Tips According to Your Goals
A fence is the perfect example of the Zen principle of marrying form and function. A well-built fence can both serve an important function and complement the aesthetics of your home. In order to get the most out of your fence, follow these tips for choosing a design that fits your need.
Enhancing Security
If your goal is to protect your property from intruders:
Design a fence that intruders can’t get over, through or under. A sharp top surface (like that of a picket fence) will prevent people from getting over a fence. Ground-hugging fence designs ensure that no one can slide under.
Focus on height. A 4-foot fence is the perfect height for socializing with the neighbors, and it will also give most fence-jumpers pause. Five feet is a proficient height for most security purposes, but the 6-foot fence is even better.
Build a strong gate. In terms of security, the gate is typically the weakest part of a fence. Choose strong hinges, jimmy-proof locks and a lockable gate.
Think like a burglar. As Jeff Beneke points out in The Fence Bible, once a burglar is inside, a solid fence or wall may actually protect his activities from the watchful eyes of neighbors. A wrought-iron fence may be your best bet when it comes to security; wrought iron combines security and visibility—not to mention curb appeal!
Hiding an Ugly View
If your goal is to hide something you don’t want to see:
Choose a privacy fence. Privacy fences, which often hide unattractive views, are typically 6 feet in height.
Combine height with visibility. You may be able to combine different fencing styles to achieve your goals. For instance, if you just need to hide a gas tank, the first 5 feet of your fence could be solid, while the upper foot of fence is lattice.
Check with utility companies. Contact any relevant utility companies to make sure your fence will allow access. If you are blocking the view of your propane tank, for instance, check with your propane company before breaking ground. (It’s always a good idea to check your city or town’s regulations before building a new fence. In the United States, you can do this with one phone call by dialing 811.)
Check sight lines. Stretch string along sight lines to determine the right height.
Creating a Visual Boundary
Some homeowners use fences to divide their property into sections. A fence can:
Outline a garden. To remind visitors not to step on your garden, a fence doesn’t need to be very high—2 feet could do the trick.
Direct traffic. A short, properly placed fence can direct visitors to take the walkway or path of your choice.
Animal Control
If your object is to keep animals in or out, the ideal height and style of your fence will depend on the type of animal you’re focusing on:
Cattle. Cattle are notorious lickers, so finding cow-proof gates and latches may be your biggest fencing challenge. A 4-foot, high-tensile wire fence is usually sufficient.
Chickens. A 4-foot fence made of 1-inch wire mesh will hold chickens.
Deer. Deer are excellent vertical jumpers, so you’ll need at least a 6-foot fence. A fence built at a 45-degree angle, with the high side facing the deer, will prove especially effective. Read more about effective deer fences.
Dogs. A 4-foot fence is high enough to stop most small dogs; large dogs will require a 6-foot fence. Learn more specific tips for certain types of dogs.
Horses. Horses are generally unwilling to jump a 4.5-foot fence, although stallions will require a 6-foot fence. A horse fence does not have to be solid; a post and rail fence should suffice. For more horse fence tips, see How to Build Horse Fences.
Rabbits. A 2-foot fence made of chicken wire will stop rabbits. Be sure to include a horizontal stretch underground to prevent them from digging under the fence.
Raccoons. To keep raccoons from climbing your fence, put plastic mesh at the top so it comes loose as the animal climbs. To keep them from digging under, bury wire mesh fencing horizontally 6-12 inches underground along the length of the fence.
Controlling the Elements
With careful design and placement, a fence can:
Create shade. The shade of a fence can keep your home cooler in the summer, cutting your air conditioning costs. For the best fence placement, observe your yard throughout the day to see which areas could benefit from sun protection.
Distribute snow. If you live in a snowy area, you know what havoc snowdrifts can wreak on a yard. A tall, porous fence can protect your property by creating an eddy, which distributes the snow rather than letting it pile up. Read up on snow fences.
Act as a wind breaker. A fence can weaken the wind by slowing it down. Wind-breaking fences also reduce energy costs by keeping your home warmer. To figure out the best place for a windbreaker fence, obtain a wind rose for your area. A fence made of louvered boards works well for this purpose.
Soften noise. Cedar is the best fencing material for noise proofing—it’s almost as effective as concrete. Using a fence for noise reduction is not as effective as soundproofing your home, however.
Hide a pool. If you have a swimming pool, you could be accused of creating an attractive nuisance. You can protect yourself from lawsuits—and keep the neighborhood kids out of your pool—by building a 4-foot or higher fence that can’t be climbed over or under. Design the pool gate to swing away from the pool, and choose a self-latching lock.
