A white picket fence running the boundary of your yard used to be the ideal look for a dream home. When the fences were first used, they were designed to keep small farm animals out of gardens. From there, they took on a more aesthetic purpose to make residences look cozy while adding a level of security to the property.
These days, picket fences are still widely popular for many reasons. They still offer a lot of security against trespassers as well as work to keep animals and young children inside the yard. However, before adding a picket fence to your yard, there are some things you should know.
Pros
There are several pros when it comes to picket fences.
Cheap
In the past, picket fences were made primarily from wood, but these days, you can also get them in vinyl. Both of these are an inexpensive type of fence, which makes it a great option if you are on a tight budget yet still want a fence.
Green
Vinyl picket fencing isn't a "green" option, but wood fences are. If you want an environmentally friendly fencing material, this would be one of the best choices for you.
Customizable
Picket fences are very easy to customize to your specific preferences. You can choose the color of the vinyl or shades of wood finish that best match your home. Wood is also very easy to paint if you want to change it up for a fresh look.
Cons
There are also multiple cons associated with picket fences.
Rot
Wood has a tendency to rot over time due to exposure to the elements. You can treat it to prolong the rotting, but it still happens. Boards can be replaced as necessary, but the repair costs might not be worth it over time.
Privacy
Due to the design of the picket fences, there is a gap in the boards. If you are looking for privacy, this is not the best choice for you. People with small children may want to consider other fencing materials because of this.
Wind
Vinyl and wood picket fences are more susceptible to wind damage because of the gaps mentioned above. This can add to repair costs if the fence is damaged from high winds from storms.
Conclusion
Overall, the choice to add a fence to the property is a big one and should be thought out beforehand. Speak with fencing contractors in the area to get a good idea of what it will cost you based on your yard size. Don't forget to factor in the cost of permits that are required by the city you live in.
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.