Many of us grew up hoping we’d one day own the perfect American suburban dream, a home with a white picket fence. And, there is a certain charm and warmth that comes with a house lined with pickets. However, when you look at fencing today and the options available for your home, there is a lot more to choose from and so you can and should shop around!
First of all your fencing should be determined by your lifestyle needs and surrounding area. Are you located on a sprawling ranch or nestled between lofts in the city? Your fencing may need to be dictated by those factors, in part. Do you have a need to keep animals in or out? If so, special electric dog fencing, a solid wall or deer fencing may be essential for your home.
Next, you should consider the overall look and feel of your home and landscaping. Your fencing should blend with your existing structure, unless you purposely choose a more distinctive look. Keep in mind that the height of your fence will matter, as well. Remember, the fencing is more than just a barrier against the outside world, it also sets the tone for the look and feel of your home.
Make sure you evaluate the type of materials that would be best used in terms of maintenance. Lattice and wood fencing will require more regular maintenance than vinyl, metal mesh, wrought iron or post and rail options, but may be your best choice if expense is an issue. The more decorative the fencing, the higher the cost, generally speaking.
Obviously privacy and security are always considerations when it comes to your home and fencing, so it’s important to make sure you feel comfortable with your chosen materials and design. Take the time to carefully evaluate local resources such as your neighbor’s fencing choices and your local home improvement store to gain a good understanding of what is available to you before making your decision. Sometimes a combination of fencing types is the best way to ally all your concerns and create beauty in the fencing of your home.