YOUR GUIDE TO CHOOSING THE RIGHT FENCE

The fencing that you choose for your home can impact the value of your house. So, choosing a fence can be a stressful choice for many people. Different goals and different preferred styles all come into play when you make this decision. 

There is a wide range of unique fencing styles that are available to you. So it’s helpful to know which questions to ask before you buy a fence. Here are some tips for choosing the right fence for your yard:

WHY DO YOU WANT THIS FENCE?

The first thing you should decide before buying your fence is the reason why you want the fence. The answer to this question will determine the height, form, and probably the material you use for your fence. Understanding your reasons for buying a fence will help you to begin building a mental picture of your preferred fence.

Maybe you don’t want the neighbor’s dog leaving doo-doo all over your lawn. You’d want a privacy fence (although talking with your neighbor would be the best first choice). Want to keep your home and loved ones safe? You’d probably want a strong and sturdy fence that is high enough to discourage burglars. 

If you live near a busy intersection or street, you might be interested in reducing the noisiness of traffic. If so, you might want to look into fencing options that are designed to reduce noise pollution. Are you just wanting to add a final touch to your home’s design? A fence is a great way to enrich your home’s style and there are many ways to customize your fence. 

Perhaps you’re in the middle of a home improvement project and want to replace your current fence. If so, now is a great time to decide on which type of fence you’d like to buy.

There are many possible reasons you may want to buy a fence. You will likely want a fence that fulfills two or more of the purposes that we’ve discussed so far. That’s okay, and it’s one of the reasons to ask this question: to discover why you want to buy a fence.

WHAT FENCE MATERIAL SHOULD YOU USE?

There are a lot of fencing materials to consider when asking this question. Each fencing material has its pros and cons, as we’ll discuss in a bit. Some of the more traditional materials are wood and aluminum. However, there are also bamboo, vinyl, and wrought iron fences as well. 

It is important to consider the type of material you will use to fence your home. The material you select will affect how effectively your fence fulfills your intended purpose(s). So, let’s look at the fencing options available to you:

WOOD FENCING

Adding a wooden fence to your home is more budget-friendly than other installing other types of fencing. This is probably why wooden fencing has remained a traditional choice of fence for homeowners.  

Wooden fences are popular among homeowners because they can add character and uniqueness to a yard, garden, or home. There are dozens of styles available, including linear post-and-rail, latticework, picket fencing and post-and-cap designs. Whether you want a ranch rail or a picket fence, knowing how to choose a fence is important.

Because wooden fences can be stained and textured to suit different contexts and purposes, they’re a popular choice among dIY homeowners. With the right color, stain, or material, they can stand out, fade into the background, or frame a specific area.

There are a variety of wood choices that can give your wooden fence specific traits or styles. The type of wood you choose depends on your climate, budget, and the amount of time you need it to last.

ALUMINUM FENCING

Next to wood, aluminum fencing is a durable and long-lasting option. It’s a great, low-cost choice for enclosing residential, commercial, and industrial spaces.

Because it’s aluminum, this type of fence is very strong, reliable, and requires very little maintenance. Aluminum fencing is best used along straight property or boundary lines. Because aluminum cannot rust, it’s a better option than steel or iron fencing.

CHAIN-LINK FENCING

Chain-link fences usually last for a long time and are generally used in sports courts or outside playpens for dogs. This type of fence is very inexpensive and requires almost no maintenance. Chain-link fences are very unattractive and ugly; this type of fencing is considered generic and dull. 

Although functional and cheap, chain link fences may bring down the value and appeal of your home. This is because they’re most commonly associated with industrial and commercial properties. Chain-link fences are also a horrible choice for privacy fencing.

BAMBOO FENCING

This material is becoming a favorite for those who’d like a fencing option that’s good for the environment. Most people use bamboo fencing for ornamental screens and privacy fences in oriental or urban gardens.

Bamboo is one of the more expensive fencing options, and your fence will require occasional maintenance. Rot may also develop in bamboo fences, so it’s important to make time to maintain your bamboo fence.

VINYL FENCING

Vinyl is quickly becoming one of the most popular fencing options. This is most likely due to its sturdiness, minimal maintenance requirements, and its variety of style options. Vinyl can be styled and designed in the same way as many other fencing materials.

Generally, low-quality vinyl has the drawback of fading when exposed to the UV rays that exist in sunlight. There is also the chance that your vinyl fence will sag if it encloses a large area without reinforcement. 

The biggest drawback with vinyl fencing is that usually, there is only white, light tan, and dark tan as color options. Black vinyl fences often warp after long periods of sunshine. However, our unique formula lets us create black vinyl fences that keep their strength, shape, and beauty for decades. 

If you do decide to install vinyl fencing, it’s to your benefit to purchase your vinyl fencing from Blackline HHP. Our fencing products won’t fade from sunlight’s UV rays because we use only pure vinyl in our manufacturing processes.

Your vinyl fence will also be strong and sturdy, with no sagging in wide, enclosed areas. By perfecting patented manufacturing processes, we have eliminated each of the downsides of vinyl fencing.

THINK ABOUT WHERE YOU LIVE

It is also essential to consider your climate when buying a fence. In cold and frosty climates, your fence will need to be fixed 30-36 inches deep. This will prevent it from cracking in the cold. 

In humid or seaside areas, wood is probably not a good option since it may develop water damage. Considering the climate when buying your fence may ultimately save you thousands of dollars in repairs.

THINK ABOUT THE MAINTENANCE

It is essential to think about the time required for caring for your fence. For instance, caring for a wrought iron fence can be problematic for those with busy schedules. You should clean your iron fence with soap and water at least every six months. Perform a complete iron maintenance routine at least twice a year (including painting, applying rust converter, and oiling). There are other fencing options, like aluminum or vinyl, that require less maintenance time. Improper fencing maintenance habits will lead to a broken, ugly, and useless fence. When considering the cost of a fence, take into account the maintenance costs, not just the upfront cost.

THINK ABOUT THE EASE OF INSTALLATION

It’s easy to get caught up in the pros and cons of various aspects of your fencing choice. However, it’s important to remember that the installation is also critical. 

Wooden fencing can be challenging to install because it is typically installed panel-by-panel. Chain-link fencing is relatively easy to install because it’s divided into pre-made pieces that are connected to galvanized posts. 

Hiring a professional can remove this difficulty from your shoulders, but it can be costly. The best option would be a fence that is relatively easy to install, like a chain-link fence or vinyl fence.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

Before you build your fence, visit your city hall to see if there are any neighborhood ordinances regarding fences. There may be strict and specific about allowable fence heights, lengths, or styles. You may also need to get a fencing permit. Being aware of applicable laws and regulations will help you avoid fees and municipal law violations.

CONSIDER YOUR NEIGHBORS

Before buying your fence, talk with your neighbors. This will help you make sure that you are both on the same page about your new fence. Know where the property lines are so you don’t build on your neighbor’s property. 

It’s also a good idea to verify the location of any underground utilities. That way, you don’t puncture a sewer line.

CONCLUSION

Deciding on the right fence for your home doesn’t have to be a stressful decision. Before you buy a fence, take time to research your options, and you’ll ultimately save yourself both money and time.