Many homeowners install fences for key reasons. It could be to improve their home’s curb appeal, keep children and pets safe, or protect the property from storms and inclement weather.
A well-designed fence does more than simply serve these purposes. Fencing Charlotte NC can also enhance the look of a yard or garden.
Choosing A Style
Whether you’re a new homeowner looking to install fences to protect pets or children or an old homeowner trying to keep up with the neighborhood, the right fence can make all the difference in curb appeal and property value. Some homeowners will even pay for a high-quality fence with added privacy just to add to their home’s value when they sell it in the future.
Before choosing a style for your fencing, however, you must first determine why you’re adding it to your property. Your reasons will help you decide what type of fence is the best fit. For example, if you want to increase your property’s privacy, you may choose to have a solid wood fence or one with closely spaced slats. Alternatively, if you’re trying to block out a view or block wind, a taller fence with fewer openings might be better.
Once you have determined the purpose of your fence, you can choose a color and design to match your unique home exterior. A white or black fence can complement modern and minimalist home designs, while earthy tones like brown and forest green can blend in with a natural theme. For a more traditional look, you can’t go wrong with classic picket or ornamental iron fencing.
Many fence styles are designed to accommodate slopes in the land, but you must be careful when selecting a design for uneven ground. A fence that does not follow the contours of the land can be unstable and lead to erosion and other problems. A good way to avoid this problem is to choose a fence that has adjustable panels and can be customized to follow the shape of the land, such as a metal or wooden gate with wrought iron fencing.
If your home features a bright, eye-catching color scheme, you will want to select a fence that serves as a supporting role. If your home’s exterior has a color that shines more than a bag of Skittles, a wooden fence painted yellow, gold, blue, or red would look ideal.
Choosing A Material
When designing your fence, you have several material choices to consider. The materials you choose should align with your goals for the fence, such as privacy, security, or aesthetics. In addition, you will need to determine if you want to add decorative elements like lattice panels or decorative post caps.
One of the most important factors to consider is your property’s climate and weather conditions. For example, some fencing materials may not perform well in wet or humid climates. Additionally, certain climates can cause extreme heat or cold, which can affect the durability of a fence. You should also take into account the prevailing winds and how severe the winters are.
Choosing the right materials will help you create a visually appealing and unique fence that adds value to your home. Depending on your property’s unique needs and your personal preferences, you can choose from wood, vinyl, aluminum, or steel. Wood fences offer a timeless and elegant look, while vinyl fences are durable and easy to maintain. Aluminum and steel fences are rust-resistant and offer a sleek appearance that complements many architectural styles.
You can further customize the appearance of your fence by choosing a color. Crisp white and dark gray paint can give a fence a clean and sophisticated look, while earthy tones like forest green and brown can blend naturally with the landscape. Adding a pop of color can turn your fence into an eye-catching feature that brightens up the entire yard.
Carved wood designs are another way to elevate the aesthetic of your fence. Skilled artisans can sculpt intricate patterns, motifs, and even nature-inspired scenes into the wooden panels of your fence. Whether you opt for a simple herringbone pattern or a bold geometric design, carved wood fences will bring artistry and sophistication to your yard.
If you prefer a more natural and organic feel, consider using shrubs and plants to create layers of greenery that soften the appearance of your fence. You can even use decorative plants to add a burst of color that will instantly catch passersby’s attention.
Choosing A Finish
When installing a fence, you can choose between painting your fence or staining it. Both options offer benefits and drawbacks.
A fence’s finish is an important part of its overall aesthetic, as well as its durability. Fences must withstand harsh weather conditions, heavy usage, and sharp objects, so it’s important to select a durable finish that can stand up to the elements.
For example, a wood stain is more likely to resist chipping and cracking than a paint. Additionally, a wood stain protects against the sun’s damaging UV rays. If you’re concerned about environmental pollution, consider using an eco-friendly stain made from natural ingredients such as tung or linseed oil.
A wood stain also offers better water protection than a paint. However, a coat of sealer should be added on top to ensure the best results. Whether you are using a brush, roller, or high-tech spraying machine, practice first on a less visible section of your fence to get the hang of applying even coats without lap marks. Make sure the weather is calm and dry before beginning the project, and use painter’s tape and drop cloths to protect any areas you don’t want to be stained (like lawn ornaments, rose bushes, or paving tiles).
It’s best to stain your fence when it’s new since the process can be messy. However, if you can’t stain your fence right away, it’s still a good idea to pressure wash the surface before applying the stain. This will remove any dirt and debris, making the job a lot easier.
Lastly, be sure to choose a color that will complement your home. If you have other wooden features on your property such as a pergola or deck, consider matching the stain to these structures to create a cohesive look.
Finally, remember that fences serve more than just a functional purpose; they can be an important visual element in your yard’s landscape and add to your home’s curb appeal. By carefully selecting the style, material, and finish of your fence, you can make a lasting impression on your neighbors.
Choosing A Design
When designing your fence, it is important to consider its purpose and the aesthetic you want to achieve. For example, if your primary goal is to add privacy to your backyard, you may wish to choose a solid barrier with fewer gaps between boards. Conversely, a fence that is more open and allows more light to flow into the yard can be a good choice if you want to create a secluded space for entertaining. It is also helpful to determine why you want a fence in the first place. Perhaps you are looking to keep pets and children safe or just want to enhance your property’s curb appeal.
Choosing a color is an easy way to bring your design vision to life. A fresh coat of paint can dramatically change the look of a chain link fence, turning it from a utilitarian feature into a unique design element. If your home’s exterior has a vibrant hue, you may want to choose a fence color that coordinates with it or offers a more neutral backdrop.
Additionally, you can choose to include a variety of decorative touches to enhance the look and functionality of your fence. For instance, incorporating lattice work between posts or trellises on longer sections of fencing can offer an eye-catching appearance. You can also add ornamental finials for a finishing touch, which are available in a wide range of sizes and shapes to complement your design scheme.
Another way to add style and functionality to your fence is by adding lighting fixtures for security purposes or decorative panels to highlight the beauty of a garden. In addition, allowing plants to grow along or pierce through your fence can help tie it into the landscape, a design aspect coveted in both modern and traditional landscaping styles.
Having a well-designed fence is a great way to elevate your property and increase its value. By determining the purpose of your fence, researching materials, and understanding local regulations, you can ensure that your fence is not only safe and secure but also enhances the aesthetic of your outdoor space.
