Don't Fence Me In (or do)

People who live in the country, or rural areas, need or desire fences for a variety of different reasons. The purpose of the fence will determine the best fence option, the preferred construction materials, and the cost of the project. The main types of fences include chain link, privacy, picket and split rail.The type of fence you choose will not only play a key role in your home’s exterior design, but also provide one of the most important benefits of all homes; security. A professionally installed fence contractor gives every homeowner that true sense of home we all desire. Fencing, whether it be wood, chain link or wrought iron, will greatly affect your sense of home. See all your yard fencing options, including some cheap fencing choices, below.

Chain Link Fence

Chain link fences are the most durable and expensive fencing choice. This fencing is installed in sections with a mixture of stable, permanent sections separated by single or double swinging doors. Post holes are dug to a depth of 30 inches and the posts are stabilized with cement. The fence fabric is spread between posts supported by guide wires and top rails. Chain link fences do not offer any measure of privacy, but are a good choice for livestock areas or yards with young children and pets.

Chain link fences do not add much privacy to the home, but perform the other basic functions of a fence quite well. Homeowners, as well as school administrators (very popular), will be delighted to know that they are cheap, durable and need very little maintenance (like many of the other options).

Oftentimes, homeowners add a good amount of shrubbery, flowers, vines or even privacy slates on the outside of chain link fence. Not that this would add any more security to your home, but it would add a pinch of privacy. Any homeowner can cut off their neighbors’ views with a little bit of creativity.

Wrought Iron Fence

When you see homes with funky designs on top of their fences, oftentimes, those homeowners chose a wrought iron fence. While wrought iron fences are both strong and beautiful, they do require constant upkeep. If you want to maintain its beauty, wrought iron fences need to be sanded or repainted every two to three years.

Picket Fence

Picket fences are an iconic fencing choice constructed of closely spaced, pointed wood planks that offer a medium level of privacy. Staining, sealing or painting the fence boards will increase the durability of the fence and match the aesthetics of the property. Construction of the fence includes stabilization of posts and stringing of the planks with horizontal supports. Wood screws or nails are suitable hardware for securing the fence components.

Vinyl Fence

Vinyl fencing is maintenance free and resists paint, allowing you to easily clean graffiti or any other unwanted stains. All you will need is a hose and soap to make it look as good as new.

Installing a vinyl fence may have a higher upfront cost, but given its low maintenance costs and long lifespan, vinyl fencing is cheaper than many other fencing types.

Wood Fence

Wood is the most popular fencing type across America. Not only does it give homeowners a sense of privacy with the height wood fencing provides, but they are also one of the more attractive options on the market. They give homeowners a warm and welcoming feeling and without the headache of breaking the bank. Beware that the height and size of your fence will greatly impact the price. The more lumber you need, the more expensive the project will be. On top of that, like all fences, they take awhile to install. Therefore, a smaller fence will clearly be cheaper than a larger one.

On the plus side, wood fences can easily last the lifetime of your home. Just like hardwood floors, the quality of your fence will greatly depend on the type of wood you choose. Needless to say, you have plenty to choose from.

Invisible Fence

Invisible fences are mainly used to contain dogs through an invisible field of electricity. Typically, the installation involves placing a wire in a trench dug along the boundary the owner wishes to fence off. A wireless transmitter is also set up nearby to activate the wire. The final item in the fencing is a battery-powered collar to receive the signal from the wire. The collar warns the animal when it’s near the boundary with a sound pitched only to the animal's hearing. If the animal tries to cross the boundary, the collar delivers an electric shock.

Privacy Fence

Privacy fences can be built from a variety of different materials to include wood, vinyl, lattice sections and metal stringers. The material is used to build a basic fence section that is supplemented by natural materials to separate closely spaced yards or pool areas where owners want to preserve their sense of privacy.

Split-Rail Fence

Split-rail fencing is an ornamental fencing type which does not provide a high rate of containment or stability. The fence is composed of upright posts stabilized with cement or packed soil. The uprights are positioned so the two holes face each other. Rails are slid horizontally between the uprights to rest inside of the coordinating holes. The rails can be quickly disassembled to allow entry and exit into the fenced area. The fences are see through and do not obscure the view of the property.