Buying the right type of fence for your home requires a lot more thought than simply walking into a store and buying something that looks nice or pulling the trigger on a convenient Internet purchase. Sure, looks are important, but so is finding the right type of fence for your needs. Whether it’s for privacy, to contain your dog or to block an unattractive view, there are many different types of fences for different types of needs.
This guide will help you find the best kind of fence for your home. You’ll find the perfect mix of beauty and practicality to suit your particular need.
Keep it Private
If you are looking for a good privacy fence, you have several options. Choose a fence with no space between boards, or just a tiny bit. If you’d like to add climbing plants to pretty things up, try a lattice fence. It will add charm and color and make you feel like you’re living in a secret garden.
Contain the Dog
If you need a good fence to contain your dog, be sure to shop with your dog in mind. Make sure it’s high enough if he likes to jump, or that it’s buried at least six inches underground if he likes to dig. If you don’t want a traditional fenced-in look, consider an invisible fence system to keep your dog safely contained in your yard.
Hiding Ugly Features
Whether you live in a busy, noisy city or have a view of a neighbor’s messy yard, sometimes the right fence can make a world of difference. You’re not limited to tall, board-like fences; consider a frosted-glass design or something with some color in it. It will give you something pleasant to look at every day.
Pool Safety
If you have a pool, it’s important to secure it for the sake of children, either your own, those of visitors or sneaky neighborhood kids. Follow the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission guidelines on pool fences. A proper pool fence should be at least 48 inches high with no handholds or footholds for climbing. Make sure the gate is self-closing and self-latching.
Security Fence
A security fence is a good idea if you live in a high-crime neighborhood or you just want to feel more secure. The key here is to have something that’s very tall, at least eight feet, with a sturdy, lockable gate. There should be no horizontal rails in order to discourage climbing. You can add trellis to the top of your fence if you want a softer look that’s still tough on crime.
Hillside Barrier
If you’ve decided you need a privacy fence but don’t want to feel blocked off from the rest of the world, try installing a fence with a stepped design. This way, you’ll have privacy where you need it and also have a bit of a sculptural element in your yard. You can have a taller section around seating areas, and lower sections around your yard, for instance.
Wind Breaker
If you live in a windy area or are lucky enough to have a rooftop deck or pool, you’ll want a fence that does a good job of shielding those breezes. A glass fence is perfect for this if you don’t want to spoil impressive views. It blocks the wind and keeps you safe at the same time.
Once you do a bit of research, the right fence for you will be obvious. Whether it’s for security, privacy or beauty, it will make all the difference and provide that peace of mind that you’re looking for.
