There’s a reason white picket fences are so synonymous with the American dream. A fence is more than a practical construction: it’s a symbol of staking your claim, of carving out of a piece of the world for your own.

But of course, there’s far more to fences than the white picket variety, and they offer valuable privacy, protection, and décor for any home. If you want to fence in your yard, there are some things you should know!

Types

When choosing a fence for your home, there are two primary concerns: size and materials.

Fencing sizes are almost always regulated by local laws. HOAs may have further restrictions. However, as a general rule, you want around three feet for a decorative front fence and around six feet for a backyard fence. There are obviously exceptions to this; for instance, you may need a larger fence for keeping out deer, and some large breed dogs require extra large fences.

Materials are much more diverse, and depend largely on what you want the fence to do. Looking for some privacy and aesthetics? A tall wooden fence will do. Looking to stay under budget? Consider a chain link fence for basic security, or PVC fences for easy installation and maintenance. Looking for maximum security? Wrought iron or brick are the way to go, but be prepared to pay.

Maintenance

Like any other part of a home, fencing requires regular maintenance to remain functional. Lower end models typically require a garden hose and maybe some scrubbing once a year. Wooden varieties often require additional sealing, sanding, and even plank replacement to stay fresh. With metal, rust is also an obvious concern. However, aluminum holds up much better than iron.

Looking to spruce up a boring chain link or wooden fence? Flowers and vines can do wonders for their aesthetics, and add some extra privacy to boot!

Would you like a beautiful custom home of your own? With over thirty years of custom homebuilding experience, Tingen Construction can make your dream a reality. We operate in the Triangle area of North Carolina, building homes in Raleigh and its suburbs. Contact Tingen Construction today to learn about our floor plans and current openings!