Last Updated on January 6, 2023 by Jason Nguyen
If you ask ten homeowners their reasons for buying a fence, you will likely get ten different answers. If it’s time to buy a fence for your property, it may be best to look at the property and decide for yourself. What is the main reason for needing a fence? Once that question is answered, you can choose a style that fits the home’s needs and visually blends in with the landscaping and house.
The Basic Styles
Chain link fencing for your yard, whether it be front, back, or both, is one of the more popular options for owners on a budget. The fence provides a sense of security and establishes boundaries for landscaping purposes. This type of fencing is a utility above all else, but it does look sharp with professional installation.
Another option for fencing your home is a white picket fence. This is a time-tested and homeowner approved fencing option with an aesthetic that perfectly compliments a small house with a small yard.
If you’re looking for a Normal Rockwell look, you can’t go wrong with a white picket fence.
When Security is Needed
Whether you have a lot of physical assets to protect or children to keep safe, security fencing comes in a wide array of options. Wrought iron is the material most commonly used to make security fences, and they are a supplemental deterrent for keeping people off your property. Most wrought iron fencing is six feet (1.83 m) in height, but the sizes do vary slightly.
The variation in styles include a spiked tip, a regular tip, variations in height for aesthetic purposes and a uniform height. Another variation in style includes a staggered brick wall. Four feet of brick, four feet (1.22 m) of fencing, etc.. This combination can best be referred to as aesthetic security. Practical fencing that also looks good.
Fencing Best Suited For Rural Properties
Another facet of security fencing involves rural properties. In some cases, property owners will string a wire that can be electrified on top of fencing, typically chain link but also brick, to help keep out wildlife. Many rural properties have gardens and dogs that wildlife such as deer, elk, and javelinas would find appealing.
This type of fencing typically needs professional installation, but a knowledgeable do-it-yourselfer could install this themselves. Many cities have regulations that are going to prohibit electric fences, as they are not a very practical application for city properties, and property owners typically don’t want the potential liabilities.
Front Yards Only
Another difference between city property and rural property are the property lines and existing fencing of your neighbors. You may have a house that has a large front yard, with a small or nonexistent backyard.
Some of your neighbors may already have a perimeter fence in their backyard, negating any need to install one there.
In the cases where a front yard only fence is needed, that can change your decision of what type of fencing to buy. People will typically go with wood simply because it looks good and is more attractive than chain link. However, there is always the option of buying slats in a wide array of colors that you can install in chain link fencing to make it look better and provide a bit more privacy.
Local Regulations
It should be noted that municipalities are going to have regulations regarding fencing heights, and maybe even types, that are allowed. The best course of action is to get with your local agency in charge of such things to see what you can and cannot do. Building permits may also be needed before installation can begin, and there will almost always be size restrictions.
For instance, if you own a corner property in the city, the height of your fence will be restricted. This will be for the benefit of the traffic that passes by on either street, so drivers can see traffic on the street that crosses. This is a safety issue that should be taken into account.
More Front Yard Options
The next fencing option is for those on a budget, are looking for rustic charm, or both. There is a growing trend in some parts of the country where people repurpose pallets to use as fencing material. The pallets will be height uniform, while the color of the wood may vary slightly.
There are blue plastic pallets that warehouses use, but not in this case. This option is typically installed by the homeowner because of the ease of making a fence out of them. This is not used for security purposes as much as they are used for perimeter fencing. They establish the boundaries, and do so in a cost-effective and rustic way.
The Modern, City Look
Fencing is just like anything else in that trends will come and go. A current trend in the city is what some call mod mid-century. This is typically around four feet (1.22 m) in height and is accompanied by brick of the same height, approximately every six feet (1.83 m).
There are slats that are horizontal that can either be wood or plastic, and are dark gray. This is a modern look on a building style that goes back many years. This style is popular in new subdivisions where the houses are built close together with small yards, and it is typically installed in the backyard or patio area.
As you can see, there are many fencing options homeowners have, including ones that are not mentioned here. There is one common denominator, however. The style of fencing you use should, and typically will, mimic the architectural style of the house the fence is surrounding. One reason people choose a house to live in is because of the style.
The fencing they decide to surround that house will be of a similar style. So in closing, this is some of the information you need to make an informed fencing decision. Style, color, functionality, and your budget should all come into play.
What is the cheapest type of residential fencing?
Chain link fencing is often considered the most affordable type of residential fencing. Chain link fences are made from galvanized steel or aluminum and can be installed quickly and easily. This type of fence provides a secure barrier that limits visibility while still allowing air to flow freely through the fence.
The cost of chain link fencing depends on the size and configuration, but it is generally less expensive than other fencing materials. Additionally, chain link fencing requires little maintenance and can last for many years if properly cared for.
In some cases, people may choose to add a vinyl coating over the chain link fence to provide additional privacy or aesthetic appeal. This may increase the cost of installation but is often worth the added expense.
What is the best fence to put around your house?
There are many types of fences available, from wooden picket fences to metal security fences. The type of fence that is best for your home depends on a few factors such as the size and shape of your property, the look you want to achieve, and your budget.
Wooden picket fences add charm to any yard and can be painted to match the style of your home. Wood is relatively low maintenance and can be easily repaired if it becomes damaged.
Vinyl fencing is another popular option as it is durable, weather-resistant and easy to clean. It comes in a variety of styles and colors, so you can find the perfect look for your home.
What type of fencing lasts the longest?
The answer to this question depends on a variety of factors, such as the type of material used, the way it is installed, and its environment. Generally speaking, metal fences and railings made from aluminum or steel tend to last the longest due to their superior strength and weather resistance.
Vinyl fencing can also be extremely durable if properly installed and maintained. Wooden fences are often the least durable, as they are susceptible to rot and termites. In addition, all fencing types require regular maintenance in order to extend their lifespan. Properly sealing or painting wooden or metal fencing, for example, can help protect against weather-related damage.
What is the best low maintenance fence?
When looking for a low-maintenance fence, it is important to consider your needs and wants. Some of the most popular types of fences are vinyl, chain link, aluminum, wood picket, and split rail. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to durability, cost and maintenance requirements.
Vinyl fences are one of the most popular types because they require very minimal maintenance and are resistant to moisture, fading, and warping. They also come in a variety of colors, styles, and sizes that can complement any yard. Vinyl fences are also typically more expensive than other types of fencing materials.
Chain link fences offer excellent security while being one of the most cost-effective fencing materials. As a bonus, chain link fences require very little maintenance, as they are highly resistant to corrosion and wear.
Aluminum fences are also becoming increasingly popular due to their strength and durability. Aluminum is more expensive than other types of fencing material, but it requires minimal upkeep and can last for many years.
Wood picket fences are classic and timeless. They provide an elegant look to your yard while also providing some privacy. The downside is that they require more maintenance than vinyl or aluminum, such as regular staining and painting to prevent rot and warping.
