Choosing the perfect fence to install in your yard doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you follow a few expert tips from an established and experienced fence company.
Create a Realistic Budget for Your Fence Project
While the installation of a fence is not the most expensive home improvement project, the prices of fencing materials can be higher than expected especially if your outdoor space where you want the fence is larger in size. It is important to set a realistic budget before even deciding on your fence materials or shopping.
Decide What Purpose or Purposes That Your Fence Will Have
While most homeowners decide to put up a fence to gain some outdoor privacy, there are other important reasons to build that barrier wall. Fences are often installed for safety or aesthetic reasons. Before embarking on shopping for fence materials or choosing a design, decide what purpose or purposes that your fence will have first.
Create More Privacy
Probably the most important purpose for an outdoor fence is to create more privacy while you and your family are spending time enjoying your outdoor spaces. A fence can give the area a more private look and feel. However, there are many different levels of privacy to explore, as each style of fence can allow partial views especially when someone is standing up close to the other side of your fence.
For example, homeowners may opt for a split log wooden fence to establish a perimeter of their land. This style of fencing is more decorative in purpose because others can still view your property even from a farther distance away. Vertical wooden fence panels that are set close together or overlap will provide almost no visibility from the other side.
In addition, the height of your fence and its location also changes the amount of privacy. Consider all your options before making that final decision.
Do You Wish to Block Wind?
Many homeowners who live in areas where high winds are often an issue may want to put up a fence that can block some of this wind. However, it is important to consider how hot your geographical region tends to get during those hot and muggy summer months. Most homeowners still want good airflow when outside enjoying their yards.
One way to block high winds without blocking all the airflow is to install a partial fence or fencing that is lower in height to allow the cool breezes to flow. Another option is to choose a fence design that has a more open weave or has smaller openings between the portions. Some homeowners leave space at the bottom of their fence to allow more air to come through or will install a wind barrier wall on just one side.
Will Your Fence Be in the Backyard or in the Front Yard or Both?
Before selecting your fencing materials and design style, decide whether your fence will be in the backyard, in the front of your home or both. There may be certain height, location and design style rules when installing a front yard fence. Most building codes for fences tend to allow more leeway in fencing type and height in backyards, but front yard fences often must adhere to height limitations and other regulations and restrictions in many places.
Consider a Fence Design That Is Stepped or Multileveled
Many yards have different levels especially in backyards. Homeowners should consider a fence design that is stepped or multileveled to create a cohesive design style that will merge different areas together while showcasing the natural outdoor landscape.
Will Your Fence Keep Pets Inside or Keep Other Animals Out?
Homes that have a dog or other pet that will be using the backyard often install fences to keep their beloved furry friends safe and secured. A fence can also help to keep other animals out like roaming dogs, deer and other wildlife.
Use Fencing to Secure a Pool or Hot Tub
Homeowners who have a pool or hot tub can use fencing to secure these areas and help to prevent dangerous accidental drownings or just to keep unauthorized individuals out.
Determine How Much Maintenance You Are Willing to Do
Different fencing types will require different maintenance and upkeep requirements. Determine how much maintenance that you are willing to do before making your fencing decisions.
Untreated wooden fences and uncoated metal fence materials will require regular upkeep, like painting, to keep the wood from rotting or the metal from rusting over time. There are different protective fence finish options too than can make upkeep easier.
Pick One or More Fencing Materials
There are many different fencing materials to choose that include:
- Wood
- Chain Link
- Metal – Aluminum, Iron, Stainless Steel
- Composite
- Vinyl
- Plastic
- Glass
- PVC
Sometimes, homeowners combine different fencing materials such as glass and wood, metal and wood, plastic and wood and so forth.
Choose Your Favorite Fence Design Style
Next, select your preferred fence design style. Fence styles include contemporary, rustic, farm style, modern, vintage, ornamental, classic and many others.
Some fencing style ideas include:
- Farm or Rustic Styles
- Picket Fence
- Barbed Wire
- Pool Fencing
- Lattice
- Panel
- Ornamental Iron or other Metal
- Chain Link
- Stone or Brick
- Invisible Fences – usually glass or plastic
- Split-Rail Fence
- Ranch Style Wooden Fencing
- Garden Fences
- Natural Fences – Hedges, Vines or Bushes
The fence design options are almost endless.
Do You Need a Gate for Your Fence?
Many homeowners decide to add one or more gates to create an easy entrance without sacrificing safety or integrity of the fence. There are times when homeowners decide on gateless fences as well. Make sure that the gate matches or blends with the main fencing materials in design and any nearby architectural style for the best aesthetic result.
Accurately Measure the Area Where Your Fence Will Be Installed
Make sure that your outdoor areas where you want a fence installed are measured accurately prior to purchasing your fence materials. You will need this information for budget planning and other purposes.
Select Your Preferred Fence Color or Color Combinations
After selecting your fence design, choose your preferred fence color or color combinations. This is largely a personal preference. There may be limitations on colors with certain fencing materials.
Pick Decorative Accents for Your Fence if Desired
There are many ways to dial up more flair to your fence by adding some decorative accents. These decorative details might include hanging baskets or planters that hook onto the fence wall that can hold flowers or other items.
Adding hanging lanterns or other outdoor lights on your fence can add charm while increasing outdoor safety at the same time. Different finish options, like textured glass or woven lattice, along with decorative scrolls and other patterns can also increase the beauty of your finished fence.
Section 2:
After deciding on your fence project details, decide if you will install your fence yourself or whether you will want to hire a professional to install your fence for you.
Advantages of Having a Fencing Expert Install Your Home Fence
The main advantages of having a fence installed by a professional fence installer include lessening the risk of potential fence installment problems, ensuring that the result is to your specifications and saving the homeowner’s time, effort and headaches in some cases. A professional can also give helpful advice on choosing the best fence type, style and other fence options.
Tips for Selecting the Best Professional Fence Company in Your Area
Use these helpful tips for choosing the best professional fence company in your region.
- Check customer reviews
- Consider experience
- Prices and special deals
- Quality of work and guarantees on workmanship and materials
- Community business reputation
- Training and background
- View past fence projects
- Types of services and materials offered
Additional Details to Consider Prior to Buying or Installing a Fence
Additional tasks that should be considered prior to buying or installing a fence include:
- Determining your actual property line – you may need a professional surveyor
- Ensure that your fence will not impede any underground utility lines/pipes
- Check with your local building code officials first
- Get the proper permits for building your fence
- Check your HOA regarding fences
- Factor in your region’s weather patterns
- Consider purchasing same lot extra fencing materials for future use
- Inquire about ongoing maintenance and upkeep requirements
- Consider fence position and natural surroundings
Robert Frost wrote a famous poem that states “good fences make good neighbors.” This may or may not be true. However, most neighbors appreciate it when their neighbors inform them of their plans to build a fence and are willing to ensure that the fence will look good on the other side too. Ensuring that your property’s fence remains in good repair by mending broken fences can also be an important part of being a good neighbor.
Conclusion:
Make your upcoming project to install a new fence easier by consulting with an experienced and talented fence specialists like Denco Fence Company based out of Denver, Colorado. Call during normal business hours or visit us online anytime for more information on fences, fencing materials and supplies along with fence installment services.
Need an expert opinion? Talk to our experts today!
When you talk to our experts at Denco Fence Company, we’ll help you compare fence styles, share design ideas, and answer any questions along the way. If you’re looking to build or repair a fence that you and your neighbors are going to love, get a free estimate and let us help bring your project to life.