Fencing & Decking

Fences and decks have more in common than you might think. Both can increase property values, both are made of similar materials, and both are projects that may be tackled over a weekend or two by the do-it-yourself type.
Metaphorically speaking, these structures occupy the spaces in-between—they straddle and define the line between public and private; indoors and outdoors; familiar and stranger. Decks and fences bridge the gap between our domestic sanctuaries and the wider world.
Outdoor living rooms, such as those created by decks, also enjoy a proud pedigree. Though architectural methods have varied, humans in moderate climates have always sought ways to define outdoor spaces. In fact, porch comes from the Greek word portico—even the ancient Greeks yearned for common outdoor areas.
The modern American deck was born when the automobile turned front-porch people watching into a thing of the past. Today, many Americans transform their backyards into inviting havens by adding a deck or pergola.
Regardless of your motivation for building a fence or deck, you will find the information you need in this eBook. Every major category of construction material is represented—including wood, composite, metal and vinyl—to help you choose the right material for you. Just turn to the corresponding chapter to discover the strengths and weaknesses of each type of fence or deck. At the end of each chapter, you’ll also find a checklist with handy tips and tricks of the fencing and decking trade.
Winston Churchill once said, “We shape our dwellings, and afterwards our dwellings shape us.” A gob of elbow grease may be required to erect your deck or fence, but once it’s complete, you’ll be able to kick back, relax and enjoy domestic bliss.

General Fence Building

Unique needs require unique solutions, so the first step in creating your new fence is to ask yourself what you want. Security is the number one reason homeowners cite for building a fence. In fact, this was also the earliest meaning of the word fence. As the Oxford English Dictionary reveals, in the Middle Ages, the word fence indicated “the act of self-defending.” By the 1600s, the modern meaning, “an enclosure or barrier,” had emerged. A sturdy fence protects homeowners’ rights by drawing a clear property line.
Other common motives for constructing fences include increased privacy, curb appeal, and the age-old need to create a strong enclosure for animals. A well-placed fence can also protect your home from the elements. Today, many people build fences for aesthetic reasons; fences can serve design purposes such as breaking up open spaces, echoing the design of a home and providing key outdoor vertical components.
If properly designed and maintained, your fence will be one of the most enduring, characteristic aspects of your home. Visitors may not remember the pattern of your china, but they are likely to recall your entrance gate. So it’s important to think carefully about what you want. Later in this chapter, you will find easy-to-read-tips for creating fences to fulfill each of the motivations listed above. First, take a moment to imagine your dream fence.