How to Choose the Right Fence for Your Backyard

Ready to spruce up your backyard so that you use it more than ever before? Installing new fencing is the perfect solution.

Many people don’t use their backyard because it’s too open. Neighbors, who are often stacked so closely together, can see everything you are doing if you don’t have a fence up.

Plus, without a fence, small children and pets can go anywhere and everywhere. So your time spent in the backyard isn’t relaxing like it should be, as you are constantly chasing your little ones around.

But putting up a backyard fence isn’t a simple or cheap project. It’s an investment. But it’s one that’s well worth it in the end.

Here’s what to consider when choosing a type of fence for your backyard.

Determine the Main Purpose of the Fence

Before making any other decisions, you need to clarify why exactly you want a new fence up in the first place. Is it primarily a privacy fence? That way, you can enjoy your backyard without feeling like all your neighbors are watching you nap in your hammock or enjoying your evening wine.

Or is the fence intended to keep in children or dogs? When they have a space to run around, play, and explore on their own, it allows you to relax in the backyard since you won’t have to chase them down the neighborhood.

Or is the fence being installed for security purposes? Maybe you are concerned with passersby walking into your backyard, where you might have expensive toys, furniture, or appliances.

Maybe you don’t need a fence for any of those reasons but are just trying to improve the aesthetic of your yard by adding a decorative fence. Whatever the reason for the fence, it’s important to know why you want it up.

The fence style and materials you choose will all come down to the purpose you choose.

Size

The height of your fence is one of the most important factors when building a fence.  If your goal is a privacy fence, for example, you’ll want to choose a tall fence, about six feet tall.

This provides ample backyard coverage. But it also means more material cost, which increases your overall price.

If you aren’t as concerned about privacy, and just want to keep in animals or children, a smaller fence might work out. This could be a three or four-foot fence.

While older kids are likely going to climb it with ease, it will keep your toddlers and dogs in the yard.

Likewise, if you are wanting to install a decorative fence, a three or four-foot fence is sufficient.

Materials of the New Fencing

Aside from the size, the materials chosen are the other most important factor. There are many different types of fencing materials available.

Wood fencing is the most common, as it is cost-effective, easy to install, offers tons of customization, and is relatively durable if properly maintained.

For those with a higher budget, vinyl or composite fencing offers a synthetic, or plastic, fencing option that can resemble the look and style of wood. However, the material is maintenance-free and will last longer than most wood fences.

These types of fences come at a higher cost but can improve home value and outlast other materials, making them worth it.

Ornamental metal fencing is available as a decorative fencing option. Because of the gaps between each post, it won’t do a great job at retaining animals, nor will it provide privacy. These are meant purely for decoration.

And if you are looking for a true budget-friendly option, chainlink is always an option. While not very flattering, these fences work as a retaining fence for cheap.

Style of Home

When planning to erect a fence, it’s vital that you consider the style of your home. You don’t want a fence that looks completely out of place in your yard because it clashes with the style of your home, do you?

Nicer, historic homes shouldn’t be blocked by tall privacy fences or ruined by a chainlink fence. Instead, these deserve a beautiful ornamental fence around them, expanding on the elegance of the home.

Traditional or contemporary style homes, such as ranches or bungalows, tend to look really good alongside a classic wooden or synthetic fence.

DIY or Professional Installation

Some fences are easy enough to install for the general homeowner, such as wood fencing. Others are best left to professionals if you want a fence that looks good and is going to last.

If you are investing in a high-quality fence, such as an ornamental or synthetic fence, it’s best to have the work completed by a professional. Often, when you do, you’ll also receive a warranty in case anything goes wrong with the fence.

But when you do it yourself, you run the risk of not completing the project perfectly. If something goes wrong as the result of your installation, there’s no one to cover the cost except you.

Alternatively, wood fences, particularly smaller fences, are easy enough for many homeowners to install themselves.

And since the materials are much cheaper, making a mistake won’t be the end of the world. But it’s vital to measure post distance correctly, as one wrong measurement can ruin your entire fence project.

Also, be aware that installing a fence is not a quick project unless you have an experienced team building it. A backyard fence for a homeowner can often take weeks, while a professional crew can have it up in two or three days.

If you want your fence installed the right way, visit Buttefence.com to get started with a professional fencing company.

Understand the Benefits of Installing a Fence

Still on the fence about your new fence? Consider these last benefits.

Installing a fence may improve the value of your home. And it will definitely make it easier to sell your home, as many buyers with kids or pets will be looking for a fenced yard.

Plus, having a fenced-in yard will encourage you to spend more time outdoors. And with so many health benefits of being outside, it’s something worth investing in.

Backyard Fences are Worth the Investment

If you are ready for the best summer ever, it all starts with new fencing. Installing a fence will make it far easier to spend afternoons outdoors, watching the kids play.

It will also encourage you to enjoy meals and drinks outside, watching the sunset over your neighborhood. You’ll find yourself spending far more time outside than ever before. So what are you waiting for? Get started on your new fence today!

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