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Posted by Melissa Lynn Galland on Sep 4, 2018 5:42:41 AM
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Although you might spend a lot of time inside your house, your outdoor spaces are an important component of the overall look and feel of your home. Hardscaping, plantings, and other exterior features say a lot about who you are, so you want to get them right. If you decide to install a fence, it might be the first thing people see when they approach your home, so there’s a lot to consider when deciding what type of fence to build.

For many people, fences are both practical necessities and opportunities to show a little style. If you’re trying to create the perfect yard, think about how these types of fences would contribute to the look you’re trying to design.

Types of Fences

Start your decision-making process by defining why you want a fence. This will help inform the type of fence to install. If you have multiple reasons, make sure the one you choose addresses your most important goals.

Privacy

If you have a pool or a patio where the family spends a lot of time, you might want a fence that provides some privacy from neighbors and people passing by. In this case, look for a fence that is mostly or completely opaque and tall enough that the average person can’t see over it.  

Protection

Keeping children and pets in the yard and keeping unwanted people off your property are two good reasons to install a fence. If you are concerned about security, your fence should be difficult to climb and include a lockable gate. Fences for protecting pets and children should be tall enough to keep them inside and include latches on gates so they will stay closed.  

Ornamental

If you want a fence to boost your home’s curb appeal, accentuate your landscaping, or provide a backdrop to your perfect rose bushes, ornamental fences are an excellent solution. Because they don’t have to be as functional, these types of fences can be made from a wide range of materials.

Mind Your Materials

Speaking of materials, you have an important decision to make. Some of the fencing materials you might want to consider include:

  • Chain link
  • Wood
  • Aluminum
  • PVC
  • Vinyl
  • Wrought iron
  • Bamboo
  • Living plants
  • Stone

In terms of maintenance, metal and vinyl fences require the least amount of effort, while wood fences require periodic painting or staining to prevent rot. If you live in an area with changing seasons, wood can also warp over time as it’s exposed to heat, cold, rain, and snow.

Don’t Blow Your Budget

Although they require a little more maintenance, wood fences are actually the most affordable to install, so you have to weigh your options if budget is a factor. If you want the classic, stylish look of wrought iron, wood picket fencing, or another more expensive material, consider mixing it up by using a less expensive material in the backyard. This can help you get the curbside look you want with less of an investment.    

Follow the Rules

When installing a new fence, you might be limited by local or neighborhood regulations, so it’s important to know the rules before you make any final decisions. For example, the homeowners association might require a certain height, color, or material. You might also need a building permit to install a fence, so check with the city or county before you start digging. Another important consideration is property lines. If you aren’t sure where the boundaries on your property are, check with a surveyor, and make sure you keep it on your land.

The fencing you choose can change the way your home looks, so think carefully about it. To create the perfect yard, find the balance of function, beauty, maintenance, and cost that’s right for you. Whether you install a tall, flowering hedge or a classic farm fence, it’s an important part of making a house a home. If you’re ready to build the dream home that goes behind the perfect fence, get in touch with Adair Homes today.

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