Fence Ideas

Fencing Fencing is a major ingredient in the recipe for a beautiful backyard. Besides a gazebo, the fence will be your consume the largest amount of resources. You can fence your yard out of anything from chicken wire to wood to bamboo to metal to stone, or a combination of them all. Some people consider fencing to be cruel, but it’s more of a sport than it is a fight. We joke!

A fence can give you a feeling of privacy; it can keep the pets in the yard or the neighbors out; and it can accent any landscaping. Just as important as the fence itself, the gate will be the part most people notice and use. The gate is just as important as the front door of your house.

When choosing your fencing material, discuss these things with your contractor: longevity, weather, and upkeep. Think about your fence long term – do you want it there forever? If it is a fence primarily built to contain animals, you may think about removing it should you decide to sell your home one day. Also, who knows when a new landscaping project will demand a new fence? You’d hate to lock yourself into a specific shape and style.

Take the weather into consideration. Moisture and intense sun can be brutal on certain kinds of wood, and even some plastic and composite fences. Rock fences are hard as rock indeed, but even stone fences can crack if planning does not consider ground movements or exposure to the elements.

No matter what type of fence you decide on, it will require some upkeep. Discuss what is required with your contractor. Wood fences may need staining on a yearly basis, particular paints hold up better on different materials, and if the ground beneath your fence posts settles, you may want to get them reset. It will help to know what to watch for so you can correct the fencing issue as soon as possible.

Last but not least, save yourself a huge headache and verify your boundaries. The last thing you want is a war with your neighbor because your fence is stealing six inches of his yard.