As you drive around Corpus, you’ll see a lot of different fencing types. You’ll see stucco, brick, cattle fences, wrought iron, CMU (concrete block), vinyl , wooden, and, of course, chain-link fences. Sometimes you’ll see the mix in the same neighborhood – yay for independence or that’s why you like an HOA. 

It’s easy to notice the 6’ wooden fences in Corpus Christi – mainly because they’re mostly in states of disrepair or trying out to be the next Leaning Tower of Pisa. Fences are important. That’s true. We all know that good fences make great neighbors, but should I really have a wooden fence in the Coastal Bend? Let’s discuss the pros and cons.

Pro: Wooden Fences Bring Privacy

If your back yard backs up to a busy street with a lot of foot traffic, you’ll probably like having a bit of privacy. If you have a pool or hot tub, you might appreciate it even more. Wooden fences, especially cedar, can be a beautiful addition to your property. 

You should be able to enjoy your property, lovely green lawn, and remember why you love your backyard without worrying about onlookers. 

D & C Fence Company has 259 reviews (4.7) and a very positive rating on Google Maps, 28 reviews (4.5) on Angi, and 8 reviews (4.0) on Yelp.

Con: Corpus Christi is Windy

This could definitely be another blog post and, if you’re from Corpus, this is the “duh” moment for you. But Corpus Christi is ten times more consistently windy than Los Angeles, California. Redfin ranked the top 10 and bottom 10 windiest cities in America. Corpus ranks 4 (beating out Wichita, KS) at 11.6 mph and Los Angeles is the least windy at 1.9 mph.

Twelve mile an hour winds don’t seem like a big deal, true. The weather data from the Corpus Christi Airport shows that average wind gusts range between 24 and 30 mph. 

Imagine a fence having to withstand consistent wind from the the gulf at a minimum of 10 mph. At any given time, that force is pressing on your 6’ wooden fence. Not to mention the gusts, severe thunderstorms, or hurricanes. To mitigate against this factor, be sure to dig the fence posts deep enough and leave a ½ inch gap in between panels to allow air flow. 

Pro: Wood Fences are Beautiful

It’s true. A nice cedar fence with a clear sealant is gorgeous to look at – especially from the interior of your backyard. Because of its natural beauty, wood fences are a popular fencing choice of HOAs. 

If you don’t want to spend the dough on cedar, you can opt for a pine fence and paint it. The downside of paint is that you have to repaint every three-to-five years (sooner if it’s pine). Colors fade in our subtropical climate and paint chips. You could opt for an elastomeric paint, but that wouldn’t be budget friendly. 

Con: Wooden Fence Maintenance

Wood Fences need maintenance and those costs add up over the years. If you ignore your wooden fence, the repairs will be more expensive. Instead, routinely look for loose nails and boards and fix those. Say, every 3-6 months. You can even pair this with changing the batteries in your smoke alarm. 

Also look for signs of rot from water damage as well as insect damage. Termites look at your fence as a free pass to the Golden Corral and they’re happy to indulge themselves. 

You should clean your wood fence annually (spring is best) so pairing it with the weekend before your first cookout might be a good indicator. Brisket for Easter? Clean your fence the weekend before. 

“If your rustic wood fence has seen better days, it’s time to chip in for repairs. You’ll pay $654 on average to have a pro fix up your fence in no time.” Home Advisor

Con: Code Violations

No one wants the City or Code Inspectors (no offence) handing out tickets for leaning or rotted fences. Wooden fences need to be maintained, repaired, and, sometimes, reinforced to withstand the weather here in Corpus. 

The permitting fees start at $150/hour plus $0.30 sq ft for a “customized plan review,” so just make sure that it’s up to code or that you hire a licensed contractor.

“Most Texas cities require fence permits for installations over 6 feet tall or those affecting utility easements.” Texas Fence

Code violations include not having a permit (if applicable) or from the state of disrepair. It may be that folks can’t swing the repair cost. (This is a good time for a community project!) Either which way, if you have a wooden fence in Corpus Christi, ensure it’s in good condition both structurally and visually.

“All fences facing the street frontage of the premises or adjacent to a public way, and/or adjacent to an improved premise shall be maintained structurally sound and in good repair.” City of Corpus Christi Code of Ordinances Section 302.7.1 

There are plenty of fencing contractors in the Coastal Bend who will repair your fence. Find a reputable contractor if you can. 

“One of the key benefits of professional repair is the preservation of your fence’s structural integrity. A professionally repaired fence or gate not only improves security but also enhances the overall look of your property.” Bayfront Exteriors

Love Your Chain-Link Fence

Chain-link fences, on the other hand, can withstand winds, are low maintenance, and affordable. They never have to be stained, painted, or repainted. They are also termite-proof. A chain-link fence may not always be the first choice people consider, but it’s certainly one of the most practical.

With the Green Link System, you’ll be able to easily maintain, edge, and trim your lawn against your new chain-link fence.

Green Link is a game-changer for chain-link fences. Want more information?