Fence and Gate Guide

Many purposes can be served by fences, but the most common one is to set off where your property ends and your neighbor’s begins. If you’re a gardener, then you may also want a garden fence, which can be decorative, highlighting your gardening efforts, or utilitarian, keeping out intruders.

Fencing comes in a number of forms and materials. Wooden privacy fencing is a favorite where looks matter. Tall fence provide great privacy without sacrificing aesthetics, and come in a number of finishes. Along with wood privacy fence, which you can buy prestained or painted, there are synthetic plastic fences available in white or wood tone finishes that are completely maintenance free.

Wood lattice is similar to solid wood privacy panels, except that it allows breeze to come through while still providing some privacy. Lattice makes a great trellis in flower gardens for climbing vines and flowering plants.

Split rail fence is mostly decorative and looks very attractive on the perimeter of your yard. You can also place small lengths of rail fence strategically in a garden to accent a flower bed or other item of visual interest. Cedar is the king of split rail fencing. It looks great and holds up year after year in all kinds of weather. As it ages, it acquires a grayish patina if you leave it unfinished, or you can stain it if you prefer to preserve its red tones.

Picket fences are another decorative style of fence that marks off property lines and can provide a low enclosure for smaller animals and children to play in. Picket fencing blends well with many styles of architecture, especially Cape Cod, bungalow, and traditional farmhouses. Although traditionally this type of fencing was always painted white, muted colors that blend with a home’s exterior are becoming a trend. Once only available in wood, synthetics have added maintenance free fencing options to this traditional form.

Metal fencing comes in several types. The humble chain link fence shows up everywhere, although usually not where it’s visible from the street, as it has a forbidding appearance. Chain link fences are zero maintenance and are relatively inexpensive. With a standard height of four feet, they’re especially good as play areas for kids and dogs. Although the fence itself is maintenance free, the ground underneath it isn’t. Plan to spend some time with the weed trimmer taking out growth under the fence all summer. Animals can dig holes under chain link fence and get in or out if you don’t keep them filled.

Ornate metal fences are beautiful relics of the past and work well in high-end settings such as Victorian homes and large modern houses. The modern wrought-iron fence has come a long way—nowadays the material is more likely to be an alloy or aluminum than cast iron. Modern materials have made these fences low-maintenance and affordable for the average homeowner.

For a really traditional look, consider a fieldstone fence. Stone fences look beautiful in garden settings as a backdrop for flower beds or climbing vines. A good stone mason can build stone fencing without mortar, using the weight of the stones to hold them in place. Farmhouses and other traditional architecture harmonizes well with this type of fence.

Outdoor gates can be decorative or utilitarian. Many homeowners have begun installing gates for security purposes. Security gates can be opened by hand, or they may have automatic openers that respond to a security code from a hand-held opener.

A swinging gate attached to a perimeter fence needed look foreboding. You can get gates to match your fencing material so they blend in with the overall look of your yard while still maintaining a barrier effect. Gates can keep kids and animals out or in, and add to your sense of privacy while you’re at home.

Decorative gates are part of an overall landscaping strategy that can really enhance the looks of your yard. These gates don’t need to keep anything out or in—they’re strictly for looks. Put a gate at the entrance to your garden, or within your garden to set off a private area with a bench or fountain. Use your creativity and choose a garden gate to enhance your home’s overall look.