Fun, Functional and Fantastic Fences: A Fence Blog

Posted on: 13 April 2016

Choosing a new fence for your home is a big decision to make, so it helps to be fully prepared. Here are some common questions you need to ask yourself when choosing the type of fence you want and the materials to go with.

What type of maintenance are you willing to do?

The first thing you should consider when deciding on a good fence for your home is whether or not you have the time and energy to maintain the fence. Some fences tend to require more maintenance than others, such as wood fences. You may need to occasionally seal the wood fence to keep out pests and prevent rot, but you also need to keep them clean and be careful about environmental damage. Some fences require almost no maintenance, such as those made from aluminum or metal materials.

Do you have specific security needs?

You should also consider whether or not you need to have better security with the help of the fence. Some types of fences are not good for security purposes, such as traditional picket fences or those made of aluminum or vinyl. These materials are easy to break down, putting your home at risk. If you have security concerns, you should go with a durable material like steel or wrought iron. These fences are nearly impossible to break down, and they often come along with strong locks and gates that keep all people off your property. When thinking about security, also consider whether you need a fence where there are no gaps in order to keep pets in your home and keep wild animals out.

How much are you willing to spend on the fence?

Cost can make a big difference in which fences are available to you as well. Set a realistic budget for your fence, remembering to consider the materials, style of fence, and how much you will need to pay a professional fencing contractor for installing it. Some of the least expensive fences are aluminum and basic wood fences. Wood privacy fences tend to be a little more expensive, while wrought iron and security fences are the most expensive. Some of the metal styles are also more difficult to install, which further increases the labour costs of installation.

Do you need a specialty fence?

You might also need a specialty fence, in addition to the one in front of your home for appearance purposes. For example, if you have pets you are trying to keep on your property, you can get a pet fence. These are built to not have gaps large enough for a dog or cat to fit through, and are often high enough to where pets can jump over it. You might also need to have a fence built around your swimming pool so children and pets don't put themselves at risk.