Fences

Gone are the days of white washing your fence with Tom and Huck. Modern technology now makes it easy for homeowners to find a wide array of fence designs and fencing materials. Whether you're in the market for a fortress barrier or the down home picket fence feel, fences can put the finishing touches on any home. You can add value to your home through ornamental fencing or get a little privacy because the saying is true, "Good fences make good neighbors." Besides the privacy fence, you might want home fencing for any number of reasons: to give your kids a safer place to play, enclose your pets, control foot traffic and protect your landscape, mark your property boundaries, or meet local regulations for an in ground pool.

Traditional fences are still made from wood or chain link, but other materials like wrought iron and vinyl have become more common. Other popular fence materials are aluminum and polymer. There are also invisible dog fences to keep your pets at bay. In rural areas, barbed wire fences are still the best options to pen in your sturdy livestock or keep people out of your farm. However, for most of us it's easier to opt for the less foreboding wood or wrought iron fence setup. A fencing contractor should be able to help you with all your fencing needs. A contractor will walk you through the different fence styles and give you an idea of what your fencing project will cost.

Wood Fence

Wood Fences are typically made from cedar, redwood, pine, or cypress. Cedar fences are probably the most common wooden fences around. A picket wood fence can give your home that old nostalgic feel; all you need is a lemonade stand out front. Post & Rail fencing is another popular choice. Conventionally used to contain livestock, Post & Rail's rusted look have made it a trendy decorative option. Like any wood product, a wood fence is subject to deterioration and rot.

Vinyl Fence

Vinyl fencing is a plastic maintenance-free alternative to wood. Vinyl is not subject to rot, fading, or any of Mother Nature's effects. Vinyl fencing is available in wood panel and rail styles. Although, using vinyl fencing as a replacement for wood definitely has its drawbacks. For one, vinyl fencing is more expensive, so if you're willing to put the work into a wooden fence then go ahead save yourself a few bucks. Vinyl also just looks fake, it's plastic after all, if you want something natural looking then wood is your best bet.

Invisible Fence

Invisible fencing has become the first choice for dog owners everywhere. Electric pet fences are underground wires installed around your lawn's perimeter, which emit a radio signal. When a dog in a special collar approaches the invisible fence a mild electrical shock occurs. An invisible fence might sound cruel to some, but your dog will quickly learn to respect the boundaries.

Wrought Iron Fence

Wrought iron fencing, also known as ornamental iron, can give your home that old world charm. Wrought iron fences are known for their elegant and stately designs, which can last as long as you own your home. However, they have high material and labor costs attached to them. Both polymer and aluminum fences can replicate the same look at a fraction of the cost.

Regardless of fencing material, weather and time will eventually deteriorate your fence. So, your fence might need to be repaired or replaced every few years. Talk to a contractor and find out what your fencing options are. It might be time to turn your old fence into firewood and upgrade to something new.