Introduction
For many of us home fencing is not just a luxury, but it has become a necessity. If you are living in one of the new housing developments, you may have noticed that little by little the lot sizes are dwindling. This means you have that much less space between you and your neighbors. Neighbors are great to have, but everyone needs a little privacy now and then. Home fencing can be a border to separate your yard from other neighbors and keep dogs and children contained in your yard. Before diving into a new home fencing project there are a few things to be considered.
If you suddenly find yourself on the market for new fencing, you may be pleasantly surprised with the options. Home fencing comes in several sizes, shapes, styles, colors and materials. Fancier styles of fencing and better fencing materials increase the cost of home fencing.
Home fencing can be used for privacy, protection or serve as a visual barrier between yards. Common fencing for home yards includes grape-stake, panels, chain link, split-rail, vinyl and electric fencing. Grape-stake fencing is quite popular. It is constructed of wood posts with wood planks of five or six feet in height between posts. These serve to keep neighbors out, kids and pets in, provide privacy and protect backyard property with locked gates. Grape-stake fencing can be left in its natural state, painted or stained and treated. Panel fencing has all the same attributes except in comes in large panel sheets instead of person wood planks.
Chain link fencing can be affordable and provides a sturdy, long-lasting fence. Standard chain link fencing comes in rolls five feet high and several lengths. Home fencing in chain link can be purchased with galvanized metal that will not rust or shades of green or brown chain link. The opening in the design makes it unsuitable for a privacy fence, but it can certainly be used to contain backyard dogs.
Split-rail fences are made with posts driven into the ground and have split or round wood beams connected to the posts. Popular styles include three or two rails. A split-rail fence defines your yard space, but cannot contain pets or children. These are ideal as decorative fencing and look particularly nice with climbing roses or grape vines wound through the rails. Some people may be interested in vinyl fencing that does not fade, rust or rot from the elements and comes in several sizes and colors. Electric fencing can be quite costly and is usually chosen to keep something in or out. Not recommended for those with young children.
Whether you are putting up home fencing yourself or have the work contracted out, be sure and comparison shop. Larger quantities of fencing panels, posts or planks can usually be purchased at a discount. It is worth it to comparison shop at a few building material supply stores to save money. Many contractors will install fencing with fencing materials you supply. Get quotes from several contractors before hiring including prices and time lines.
Tips and comments
Give careful consideration to the height of a home fence and whether you also need privacy. Check out several fencing styles and materials to find the most versatile type for your needs.
