Building A Fence

You bought a new house and you’re too close to the road, or your neighbors. maybe you don’t have an outlined space for your children or pets to play.

There are several reasons for adding a fence to your property. Whether it be for privacy, security, aesthetics, or added property value- looking into fencing for your property will have more than one benefit.

But there are several things you should consider before you begin building, and even before you start looking for materials. Some of the most basic include:

• budget
• your property line
• local building regulations
• possible HOA regulations
• undergroud plumbing and electrical lines
• design

Even after considering these conditions, choosing the right fencing material and design relies on several factors. Once you determine your goals in building a fence for your property it becomes easier to fill in the rest of the blanks before you begin.

Building A Fence – How Secure?

Security

Depending on where you live you may have some concern with security over the other aspect of your design. Are you trying to keep people out? Or are you just trying to keep your pet and/or children in? It’s important to understand this difference as it will change the design of your fence and what materials you may consider. In turn this will affect the height of your fence.

If you want security from the world outside your property then you may want to go with a design that at least 6 feet high, has a lack of places to grip and climb over, can hold up well to pressure, and has a strong and lockable gate. Deter from certain designs with horizontal boards on the outside that could make climbing easier.

Building A Fence – What Design?

If you’re less concerned with security and rather want something that is more aesthetically pleasing, will block street views, or keep animals out of your garden there tends to be more leeway available in terms of design. You can go gateless and create an enchanting path, you can go with a stepped design that still gives you privacy by blocking off one area more than others.  You could also choose a mixture of wooden fence with frosted glass. The possibilities are limited to creativity, and there is an ever increasing selection of inspiration to choose from.

Make sure to consider your HOA in the fence design. Most often they have regulations that may restrict your creative abilities for your fence.

Building A Fence – What Maintenance?

A lot of people like wood for its organic beauty, and that it tends to be more aesthetically pleasing. Others choose metal fencing because it is far easier to maintain and does the job of keeping your pets on the property. While metal and glass fencing can often be done beautifully, especially around pools or on rooftops, often people choose wood over other materials. Especially when taking into account that wood fencing is easier and cheaper to repair if it becomes damaged.

Building A Fence – What Materials?

Some of the most widely chosen woods for fencing projects are cedar and redwood. This is largely due to the natural oils and acids that remain in the wood even after being cut which helps to repel moisture and can often keep the wood from rotting or warping over time. These woods also naturally repel bugs and termites, leading to less damage that other woods may undergo, ending in a longer lasting fence with less maintenance.

Redwood has more density than cedar, which can help protect it from splintering and other weather damage. But redwood tends to be more expensive as well. The woods look different under stains and sealants; redwood tends to be darker than cedar, which is more of a golden color.

No matter what your needs for fencing be, there are several options both in design and materials. It is best to consider all factors before you start making decisions. Always consider what your goals are for adding a fence to your property, and it will set you on a straightened path to the back yard you’ve been dreaming of.