Fence vs. Railing — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 7, 2024
A fence is primarily used for privacy, security, and marking property boundaries, while a railing is designed for safety, preventing falls from elevated surfaces.
Difference Between Fence and Railing
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A fence serves multiple purposes, including privacy, security, and demarcating property lines. It can be made from wood, metal, vinyl, or other materials, and its design varies from simple chain-link structures to elaborate decorative barriers. On the other hand, a railing is specifically designed to prevent falls and provide support, commonly found alongside stairs, decks, balconies, and other elevated areas.
Fences are often used in residential, commercial, and agricultural settings to keep people and animals in or out, and their height and construction material can vary significantly depending on their intended use. Railings are typically made from materials like wood, metal, or glass, and must adhere to specific building codes that dictate their height and strength. While not providing privacy or security, railings play a crucial role in safety, especially in public and residential buildings.
Fences are often installed around the perimeter of a property to provide a physical barrier, which can be essential for security reasons or to prevent trespassing. They can also serve aesthetic purposes, enhancing the appearance of a property through various designs and materials. Railings, while also capable of being aesthetically pleasing, are primarily functional, ensuring the safety of individuals by preventing falls. They are an essential component of construction, especially in areas where elevation changes present a risk.
In terms of maintenance, fences may require regular treatment or painting, especially if made from materials prone to weathering or corrosion. The level of maintenance depends on the material, with some like vinyl requiring minimal upkeep, while others like wood may need more frequent attention. Railings, depending on their material, may also require maintenance to prevent rust, corrosion, or wear. For instance, metal railings might need to be painted or treated regularly to maintain their appearance and structural integrity, while glass railings might need frequent cleaning to remain clear and attractive.
Comparison Chart
Purpose
Privacy, security, boundary demarcation
Safety, preventing falls
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Location
Around property perimeter
Alongside stairs, decks, balconies
Materials
Wood, metal, vinyl, etc.
Wood, metal, glass, etc.
Maintenance
Varies by material; can require regular treatment
Often requires painting or cleaning
Regulations
Subject to local zoning laws
Must adhere to specific building codes
Compare with Definitions
Fence
A structure serving as a barrier, boundary, or enclosure, usually made of posts and wire or wood.
The wooden fence around the yard provided privacy from the neighbors.
Railing
A barrier consisting of rails and supports, designed for safety.
The railing on the balcony prevented any accidents.
Fence
Used for privacy, security, or to mark property boundaries.
They installed a tall fence to secure their property.
Railing
Primarily found alongside stairs, decks, and elevated areas.
They added a new railing to the staircase for extra safety.
Fence
Can be decorative or functional, made from various materials.
The ornamental metal fence enhanced the garden's beauty.
Railing
Made from materials like wood, metal, or glass.
The glass railing provided a modern look to their deck.
Fence
Requires maintenance depending on the material.
The vinyl fence required little maintenance compared to their previous wood fence.
Railing
Must comply with building codes regarding height and strength.
The contractor ensured the railing met all local building codes.
Fence
Often found in residential, commercial, and agricultural settings.
The farm was surrounded by a sturdy fence to keep the animals inside.
Railing
May require maintenance to maintain appearance and integrity.
The metal railing needed a fresh coat of paint to prevent rust.
Fence
An adjustable guide with a flat edge used on a table saw and positioned parallel to the plane of the cutting attachment in order to keep the board properly positioned for the cut to be made at the correct distance from the board's edge.
Railing
A structure made of a rail, often connecting a series of upright members, that is used as a guard or barrier or for support, as on a balcony or next to a staircase.
Fence
A fence is a structure that encloses an area, typically outdoors, and is usually constructed from posts that are connected by boards, wire, rails or netting. A fence differs from a wall in not having a solid foundation along its whole length.Alternatives to fencing include a ditch (sometimes filled with water, forming a moat).
Railing
A fence or barrier made of rails
Wrought-iron railings
Fence
A structure serving as an enclosure, a barrier, or a boundary, usually made of posts or stakes joined together by boards, wire, or rails.
Railing
The rail of such a structure.
Fence
One who receives and sells stolen goods.
Railing
Rails considered as a group.
Fence
A place where stolen goods are received and sold.
Railing
A fence or barrier consisting of one or more horizontal rails and vertical supports.
During the war, everyone's railings were taken away to make bombers.
Fence
(Archaic) A means of defense; a protection.
Railing
Present participle of rail
Fence
To surround or enclose with a fence or other barrier.
Railing
Expressing reproach; insulting.
Angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them.
Fence
To separate or keep out by means of a fence or other barrier
Fenced off one field from another.
Fenced out the deer from the garden.
Railing
A barrier made of a rail or of rails, together with vertical supports. The typical railing in the interior of structures or on porches has a horizontal rail near waist height, and multiple vertical supports. Its function is usually to provide a safety barrier at the edge of a verticle drop to prevent falls.
Fence
To sell (stolen goods) to a fence.
