Selecting a Fence
Tips for selecting the right fence for your yard.
A fence is one of those features in a yard makeover that can be customized to be as functional or as fashionable as you want it to be and at the same time you want it to enhance the look and value of your home. Depending on your budget, design aesthetic and security needs, there are lots of options for you to explore.
As more people extend their living space outdoors, the visual appeal of fences becomes a bigger consideration. Arbors, trellises and gates can add a lot to the look, and you can use lattices, decorative posts and outdoor lighting sources to tie the design into the other elements of your yard.
Here are my tips on what to consider when choosing a fence.
Architectural Style of your home - Whether it's Victorian, Georgian, Federation or Contemporary, selecting a fence design that complements your homes style is important. If you're not sold on a fence design that suits your home's era, you can go for a custom design to work in elements you like, with those in keeping with your homes era.
Color - You can either make your fence a feature point of your home, or blend in with its surrounds, depending on the color you choose. When considering color you may try matching it to something else on your house. It could be your roof color or window color for example. You may want to even consider your garden colors when making your decision.
Material - Aluminium, Steel, Wrought Iron or Timber? Each has its own benefits and has an equally impressive end result. When choosing a material think about what's best for your purpose, environment and budget.
Also decide how much maintenance you’re willing to take on. Wooden fences require regular painting or staining and will rot or warp over time. Wrought iron, chain-link and vinyl fences require less upkeep but might not provide adequate privacy, and can be pricey or stick out among the rest of your yard’s landscaping.
Putting up a fence may seem like an easy DIY project and, many homeowners do elect to take the project on themselves. Quality fence installation, however, is about more than digging holes, slamming in posts, and nailing up fencing boards. Local climate, soil conditions, fence style and determining what material is the right fit for your given situation can be very difficult.
An experienced local fencing contractor is likely to do the job faster and more effectively than most homeowners ever could. When you consider all the DIY fencing projects that end up requiring professional assistance not just to finish the job, but to backtrack and fix mistakes made before they arrived, the choice to hire a fence contractor is actually a money saver in some scenarios.
Find your Fencing Contractors in our Home Improvement Guide >>
