There are many reasons why you need to install a fence around your house. Perhaps you want your kids or dogs to stay safe while playing outside, or you wish to keep critters like deer and coyotes away from your property. Another reason why you should consider having a fence is the fact that you need more privacy. Whatever the reason, there are so many factors to consider that it’s easy to make mistakes. To help you make the right choice, we’ve prepared the following list of tips and elements you need to consider.
First considerations
Apart from allocating a budget for this project, it would help to decide whether you are allowed to install it. First, you should get the exact boundaries of your property and seek your neighbor’s approval if the space where you want to put the fence is on their land. Some local authorities require a permit to build a new fence, so check with them before going forward.
Cost
This is probably the most significant factor to consider. If there is an old fence around your property, you might give up on the idea of installing a new one because of the costs and opt for repairing the existing one. While fixing might be cheaper, it could take a long time, especially if we’re talking about wooden fences. Typically, you should replace the fence if you would have to do heavy repairs or replace more than 20% of it making sure you use only quality fencing components on the market.
Durability
As we’ve already established, it may be cheaper to repair the existing fence, but why do it every other year? Should you continue the maintenance of the older bar or go with a more durable material that requires less upkeep? For example, you can replace a wood fence with an aluminum or vinyl one.
Types of material
There are more options than ever when it comes to fencing, but each material has its pros and cons. Let’s start with chain-link fences. They are cheap to install and good at keeping kids and dogs in. On the other hand, they don’t have the charm of wooden fences, which require much more maintenance. Vinyl is another popular option. Most vinyl fences come with a white finish and can be found in all sorts of models. They require less maintenance than wooden fences.
Similarly, aluminum requires very little maintenance and upkeep. It can be painted to whatever color you want, and it resists rust, which might be its best-selling point. On the other hand, they don’t provide the durability of materials such as iron or steel. Next, brick fences offer excellent privacy and security, though installation can be costly. Finally, living fences are the most sustainable option, offering charm and beauty, but you need to choose hedges, shrubs, and other plants carefully.
Safety and privacy
While wooden fences look pretty, you run the risk of paint chipping or splinters scattering around the yard, which is a hazard to kids and pets. On the other hand, chain link fences can have sharp wires sticking out, which is another hazard. For example, you don’t have such issues with vinyl fences, and you can make them high enough to deter little climbers.
When it comes to privacy, wooden and vinyl fences are versatile since they can be constructed with gaps, unlike chain link and aluminum fences, which offer little privacy. That is, unless vines or other greenery has grown to fill in the gaps. Also, for living fences to provide sufficient privacy, you need to wait for a few years.
Design
Finally, you need to consider the type of design you want. Should it be traditional, modern, or custom? Remember that your fence should add both style and convenience to your property. Just make sure the fence you choose complements the style of your house exterior.
These are the most important factors to consider when choosing a new fence for your yard. Your decision should be based on your priorities and your budget, but you need to consider every element before making the final decision.