At Precision Landscaping Corporation, we know fencing. Fences can add so much to your property—beauty, security, safeguarding for pets, value, and privacy. They’re great! However, if you haven’t made all the decisions about the fence ahead of time, the installation process can be unnecessarily complicated and frustrating.
Understanding and knowing your intended fence’s height, purpose, design, and material is a good idea before starting the process. It’s also important to know your city and neighborhood’s fencing restrictions and a good fencing contractor. The last thing you want is to install a fence, only to have to tear it down later.
Whether you want a strong, protective fence to keep you safe or you just want the classic “white picket fence” to make your home prettier, here are a few things to get you started.
Determine Your Fence’s Purpose
When you know what a fence is going to be doing for you, it makes choosing everything else easier—height, material, and aesthetics. Is your fence going to be mainly to keep your children or pets from straying? Is it to add value and beauty to your yard? Is it for privacy from the neighborhood? Is it for security purposes? Is it going in the front yard, the back yard, or both?
How Tall?
Once you determine the fence’s function, you can move on to its height. For example, if you’re installing a fence for purely aesthetic reasons, you don’t need a super-tall fence. It just needs to look pretty. But if you’re installing a fence for security or pet reasons, you may want it to be at least five feet high.
What Material Works Best?
Again, aesthetic fencing doesn’t need to be particularly strong, since it’s basically only for looks. But if it’s security you’re after, you’ll need something sturdy. And anything you select will need to be able to endure the weather of your area. Some materials you can choose from are:
- Wood is very popular for fencing because it can be painted to match your home, it lasts a long time (15-20 years), and there are different types of wood to select, including spruce, cedar, and redwood. Keep in mind that wood fencing requires frequent maintenance and touch-ups in order to maintain for a long time. However, wood fencing isn’t the best idea for security because it can be easily broken in to. It also works for privacy only sometimes. It depends on how close together the slats are. Wood fencing is best for aesthetics, privacy (sometimes), children, and pets.
- Aluminum fences are great for security, children, and pets because they’re durable and strong. However, they don’t quite cut it for privacy. Made from sturdy rails, aluminum fencing lasts a long time and require very little maintenance.
- Wrought iron fencing can last up to 50 years or longer. Like aluminum fencing, wrought iron is strong, durable, and great for kids and pets—but not privacy.
- Vinyl fencing usually only comes in a few shades and can’t be stained or painted. However, vinyl does have a high protection against moisture, and it lasts a long time. Like wood fencing, the privacy offered by vinyl fencing will depend on the exact type you choose. Vinyl fencing is best for children and pets.
- As one of the most attractive, private, secure, and low-maintenance options for fencing, brick is also one of the most expensive. It’s a great option for security, privacy, pets, kids, and aesthetics. However, brick fencing requires a strong foundation or else it could cause damage to the brick fence later on.
- The classic chain link fence is good for keeping the dogs in, they are low-maintenance and durable, but they aren’t great for much else. They offer no privacy, no security, no visual appeal, and children tend to climb them.
- Popular due to its cheapness and ability to keep pets and kids in, PVC fencing can also offer privacy. It can also last a long time, and it is durable against weather elements.
Hopefully this will help you make an informed decision when you’re getting ready to install a fence so that your choices will fit the needs of your yard, your family, and your lifestyle.
When it comes to fence installation in Ohio, Precision Landscaping Corporation is your team. To get a free estimate, click here, or call us at (440) 843-9500. With satisfied customers throughout Cleveland, North Royalton, Parma, Strongsville, Broadview Heights, Brecksville, and the surrounding areas, Precision Landscaping Corporation can help you get the fencing you’ve been looking for!