Using Fences to Separate Yourself From the Crowd

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Whether you believe that good fences make good neighbors or you just want to keep the dogs in (or out), there are hundreds of styles of fences for you to choose from. They all have their good and bad points, depending on your needs. While barbed wire changed the face of the west, you probably are looking for something more attractive and forgivable for your home. Here are several factors to help you decide which style is best for you.

Fence Function

Once you realize your need for a fence, it’s good to clearly identify what you want the fence to do for your landscape so that you can decide on the best materials and styles to accomplish that. If it’s for containing an area, would you like to be able to see through it or would you prefer the privacy of a solid fence? Solid fences are also good for obstructing views of eye sores that may be in a neighboring area. Maybe you want the fence as an enhancement to your landscape and would prefer it to be more ornamental rather than functional. It could be used to divide yard areas or it could include an arbor or pergola. All of these factors help you decide on the make up of the fence.

Fence Materials

There is a wide variety of materials you can use to build your fence. Some are more natural and better for the environment, while others last longer and require less maintenance. Wood is commonly used for its strength and aesthetic qualities, but it often requires stain or paint for protection and tends to rot and deteriorate quicker than other materials. Brick and stone are good options for solid fences. They are more expensive to build but require less maintenance and last for a long time. Vinyl fence requires no paint, does not rust or rot, and also tends to last a long time, but there are environmental concerns about its manufacturing and how to dispose of it at the end of its life.

Metal is used as support in some vinyl fences and in chain link and wrought iron fences. Metal fences are more expensive to install but are sturdy and last a long time. Their main concern is rusting. Also, you may want to go the totally natural route and build your fence out of plants. They require more maintenance to keep them alive and growing in a controlled area, but Laurels, Arborvitae, and Bamboo all create beautiful natural barriers. They’re not as good at keeping pets in or out but work wonderfully as an obstruction to your neighboring areas. 

Fence Styles

After you’ve settled on how you want to use your fence and what you’d like to use to make it, it’s time for the fun of deciding how it will look. You might choose a picket fence, split rail, post and rail, or a basket weave fence. These fences are built with a combination of posts, boards, and caps, and there are many different options and combinations for each of those items. Plus you might want to add decorative pieces such as lattice on the top. If you want a stone, brick, or metal fence, there are options for how to create the posts and build the gates. Whatever you choose, there are common issues for you to consider, including the cost of materials, the size of the area to be fenced, maintenance costs, local building codes, and the impact on the environment. For help navigating through these decisions to create just the right fence for your situation, contact a fence contractor at EnhanceScape.