Choosing the right fence for your property will take some thought.
If you're planning on putting up a fence, you've got lots of options from which to choose. But first, according to Bob Vila's website, you must know what you want your fence to do--protect, divide a large area, provide privacy, simply beautify--and then know what you can afford. Also, find out the fence laws in your area. After that, it's on to the fun part ... choosing the style, material and details. Does this Spark an idea?
Privacy
A privacy fence will be at least 6 to 7 feet tall and will completely block the view, both in and out. They're often made of tongue and groove vertical boards that fit flush together. For instance, a tall stockade fence, with its pointy-topped boards, yells "Keep Out!" You'll see the basket weave style less often. It is assembled by horizontally weaving large boards in and out of vertical posts. Although it's considered a privacy fence, you can see beyond it through small gaps if you stand close to it. Privacy fences are made of many materials, including cedar, pine, bamboo, aluminum, vinyl, cinder block, masonry and simulated stone.
Semi-Privacy
Many fences fit into the semi-privacy fence category. Panels of lattice work between posts provide partial privacy. Choose panels that have diagonal slats, so the holes between the slats are diamond-shaped, or choose slats that are arranged vertically and horizontally, so the holes are squares. Obviously, small holes provide more privacy than large holes. You also may opt for an industrial-looking chain link fence, with thick criss-cross wires and sharp bottoms. On its own, it's not a semi-privacy fence, but you can buy privacy slats that fit snugly within the wires of a chain link fence. They come in many colors and materials, including fabric, vinyl, aluminum and even "hedge," which looks like the branches of an artificial Christmas tree.
Decorative
Decorative fences can be any design, color, height, etc., that you'd like. For instance, the traditional picket fence is made of wood, painted white, 4 feet or shorter, with narrow vertical boards--pointed at the tops--and gaps wider than the boards themselves. But ... you can paint it any color, or buy prefab sections made of colored vinyl, build it taller, have wider than usual boards--with round or flat tops--and have the wider boards placed close together. The choices are yours.
The wrought-iron style is extremely strong, yet with its airy swirls and filigrees, it can look almost like lace. While modern iron fencing is available, authentic old, salvaged pieces can be found at flea markets, country yard sales and antique stores. Incorporate them into a red brick or white stucco wall to give your yard a touch refined grace.
Animal Control
If you have a need to keep animals from visiting your property, you can buy fencing specifically made to safely keep them out. For example, deer fencing is a tall, green plastic mesh that is tough enough to discourage curious deer from coming through, but weak enough to tear away when pressure is applied. On the other hand, you may want to keep some animals in. Use wooden lattice fence panels to build a rabbit hutch to keep your bunnies where they belong.
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