Fences
Build a great looking fence for your yard
Fences have a variety of uses, including keeping your private life private, warding off intruders and keeping your furry friend from prowling the neighborhood -- no wonder they're used so often. Fences come in a variety of colors, styles and types, so choosing the right one to build or buy may be a challenge. Below are seven helpful factors to consider before buying or building a fence.
7 Fence Factors Everyone Should Know
- Purpose. The type of fence you buy or build largely depends on what you're using it for. You wouldn't let your large dog loose through a soft plastic fence, nor would you need a heavy chain-link fence for your garden.
- Types and styles. Common fence types include soft plastic roll fencing, chain-link, wood, aluminum, steel and vinyl, also known as PVC.
- Budget. While soft plastic fencing is inexpensive, it is often low quality. PVC, on the other hand, is strong, durable and requires little maintenance, but you're going to pay a higher price. The price of a chain-link fence will vary depending on the quality of wire.
- Installation. Are you installing it yourself? One of the more difficult fences to install is the chain-link fence. You'll need a lot of time and a multitude of tools to complete the job.
- Maintenance. Soft plastic fences are high-maintenance, because it's easily damaged by weather and is of poorer quality. On the contrary, PVC requires little maintenance once the fence is up. Wood ranges somewhere in between; annual staining is needed to keep it looking nice. Aluminum also requires very little maintenance.
- Flexibility. If you're looking for a durable fence with various heights, but don't care about color, then PVC is your best bet. However, wood has many types and styles as well, depending on your location. Chain-link fences include a variety of colors and wire quality ranges.
- Know your property lines. While many people believe they know where their property begins and ends, the truth is that determining them is often not so simple. Tree lines and/or stone walls do not determine a property's edge. The best solution is to obtain a survey map, which shows the shape of your property. Guessing may lead to a lawsuit.
Enjoying Your Fence
While buying a fence can be a little daunting, once you've made your choice and have built or installed it, you will reap the benefits for years to come.