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Variety isn't a word that usually comes to mind when you're talking about fences.

But whether it's to keep the dog in the yard or form a charming border around a home, there are a variety of fences to meet homeowners' needs and budgets, contractors say.

"The biggest advice to people is not to underpay for a fence," said Ed Mumm of Mumm Fencing Contractors. "Pay the money and do a good job installing it."

Most residential fences in Routt County are functional, installed mainly for privacy or dogs. Six-foot cedar fences are among the most popular for privacy and durability.

Fencing contractors also install a lot of Western rail fences that have wire netting that keep dogs in but don't block views.

Mumm said heavy snow loads and cold weather are important factors in determining what kind of fence to install.

He said people should stay away from vinyls and plastics because they can become really brittle.

Chain link fence also does not hold up well under heavy snows, Mumm said.

The more preferable wood fencing generally ranges between about $10 to $20 a foot installed. It is important for homeowners to choose treated woods or cedar for longevity.

"The one common mistake is untreated wood in the ground," Mumm said.

Even though cedar is naturally treated wood, applying Green Treat can extend its life from 10 to 30 years, he said.

While wood fences have long been the norm in Routt County, wrought-iron style fencing -- both functional and decorative -- is becoming more popular, Mumm said.

At $40 to $100 a foot uninstalled, wrought iron is one of the most expensive types of fencing. Homeowners can get the same classic look with aluminum fencing, which is made to look like wrought iron, but costs less, he said.

Another style of decorative fencing that appeals to many Routt County residents is log fencing, which varies in price depending on the size of the logs and overall look homeowners want, said Tony McKendrick, of McKendrick Contracting Inc.

Most fencing contractors can order any type of fencing and also will install fencing purchased in advance by homeowners.

Contractors usually determine prices on a job-by-job basis, taking into account materials, terrain and other factors.

Homeowners that want to save some money and install the fence themselves need basic construction skills but mostly time and energy. Some timesaving tools can be rented such as an auger.

Most local building supply companies have fencing materials.

While planning the project, homeowners need to make sure their fence will comply with any covenants in their neighborhoods, and residents in Steamboat Springs need to have a permit for a fence taller than 6 feet.

It's also important for homeowners to call utility companies to locate cables and wires before digging.