Updating your fence can add serious curb-appeal while also providing an effective boundary to your property.
Different types of fencing will have a different overall effect on the way your house appears and is very often the first glimpse visitors will get of your home – so it’s vital to choose the right style and material.
Consider the main point of your new fence
In many cases, homeowners add a fence to their property purely for aesthetic reasons, but other popular goals also include bringing additional security or achieving a greater sense of privacy. Perhaps you have a pet that you need to keep from escaping from your property (e.g. a dog), or maybe you just want to make your outdoor areas more child-friendly.
Whatever the reason, consider the primary goals you hope to achieve from adding a fence and choose a style that fits appropriately. Also, search online for fence contractors near me to find the best professional local help to install your new boundary. Using a professional company is almost always a better choice than attempting to do the work yourself.
Think about the main styles of fence available
The type of material used in your fence dictates its durability and the amount of maintenance work you’ll have to do to keep it in good condition. Also, different materials and styles have different aesthetic looks, so think carefully about the image you want your fence to portray when choosing which one to purchase. There are a surprising number of styles and materials available styles, including:
Aluminum: Fences made from aluminum have the benefit of requiring extremely little maintenance while the substance is versatile enough to be constructed in most styles. Aluminum is used in everything from aircraft to security doors – so you can be sure of its strength.
Bamboo: Bamboo is one of the eco-friendliest materials you can use for your fence and, in the right setting, can look extremely attractive – almost appearing like it’s part of the foliage in your garden. Choose from cane, rolled or live bamboo styles (note, live bamboo can grow up to a foot per year).
Chain Link: Chain link fences require very little maintenance work, but this style of the boundary doesn’t offer much privacy. Adding foliage, vines, or other plants can help obscure the view into your property.
Invisible electric fence: If you’re a pet owner, you might want to install a virtual electric fence to stop your animal from crossing outside the edges of your property. Electric fences work by placing a buried wire around your garden. Once powered, the wire activates an invisible boundary that works in conjunction with a tiny transmitter in a collar around your pet. As the animal nears the virtual border, a small electric shock is delivered to prevent it from crossing outside.
Farm fencing: Farm-type fencing may not be the most attractive, but it still serves a valuable purpose. Again, for extra decoration and privacy, consider adding foliage or vines, etc.
PVC: PVC fences are incredibly hard-wearing and require very little maintenance. They are also very cheap to install – although they aren’t particularly good from a security point of view.
Vinyl: Vinyl fencing is expensive to install; however, it more than makes up for the initial outlay by being extraordinarily hard-wearing and durable. Some home DIY websites suggest vinyl fencing is 500% stronger than comparable wood styles.
Wood: Wood remains the most common material for building fences and is available in a variety of styles. Wood fences are also relatively cheap to make and can add a certain panache to the outside of your home.
Wrought Iron: Iron fences offer possibly the best security but aren’t cheap to install. Also, remember an iron fence will require significant upkeep. You’ll need to sand or repaint every two to three years to keep it in top condition and maintain its looks.
Buying a fence needn’t be difficult but, first and foremost, consider the benefits you hope to achieve from your border – then think about the styles available within your budget.
Photo credit: The Henry Schubert Estate In Harlem New York 1900.
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