How to Choose the Right Fence for Your Minnesota Home

If you’re considering a new fence for your Minnesota home, it can be tough to know where to start. Between our harsh winters, local zoning rules, and your own style preferences, choosing the right fence is about more than curb appeal — it’s about function, longevity, and return on investment.

At Ridgeline Fence and Deck, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners throughout the Twin Cities find the perfect fencing solution for their unique property. Here’s what we recommend keeping in mind.

1. Know Your Purpose for a Fence

Before choosing a style or material, ask yourself: What do I want this fence to do?

Privacy: Want to block the view from neighbors or the street? Solid panel wood or vinyl fencing is ideal.
Safety: For households with kids or pets, secure enclosures with minimal gaps (like chain link or solid panels) are essential.
Security: If keeping intruders out is your goal, taller steel or ornamental fences with secure gates offer peace of mind.
Aesthetics: A well-designed fence can elevate your home’s curb appeal and overall property value.
Boundary definition: Sometimes, you just need a clear perimeter without blocking views — open picket or ornamental fencing works well here.

Knowing your main objective helps narrow your options quickly — and ensures you get a fence that fits both your lifestyle and your lot.

2. Choose a Material That Withstands Minnesota Weather

Minnesota weather is no joke — freezing winters, humid summers, snow drifts, and temperature swings can wreak havoc on outdoor materials. That’s why it’s crucial to choose a fencing material that can withstand our climate.

At Ridgeline, we specialize in materials proven to perform in Minnesota:

Wood Fencing

Warm, natural look
Ideal for privacy and custom design
We recommend cedar for its natural resistance to rot and insects
Requires maintenance (staining/sealing every few years)

Vinyl Fencing

Great for privacy, low maintenance
Won’t rot, warp, or fade over time
Resists moisture and temperature fluctuations
Popular for modern or clean aesthetics

Ornamental Steel & Aluminum Fencing

Excellent for security and visual appeal
Powder-coated for rust resistance
Works well for sloped lots and pool enclosures
Minimal maintenance required

Our team helps you weigh the pros and cons of each option based on your goals, budget, and maintenance preferences.

3. Understand Local Fence Codes and Regulations

Cities throughout the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro area have specific rules about fence height, placement, and materials — and they’re not all the same.

For example:

Some cities limit fence height to 4 feet in front yards and 6 feet in backyards.
In newer developments, you may need HOA approval.
Property line surveys are sometimes required before building.

Ridgeline can help with all permitting and zoning checks. We’ve worked in Lakeville, Burnsville, Eagan, Prior Lake, Savage, Rosemount, and dozens of other cities — so we know what to expect.

4. Match the Fence Style to Your Home and Lot

A fence should feel like a natural extension of your home. When choosing a style, think about your home’s architecture, landscape layout, and how the fence will look from the street.

Some common pairings:

Modern homes: Horizontal wood slats or black vinyl/metal options
Farmhouse-style: Picket or cedar privacy fences
Traditional suburban: Classic vertical wood or neutral-toned vinyl
Large lots or acreage: Split rail or steel for function and visibility

We offer custom design options to make sure your fence complements your space — not just surrounds it.

5. Think Long-Term: Installation, Maintenance & ROI

Fences aren’t just a visual upgrade — they’re a long-term investment.

Here are a few long-term questions to ask yourself:

How much maintenance are you willing to do?
Will the fence add resale value to your home?
Is the material backed by a warranty?
Does the installer offer a workmanship guarantee?

At Ridgeline, we install every post below the frost line to ensure long-term stability. We also offer professional recommendations to extend the life of your fence, from sealing tips to seasonal maintenance checklists.

Why Choose Ridgeline Fence and Deck?

We’re not just a fence contractor — we’re your partner in bringing your outdoor space to life.

Over a decade of experience in Minnesota fence installation
Locally owned and operated with deep community ties
Fully licensed and insured
Hundreds of 5-star reviews from homeowners across the Twin Cities
We also build decks — so your outdoor upgrades can happen in one seamless project

If you’re planning a fence installation in Twin Cities area, Ridgeline Fence and Deck is here to help. From initial design to final install, we make the process simple, transparent, and tailored to you.