Few materials rival wood for natural beauty when it comes to fencing, which is why many homeowners prefer to stick to a traditional wooden fence for their yards. Wood is also a versatile material, so there are several basic options to consider before settling on a specific fence. The following can help you narrow down your choices.
Wood Type
The most common woods used for fencing are pine, cedar, and redwood. Pine is used due to its low cost, abundance, and resistance to shrinkage. It can also be more prone to rot, so it must be kept painted or sealed at all times. Pine is generally a good option in drier climates for those with a strict budget.
Cedar and redwood are naturally rot- and insect-resistant, which makes them better suited to moist climates. You still need to paint or weather-seal the boards as the old finish fades, but you can often put it off a bit longer compared to pine since these woods don't rot quite as readily.
Height
Your next decision is on the height of the fence. If you only desire a low barrier, a 2- to 3-foot tall picket fence is a good option. These low fences are best suited for front or side yards or to divide a larger backyard into smaller sections.
Taller fences are usually chosen for privacy purposes, although safety and security may also be a concern. If you have pets or children that you want to confine in a yard or keep away from a dangerous area, such as a pool, then opt for a 6-foot tall privacy fence. Keep in mind that you will need a fence design that reaches all the way to the ground so that pets and children can't wiggle underneath.
Picket Style
The pickets are the upright boards that make up your fence. The main style decision is whether you want open or closed pickets. Open pickets are usually spaced a few inches apart so that you can still see through the fence, whereas closed pickets are placed closer together so that they afford more privacy.
Another stylish option is the offset picket, where the pickets are alternate on either side of the horizontal support rails. This gives the illusion of open pickets and allows more airflow through the fence while still providing optimum privacy.
For more help, contact a wood fence service in your area.
The decision to put up a fence is a big one, but it is followed by several more smaller decisions. How tall do you want the fence to be? What material should you choose? What kind of gate do you want, and where should it be placed? The more you know about fencing in general, the better able you will be to answer these questions. And after browsing our website, you should feel very knowledgeable about fencing, indeed. The articles we've compiled here will shed light on the benefits of different types of fencing, the proper fencing heights for various purposes, and more. Start reading — we hope you enjoy what you find.