Fencing Ideas for Safety, Privacy and Curb Appeal

Fences provide privacy, security and landscape appeal. And, they are built in a variety of materials including; wood, ornamental, vinyl, and chain link. Homes all over America utilize some type of fencing on the property.

There are three main types of wood fencing; privacy, picket and rail:

•Privacy fences usually surround a yard to create a private and secure living area used for both recreation and entertainment. Usually six to seven feet tall, this type of fencing is found in both urban and suburban neighborhoods.

•White picket fences are an American tradition. Pickets are usually three to four feet tall and are not intended for privacy so much as enhancing the curb appeal. Styles include arched, scalloped, gothic, and dog eared.

•Rail fences, commonly thought of as ranch style, are more typical in rural areas where animal containment is necessary. They commonly consist of a couple of horizontal rails attached to upright posts. Sometimes metal mesh is attached to the rail framing to keep smaller animals in or out.

Vinyl Fencing, usually a bit more expensive than other options, has a couple of major benefits; they are durable and maintenance free. Although vinyl is available in a limited range of colors, there are many styles available including picket, privacy, ranch and pool fence style. Today you can even find decorative arches and arbors vinyl.

Chain link fencing, constructed of metal mesh and metal posts (usually coated with galvanized zinc), is another durable option. This type of material, ranging from a couple feet in height to really tall-sometimes as much as 12 feet tall, provides affordable security and is often found in not only residential, but also commercial settings. The silver colored zinc protects against rust, however, it is common to find this material in a surprising range of colors.

Ornamental Fencing(a.k.a. Iron) has combined both beauty and function for centuries. It was originally made from wrought iron however today steel and aluminum are the common materials used; steel for commercial applications and aluminum for residential applications. Besides the ornamental appeal, iron fencing provides security by keeping prowlers out and pets and children in.

Once the decision is made as to the type of fencing you are going to build, it is a good idea to check with the local building codes.

In our area of Central California if you are going to build a fence more than six feet tall, local code requires not only a building permit, but also stamped approval by a licensed civil engineer.

It is also a good idea to have a survey of your property done prior to getting started. Be sure you know where your property ends and your neighbor’s begins. You really don’t want to find out after installation that your new fence is installed six inches over your property line.