Picket Fence Design

Today, fencing is designed for privacy, beauty and to increase a home's value. Garden fences look best when they complement or match the home's construction. For a brick house, a fence with brick dividers or fence posts would be attractive. You might choose a great plastic or wood picket fence for a cottage or colonial home. If you have a one story home that needs privacy from the street, put up a panel fence and soften it with some vines that grow in your area and you will quickly be able to add a new dimension of privacy to your home with little effort and time.


There are many different options to choose from when building a fence. Your budget, goals, local climate, and cost all play an important role in choosing the right material. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of five different kinds of material.
- Chain Link. Chain link fencing is made of galvanized or coated steel wire. It is low-cost, low-maintenance, extremely durable, and easy to install. It comes in many different heights, making it suitable for a variety of uses, including securing a yard for pets and children or deterring intruders. It will not cast shade on either side of the fence, so plant growth is not inhibited. Chain link is an open design that provides little privacy, but inserting opaque slats through the weave can deter onlookers. Modern chain link comes in different colors to improve its visual appeal.
- Wood. Wood panels are both economical and able to meet a wide variety of fencing needs.
- Vinyl/PVC. Vinyl is stronger and more durable than wood, but it is often just as attractive. It offers much more visual appeal than chain link. Moreover, when compared to wood, it will maintain its appearance for many more years and does not need to be refinished. A simple wash every now and then will keep it looking its best.
- Iron. For security and beauty, wrought iron is unbeatable. However, due to its open design, it is not particularly useful at providing privacy. It is much stronger than vinyl or wood and is not easy to climb, making it ideal for deterring intruders.
- Aluminium. Aluminium is an attractive option that is more economical than wrought iron. It is very durable, will not rust, and, unlike wrought iron or wood, will not need refinishing every few years. It also comes pre-manufactured into many different styles. Most styles are tall and topped with spears, making them a greater deterrent to intruders than wood or chain link.

Choosing the right kind of fencing material can be an adventure. Just remember that there is more than one style of fencing that will look pleasing and meet all your requirements. Don't get too hung up on finding the perfect style or material. You don't have to be a landscape designer, trust your own instincts. Look around your neighborhood and see what is popular and why. Check with local home improvement stores and find out what's new. Establish a budget for your fencing and stick to it. You can save a lot by buying a few tools and doing most of the work yourself. Somehow, that seems to make that fence more valuable to your family.