Questions to Ask Yourself
What is your main goal in building a fence? Try to sum it up in one word, such as security or appearance. Keep this priority word in mind as you design and construct your fence—doing so will help you make focused decisions. In the next section, you will find tips for selecting a fence based on your reasons for building one.
Are you willing to maintain your fence? Or are you looking for a “build it and forget it” structure? Some fencing materials, such as wood, require regular refinishing every few years. See the Longevity section below for more information.
What is the weather like where you live? Local weather patterns often dictate which type of material is best for your fence. For instance, wood fences are easier to maintain in arid environments, like those in the southwestern United States. Wood fence owners in muggy, moist locales must refinish more frequently, since moisture promotes mold and mildew growth within the wood. You can find more industry tips on choosing location-appropriate materials in the Location section below.
What should your fence “say” to your neighbors? Do you want to communicate a warm welcome or a warning to stay out? Does the visual appeal of the fence matter less than its utilitarian application? If aesthetics are your main concern, turn to the tips on visual appeal below.
What are your landscaping concerns? Should your fence show off the gems of your garden, or are you more concerned with shutting off the street to create a private oasis? You may be able to find the perfect color or material to match your gardening preferences.
Which views should be preserved or blocked? The height of your fence will govern which views remain visible once it is complete. If you build a solid fence, such as a flat board fence, you will block views completely, so you must be careful to set the height according to the lines of sight you wish to maintain. Alternatively, a more transparent style, such as an aluminum fence, will allow your favorite prospects to shine. (A mixture of materials, such as corrugated metal and redwood, may also allow privacy while maintaining an open feel.)
What is the style of your home? Aim to match your fence to the style of your home’s exterior. If you are especially driven by design, you might choose to echo your home’s architectural elements. The human eye enjoys such repetition. For instance, a mission-style wood fence might perfectly compliment your Arts and Crafts-style bungalow.
How might animals interact with your fence? Do you need to enclose farm animals, like chickens and cows, or just domestic pets, such as dogs and cats? In general, larger animals require stronger, taller fences. Look for more tips in the Animal Control section below.
Do you hope to keep certain animals out of your yard or garden? If so, you should design your fence with those pesky critters in mind.
What construction obstacles do you foresee? Take a walk along the fence line to figure out where challenges lie. Note any slopes, hollows, trees or other natural elements that could be sticking points. A fencing professional will have ideas on how to accommodate such quirks in your yard.
Once you have answered these questions, sketch out your fence. The more you imagine, dream and think about what you want ahead of time, the more likely you’ll enjoy the final product.
The three most important fencing considerations—longevity, maintenance and location—are discussed in more detail later in this chapter. Below, you will find tips to help you meet your fencing needs based on your answers to the above questions. Finally, turn to the checklist at the end of this chapter to find suggestions for selecting a fencing contractor.
Are you willing to maintain your fence? Or are you looking for a “build it and forget it” structure? Some fencing materials, such as wood, require regular refinishing every few years. See the Longevity section below for more information.
What is the weather like where you live? Local weather patterns often dictate which type of material is best for your fence. For instance, wood fences are easier to maintain in arid environments, like those in the southwestern United States. Wood fence owners in muggy, moist locales must refinish more frequently, since moisture promotes mold and mildew growth within the wood. You can find more industry tips on choosing location-appropriate materials in the Location section below.
What should your fence “say” to your neighbors? Do you want to communicate a warm welcome or a warning to stay out? Does the visual appeal of the fence matter less than its utilitarian application? If aesthetics are your main concern, turn to the tips on visual appeal below.
What are your landscaping concerns? Should your fence show off the gems of your garden, or are you more concerned with shutting off the street to create a private oasis? You may be able to find the perfect color or material to match your gardening preferences.
Which views should be preserved or blocked? The height of your fence will govern which views remain visible once it is complete. If you build a solid fence, such as a flat board fence, you will block views completely, so you must be careful to set the height according to the lines of sight you wish to maintain. Alternatively, a more transparent style, such as an aluminum fence, will allow your favorite prospects to shine. (A mixture of materials, such as corrugated metal and redwood, may also allow privacy while maintaining an open feel.)
What is the style of your home? Aim to match your fence to the style of your home’s exterior. If you are especially driven by design, you might choose to echo your home’s architectural elements. The human eye enjoys such repetition. For instance, a mission-style wood fence might perfectly compliment your Arts and Crafts-style bungalow.
How might animals interact with your fence? Do you need to enclose farm animals, like chickens and cows, or just domestic pets, such as dogs and cats? In general, larger animals require stronger, taller fences. Look for more tips in the Animal Control section below.
Do you hope to keep certain animals out of your yard or garden? If so, you should design your fence with those pesky critters in mind.
What construction obstacles do you foresee? Take a walk along the fence line to figure out where challenges lie. Note any slopes, hollows, trees or other natural elements that could be sticking points. A fencing professional will have ideas on how to accommodate such quirks in your yard.
Once you have answered these questions, sketch out your fence. The more you imagine, dream and think about what you want ahead of time, the more likely you’ll enjoy the final product.
The three most important fencing considerations—longevity, maintenance and location—are discussed in more detail later in this chapter. Below, you will find tips to help you meet your fencing needs based on your answers to the above questions. Finally, turn to the checklist at the end of this chapter to find suggestions for selecting a fencing contractor.