Railing
Rails in general; also, material for making rails.
Fence
To ward off; keep away.
Railing
A barrier consisting of a horizontal bar and supports
Fence
To defend.
Railing
Material for making rails or rails collectively
Fence
To practice the art or sport of fencing.
Fence
To avoid giving direct answers; hedge.
Fence
To act as a conduit for stolen goods.
Fence
A thin artificial barrier that separates two pieces of land or forms a perimeter enclosing the lands of a house, building, etc.
Fence
(informal) Someone who hides or buys and sells stolen goods, a criminal middleman for transactions of stolen goods.
Fence
(by extension) The place whence such a middleman operates.
Fence
Skill in oral debate.
Fence
The art or practice of fencing.
Fence
A guard or guide on machinery.
Fence
(figuratively) A barrier, for example an emotional barrier.
Fence
A memory barrier.
Fence
(transitive) To enclose, contain or separate by building fence.
Fence
(transitive) To defend or guard.
Fence
(transitive) To engage in the selling or buying of stolen goods.
Fence
To engage in the sport of fencing.
Fence
To jump over a fence.
Fence
(intransitive) To conceal the truth by giving equivocal answers; to hedge; to be evasive.
Fence
That which fends off attack or danger; a defense; a protection; a cover; security; shield.
Let us be backed with God and with the seas,Which he hath given for fence impregnable.
A fence betwixt us and the victor's wrath.
Fence
An inclosure about a field or other space, or about any object; especially, an inclosing structure of wood, iron, or other material, intended to prevent intrusion from without or straying from within.
Leaps o'er the fence with ease into the fold.
Fence
A projection on the bolt, which passes through the tumbler gates in locking and unlocking.
Fence
Self-defense by the use of the sword; the art and practice of fencing and sword play; hence, skill in debate and repartee. See Fencing.
Enjoy your dear wit, and gay rhetoric,That hath so well been taught her dazzing fence.
Of dauntless courage and consummate skill in fence.
Fence
A receiver of stolen goods, or a place where they are received.
Fence
To fend off danger from; to give security to; to protect; to guard.
To fence my ear against thy sorceries.
Fence
To inclose with a fence or other protection; to secure by an inclosure.
O thou wall! . . . dive in the earth,And fence not Athens.
A sheepcote fenced about with olive trees.
Fence
To make a defense; to guard one's self of anything, as against an attack; to give protection or security, as by a fence.
Vice is the more stubborn as well as the more dangerous evil, and therefore, in the first place, to be fenced against.
Fence
To practice the art of attack and defense with the sword or with the foil, esp. with the smallsword, using the point only.
He will fence with his own shadow.
Fence
Hence, to fight or dispute in the manner of fencers, that is, by thrusting, guarding, parrying, etc.
They fence and push, and, pushing, loudly roar;Their dewlaps and their sides are bat ed in gore.
As when a billow, blown against,Falls back, the voice with which I fencedA little ceased, but recommenced.
Fence
A barrier that serves to enclose an area
Fence
A dealer in stolen property
Fence
Enclose with a fence;
We fenced in our yard
Fence
Receive stolen goods
Fence
Fight with fencing swords
Fence
Surround with a wall in order to fortify
Fence
Have an argument about something
Common Curiosities
What is the primary purpose of a fence?
To provide privacy, security, and mark property boundaries.
Where are railings typically found?
Alongside stairs, decks, balconies, and other elevated areas.
How do fences enhance security?
Fences act as a physical barrier to deter unauthorized entry and help secure a property.
Can railings be customized for aesthetics?
Yes, railings can be customized in various designs and materials to enhance aesthetics.
What determines the maintenance needs of a fence?
The material of the fence determines its maintenance needs, with some materials requiring more upkeep than others.
Are there different types of fences for specific purposes?
Yes, there are different types of fences designed for privacy, security, or decorative purposes.
Do fences require maintenance?
Yes, depending on the material, fences may require regular maintenance such as painting or treatment.
What materials are railings made from?
Railings can be made from wood, metal, glass, and other materials.
How do weather conditions affect fences?
Weather conditions can affect fences by causing wear, corrosion, or damage, depending on the material.
Can railings be used for outdoor and indoor spaces?
Yes, railings can be used both outdoors and indoors, wherever there is a risk of falling or the need for support.
Can fences be decorative?
Yes, fences can be both decorative and functional, enhancing the appearance of a property.
Are there regulations for railing heights?
Yes, railings must adhere to specific building codes that dictate their height and strength for safety reasons.
What is the difference between a fence and a wall?
A fence is typically made from lighter materials like wood or metal and offers some visibility, while a wall is a solid structure that offers complete privacy and security.
How do you choose the right material for a fence or railing?
The choice depends on the purpose, desired aesthetics, maintenance capacity, and budget.
Why are building codes important for railings?
Building codes ensure that railings are safe and sturdy enough to prevent falls and injuries.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