Enhancing Security
If your goal is to protect your property from intruders:
Design a fence that intruders can’t get over, through or under. A sharp top surface (like that of a picket fence) will prevent people from getting over a fence. Ground-hugging fence designs ensure that no one can slide under.
Focus on height. A 4-foot fence is the perfect height for socializing with the neighbors, and it will also give most fence-jumpers pause. Five feet is a proficient height for most security purposes, but the 6-foot fence is even better.
Build a strong gate. In terms of security, the gate is typically the weakest part of a fence. Choose strong hinges, jimmy-proof locks and a lockable gate.
Think like a burglar. As Jeff Beneke points out in The Fence Bible, once a burglar is inside, a solid fence or wall may actually protect his activities from the watchful eyes of neighbors. A wrought-iron fence may be your best bet when it comes to security; wrought iron combines security and visibility—not to mention curb appeal!
Hiding an Ugly View
If your goal is to hide something you don’t want to see:
Choose a privacy fence. Privacy fences, which often hide unattractive views, are typically 6 feet in height.
Combine height with visibility. You may be able to combine different fencing styles to achieve your goals. For instance, if you just need to hide a gas tank, the first 5 feet of your fence could be solid, while the upper foot of fence is lattice.
Check with utility companies. Contact any relevant utility companies to make sure your fence will allow access. If you are blocking the view of your propane tank, for instance, check with your propane company before breaking ground. (It’s always a good idea to check your city or town’s regulations before building a new fence. In the United States, you can do this with one phone call by dialing 811.)
Check sight lines. Stretch string along sight lines to determine the right height.
Creating a Visual Boundary
Some homeowners use fences to divide their property into sections. A fence can:
Outline a garden. To remind visitors not to step on your garden, a fence doesn’t need to be very high—2 feet could do the trick.
Direct traffic. A short, properly placed fence can direct visitors to take the walkway or path of your choice.
Animal Control
If your object is to keep animals in or out, the ideal height and style of your fence will depend on the type of animal you’re focusing on:
Cattle. Cattle are notorious lickers, so finding cow-proof gates and latches may be your biggest fencing challenge. A 4-foot, high-tensile wire fence is usually sufficient.
Chickens. A 4-foot fence made of 1-inch wire mesh will hold chickens.
Deer. Deer are excellent vertical jumpers, so you’ll need at least a 6-foot fence. A fence built at a 45-degree angle, with the high side facing the deer, will prove especially effective. Read more about effective deer fences.
Dogs. A 4-foot fence is high enough to stop most small dogs; large dogs will require a 6-foot fence. Learn more specific tips for certain types of dogs.
Horses. Horses are generally unwilling to jump a 4.5-foot fence, although stallions will require a 6-foot fence. A horse fence does not have to be solid; a post and rail fence should suffice. For more horse fence tips, see How to Build Horse Fences.
Rabbits. A 2-foot fence made of chicken wire will stop rabbits. Be sure to include a horizontal stretch underground to prevent them from digging under the fence.
Raccoons. To keep raccoons from climbing your fence, put plastic mesh at the top so it comes loose as the animal climbs. To keep them from digging under, bury wire mesh fencing horizontally 6-12 inches underground along the length of the fence.
Controlling the Elements
With careful design and placement, a fence can:
Create shade. The shade of a fence can keep your home cooler in the summer, cutting your air conditioning costs. For the best fence placement, observe your yard throughout the day to see which areas could benefit from sun protection.
Distribute snow. If you live in a snowy area, you know what havoc snowdrifts can wreak on a yard. A tall, porous fence can protect your property by creating an eddy, which distributes the snow rather than letting it pile up. Read up on snow fences.
Act as a wind breaker. A fence can weaken the wind by slowing it down. Wind-breaking fences also reduce energy costs by keeping your home warmer. To figure out the best place for a windbreaker fence, obtain a wind rose for your area. A fence made of louvered boards works well for this purpose.
Soften noise. Cedar is the best fencing material for noise proofing—it’s almost as effective as concrete. Using a fence for noise reduction is not as effective as soundproofing your home, however.
Hide a pool. If you have a swimming pool, you could be accused of creating an attractive nuisance. You can protect yourself from lawsuits—and keep the neighborhood kids out of your pool—by building a 4-foot or higher fence that can’t be climbed over or under. Design the pool gate to swing away from the pool, and choose a self-latching lock.