl can easily become brittle and crack due to intense sun exposure. It also experiences sudden temperature swings. |
| Poorly Treated Metals | These metals are vulnerable to rust and corrosion from humidity & rain. |
| Low-Grade Composite | These composite materials will fade over time and break down much faster than their usual counterparts. Oklahoma’s extreme weather is just too much for them. |
| Delicate Decorative Fences | Designs with large surface areas that catch wind may suffer structural damage without reinforcement. |
How to Choose the Right Contractor in Tulsa for your Fence?
We said in the beginning that choosing durable fencing materials for your Oklahoma home is very important; in fact, it’s just as important as choosing a fence contractor. Now, we’ll discuss how to select a contractor. Your ideal contractor needs to have these qualifications:
- They must have local climate expertise (i.e., a deep understanding of Oklahoma’s wind, moisture, & temperature extremes) for proper fence installation
- The contractor needs to ensure installation quality, such as proper post depth (24 to 30 inches) and concrete anchoring
- Make sure that your contractors understand the specific care and installation nuances of your chosen material
- Choose firms that can back their work and guide maintenance
- Review Tulsa-area client feedback and request project references as well
Maintenance Tips to Maximize the Longevity of Your Fence in OK
Even the best fence material Oklahoma will perish in Tulsa heat without proper maintenance. You need routine care to weather Oklahoma’s diverse climate. With regular maintenance, you may extend the beauty & functionality of your fence for decades to come.
- Frequent Inspections: You should check for loose panels, rot, rust, and impact damage signs from time to time.
- Annual Cleaning: Power wash vinyl and composite fences. Don’t forget to gently clean the wood fence.
- Sealing & Protection: Apply stains or sealants to your wood fence every 2 to 3 years; you should treat your metal fence with rust inhibitors.
- Post Tightening: Make sure that your fence posts are standing straight and are solidly anchored in their place. If they are loose, you should reset them to make sure they bear the weight of high winds.
- Prompt Repairs: Address chips, cracks, or rust early to avoid structural issues.
Contact the Best Fence Contractors Tulsa Can Offer
Pairing the ideal fence with Tulsa’s skilled contractors helps ensure a professionally installed, weather-resistant structure that increases your property’s security, privacy, & aesthetic appeal. That’s why you should choose Tulsa’s ideal fence contractors right here at Fortitude Fencing. We use the best materials to build your privacy fence and secure your Oklahoma home.