After installing fences across Rhode Island, Eastern Connecticut, and Southeastern Massachusetts for over 24 years, we've answered this question thousands of times. The answer is always the same: it depends on why you want the fence. Get clear on your goals first, and the material and style selection becomes straightforward.
While the fundamentals are the same across all three states, there are differences in zoning rules, permit requirements, and HOA restrictions depending on where you live. This guide covers what homeowners in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut need to know.
Step 1: Define Your Primary Goal
Most homeowners want a fence for one or more of these reasons:
- Privacy — blocking sight lines from neighbors or the street
- Pet containment — keeping dogs safely in the yard
- Child safety — securing a play area or pool
- Curb appeal — enhancing the look and value of the property
- Security — deterring trespassers, especially for commercial properties
- Property definition — clearly marking your lot line
You may have multiple goals — that's fine. But ranking them helps when tradeoffs come up. For example, a privacy fence and a pet containment fence often look the same, but the height and bottom-rail placement requirements can differ.
Step 2: Understand Your Material Options
Vinyl (PVC)
The most popular material in Rhode Island right now. Vinyl requires almost no maintenance — just occasional cleaning — and looks great for 30+ years. Available in white, tan, gray, and two-tone combinations. Best for privacy panels, pool fences, and any situation where you want zero upkeep. Higher upfront cost than wood but lower lifetime cost.
Wood
Classic, customizable, and typically 20–30% less expensive to install than vinyl. Cedar and pressure-treated pine are the best performers in New England's climate. Wood requires staining or sealing every 2–3 years. Best for homeowners who love the natural look and don't mind some seasonal maintenance.
Aluminum
Ornamental aluminum fencing is the upscale version of traditional wrought iron — it looks elegant but won't rust. It doesn't provide full privacy (it's an open-style fence), but it's ideal for defining property lines, framing a front yard, or enclosing a pool where code requires a fence but you don't want to block the view. Low maintenance, very durable.
Chain Link
The most cost-effective option for large areas or utilitarian applications — commercial properties, large dog runs, sports areas, or back-of-property perimeter fencing. Not typically used for decorative purposes in residential front yards, but galvanized or vinyl-coated chain link is extremely durable and essentially maintenance-free.
Step 3: Choose the Right Height
Height affects both function and appearance — and in Rhode Island, it may also be subject to local zoning rules.
- 3–4 feet — decorative and property-defining, good for front yards, picket-style, doesn't obstruct views
- 4–5 feet — good for medium-sized dogs and light privacy; meets most pool code requirements in RI
- 6 feet — full privacy; blocks most sight lines from neighbors and the street; most popular for backyard fences
- 8 feet — maximum privacy; typically used for commercial or high-security applications
Height rules vary by state and municipality — here's a general guide:
- Rhode Island: Most municipalities allow 6-foot fences in rear yards and 4-foot in front yards without a permit. Some cities (Providence, Pawtucket) have specific rules by zoning district.
- Massachusetts: Under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 49, a "spite fence" over 6 feet built to annoy a neighbor is actionable. Most MA municipalities allow 6-foot rear yard fences without a permit; front yard limits are typically 3–4 feet. Attleboro, North Attleboro, and Fall River each have their own fence ordinances.
- Connecticut: Connecticut does not have a statewide fence height law — it's entirely governed at the town level. Most eastern CT towns (Norwich, Putnam) allow 6-foot rear yard fences without a permit, but always verify locally.
Always check your local zoning rules before installation — and if you're in an HOA, review your covenants too. Lynch Fence is familiar with requirements across all the towns we serve and can advise you on what's permitted at your specific address.
Step 4: Plan for Gates
Gates are one of the most underplanned parts of a fence project. Think through:
- How many gates do you need? — consider every access point: driveway, side yard, back yard, pool area
- Width — standard walk gates are 3–4 feet; if you need to drive equipment through, you need a double drive gate, typically 10–16 feet wide
- Self-closing hardware — required for pool fence gates in Rhode Island; good to have anywhere small children are present
- Lock style — keyed locks, pad bolts, and mag locks all have different security levels and use cases
Step 5: Think About Your Lot
Certain lot conditions affect what kind of fence is practical:
- Sloped terrain — fences on a slope are either "stepped" (stair-stepped sections) or "raked" (the fence follows the slope). Both work, but raked fencing leaves triangular gaps at the bottom — not ideal for pet containment.
- Rocky soil — common in parts of Rhode Island. Post-setting takes longer and may require drilling. Important to factor into your timeline.
- Near trees — roots can heave posts over time. If you're fencing near large trees, discuss it with your contractor.
- Near water — if you're in a coastal area or near a pond, choose materials that are moisture-resistant: vinyl and aluminum are better choices than wood.
Step 6: Get Multiple Quotes — But Compare Apples to Apples
When you get estimates, make sure every contractor is quoting the same things:
- Same material grade (there's a big difference between contractor-grade and premium vinyl, for example)
- Same post depth and concrete specs
- Whether old fence removal is included
- Whether Dig Safe and permit filing are included
- Warranty on both labor and materials
A quote that seems cheaper may exclude several of those items. Always ask.
At Lynch Fence, our estimates are free, detailed, and include everything spelled out so you know exactly what you're getting. We've been doing this since 2001 and we stand behind every installation. Give us a call at (401) 356-4699 or request a free estimate online — we serve all of Rhode Island, Eastern Connecticut, and Southeastern Massachusetts.
Areas We Serve in Rhode Island
Lynch Fence installs fencing across all of Rhode Island. Find your town: