A white picket fence is associated with the ideal home and the American dream. Traditional fences are generally short, so they offer some level of privacy without looking like a fortress. The picket style is simple, and there are many ways to design it to complement your home.
Picket fences were used by American colonists who wanted to keep livestock and chickens out of their yards and offer some protection to their gardens. Soon different patterns of fences emerged, and people began to use them for other purposes. They are perfect for gardens, pool enclosures, and front yards, and they can be about 3 to 4 feet tall. These fences offer the ideal balance of security and beauty for your home. Nearly 400 years after they were first used in the Americas, picket fences are still popular with homeowners around the country.
The Benefits of a Picket Fence
Aesthetics
A perfect picket fence is like a picture frame that completes a work of art. These fences are pleasing to the eye and often used for decorative purposes. Most people choose picket fences for their traditional All-American look. Depending on the area, a classic white picket fence can make your home stand out in the neighborhood or fit in with your neighbors. If you have a beautifully manicured lawn and want to show it off, this kind of fence is also the best option. Picket fences are open and low, which means that you can showcase your well-kept yard to passersby.
High Wind Resistance
The large gaps between pickets allow wind to get through without damaging the fence. So they are ideal for areas that get strong winds. As Georgia and the Southeast tumble through hurricane and tropical storm season, picket fences typically sustain very little damage.
Easy Maintenance
Picket fences are relatively easy to maintain. Regular maintenance for a wood picket fence includes repainting every few years and replacing damaged pickets as necessary, which is easy to do and not too costly. Vinyl picket fences are even less expensive to maintain because the material is fade resistant and durable.
Security and Privacy
Though picket fences are short, they add some limited privacy and security to a home. While it won’t provide protection from criminal intruders, a picket fence can help mark the boundaries around your property, which adds some privacy and keeps out curious passersby, stray pets, and children.
Affordability
The fact that picket fences use less material than other kinds of fences means that they can cost less to install. They are also relatively easy to install, saving on labor compared to some other fence types.
Outdoor Freedom
If you have young children or pets, a picket fence around the yard has some great benefits. It allows children and pets to stay safe within the boundaries of your property while still enjoying their outdoor freedom.
Components of a Picket Fence
Cap. On a picket fence, the cap rests on top of each post. It offers protection to the end grain of the post when there is harsh weather, and it can also be a decorative feature.
Rail. The rail is the horizontal bar between posts that supports the pickets. Depending on the design and the height of the fence, the rails may be anywhere from 3 to 6 feet apart.
Post. The posts support the rails and other components of the fence. Posts are the primary component that keeps the fence stable and upright.
Picket. Pickets are vertical slats of poles attached to the rail. They often have a tip that is pointed or decoratively shaped.
What You Should Consider When Selecting a Picket Fence
Choosing the Material
Initially, picket fences were all made of wood. Today, however, these fences are made from various materials, such as vinyl, metal, cellular PVC, and composites. Wood is still the most common material used for pickets, and its advantages are that it is moderately priced and suitable for privacy. Some of the types of wood that last longest on a fence are cedar, redwood, and pressure-treated pine.
Vinyl can look like wood, and it has some benefits of its own. It can withstand severe weather and the elements and is highly durable. Vinyl picket fences cost more than wood, but they are worth the investment for many homeowners since they last longer.
Do Some Research
Before you build, check whether there are covenants or HOA regulations regarding a fence’s material, look, or height. You should also determine whether you will need a permit to put up your fence and how far from the sidewalk your fence has to be. If you are building along the edge of your property, make sure you have a plat map or property survey to establish your exact boundaries. This will help you avoid putting up a fence on your neighbor’s property. If you overstep your property line, you may have to remove the fence entirely.
Find Out How Much It Will Cost to Get Your Fence Installed
The cost of your fence will depend on its material, height, and length. Other costs that you may need to take consider include custom hardware and gates.
Hire a Professional
If you choose to put a fence around your property, you should find a professional to do it right. Always use a licensed company that is insured. A fence that is installed properly can last for decades. At Bravo Fence Company, we offer various fence installation services such as aluminum fence installation, wood fence installation, steel fence installation, PVC fence installation, and chain link fence installation. We can quickly and efficiently handle all your picket fence installation needs.
Consider Your Neighbors
When it comes to property, there are always boundaries with neighbors on the other side. When putting up a fence, it is essential to consider this. Talk to your neighbors and see whether you can share the cost of a new fence with them. If they agree to split some or all of the costs, get it in writing, so everyone is clear on the arrangement. As etiquette, you may plant to have the smooth side of your fence face your neighbor.
Consider the Local Climate
If you live in an area with a warm, wet climate, a wood fence can become damaged from being damp all the time. In this case, the best material to use is vinyl. In areas with strong winds, a picket fence will do well because it will allow the strong winds to pass through the gaps.
Add Entrances to Your Property
To make moving in and out of your property convenient, plan two openings in your fence. These are the areas you can add a gate. Consider an entrance size that can accommodate bulky items or even vehicles, depending on how you plan to use your yard. You may also add some decorations to your entrances, such as stepping stones.
Decorations
Once you have installed your fence, you can add some decorations for aesthetic appeal. You can customize your fence by adding decorative posts or painting the fence a stylish, contemporary color. Another way you may decorate your fence is by planting some flowers around it.
Other things that you may consider when planning your fence are:
- The architecture of your home.
- The scale and size of your home.
- If you have pets or children
- If you want a fence that will stand out or one that will blend into the scenery
- The type of property that you have
- The number of gates you wish to have
Different types of picket fence designs
There are different options available when it comes to styling a picket fence. Here are some common styles:
Traditional Picket
A traditional picket is simple, has clean lines, and can be paired with many different styles of architecture. These pickets have been used for centuries, but modern homes can use them, too.
Dog-Eared Pickets
These pickets have a modern look, tapered at the edges, so they are ideal for contemporary homes. To create a custom look, you can vary the spacing between the pickets.
French Gothic Picket
This kind of picket has a French Gothic style suitable for a Victorian home. You can alternate styled and plain pickets to add more interest.
Square Pickets
These are pickets made of square poles instead of flat pickets. They are often installed at alternating heights for a more dramatic effect.
Conclusion
A picket fence is just right if you want a combination of value and aesthetics. At Bravo Fence Company, we aim to offer superior services, high-quality materials, and competitive prices. Choose the kind of picket fence that you want, contact us to get a custom quote, and we will deliver by providing you with a fast fence installation that will be sure to meet all your needs.
