How to Choose the Right Fence for Your Yard
Thinking of buying a fence? It’s so much more than just a row of wood slats. A fence can add character to a home, keep your family safe, or increase the value of your home.
Generally, fences accomplish one of a few things:
- Privacy
- Security
- Style
- Safety
The type of fence you get will depend on which of these things matter most to you. Here’s a breakdown on how to choose the right fence based on what matters most to you.
Privacy
A privacy fence is designed with one purpose in mind: to keep prying eyes away and to maintain your yard as a sacred oasis of calm.
Depending on how much privacy you want, a fence of this type could provide a complete shield from the outside world, a physical wall between you and the noise on the other side. Or, it could offer a partial shield so that you aren’t completely hidden.
If you’re looking for a privacy fence, look for fences with little or no space between the boards. When combined with lush foliage or climbing plants, these fences can turn into attractive (but solid) protection from the outside.
You’ll also want a tall fence. The exact height will depend on the slope of your yard, your homeowner’s association restrictions, and the positioning of any seating areas.
To measure height, work with someone else to measure how much coverage a fence will get at a certain height before you invest.
Security
If you’re looking for a security fence, you’re going to need a fence of sterner stuff.
First, remember the true function of a security fence: to keep people out. From there, think through the fence logically to see if it will, in fact, keep someone out.
Any security fence should be at least eight feet high, but make sure to check with your homeowner’s association, building authority, and local zoning codes. You’ll also want a fence that doesn’t offer any way for someone to grip onto it from the outside.
A fringe benefit of this type of fence is that it can also keep kids or pets in. Except for cats–cats see any tall fence as a personal challenge. They usually can’t be kept in without specialized fencing to prevent them from jumping.
Dogs, on the other hand, are relatively easy to keep in so long as you know your dog’s preferred method of escape. Diggers need a fence that extends at least three feet underground. Jumpers need a fence at least a few inches higher than their comfortable leaping height. Gnawers need metal fences.
Of course, some dogs prefer brute force and will slam into a gate until they get the result they want. The best approach for this flavor of bullheadedness is to get a fence that’s sturdy enough to hold but won’t cause your dog injury when he slams his whole body into it.
If you’re getting a fence to keep someone out (or to keep pets or children in) make sure to take the necessary steps to prolong the life of your fence.
Let’s Choose the Right Fence for You
Are you looking for a fence? We’re here to help you choose the right fence for your yard, whatever your needs may be.
We’re Chicago fencing experts with years of experience handling a range of fencing projects. If you’d like to speak with us about your project, use our contact page to get in touch.