Are you planning a new fence? Congratulations! A new fence is a great way to improve the look and value of your home. Whether you are replacing an old fence or starting from scratch, a new fence is always an improvement. We know that you have lots of options when it comes to planning a new fence, and it can seem overwhelming. You have choices about materials, design, fence height, colors, and even the exact location of the new fence. If you feel like you’re in a bit over your head, you have no need to worry. A Bravo Fence Company consultant is happy to work with you to plan the fence of your dreams. Contact Bravo Fence Company today to start planning your new fence.
Where Will Your New Fence Be Located
Before you can start planning anything else, you need to know exactly where your fence will be located. We know this isn’t the fun part. That will come later, when you get to start choosing colors and designs. But it may be the most significant decision you make.
If you are planning to replace an existing fence, you may just put the new fence in the exact same spot. If you are planning a new fence, you have more options, but you need to work carefully. Many homeowners want to install a fence to close in the perimeter of their property. It’s a popular option and a great way to use your fence, but be careful. Before you mark the edge of your property, you need to know exactly where that edge is. If you overstep the boundaries of your property by even a few inches, you may end up having to take the whole thing down. We would never want to install a fence only to have it torn down, so we always make sure to follow the guidelines precisely.
To locate the boundaries of your property, you will need plans from a surveyor. If you are lucky, you have the original documents that came with the deed to your home, which should include a survey. If you’ve been in your home for a long time and aren’t sure where your survey is, you can usually get one from the city. If all else fails, you can have a surveyor from your city or county come to your home and prepare new plans.
What Material Should Your New Fence Be
The first step in the design process is selecting the material for your new fence. At Bravo Fence, we specialize in wood, aluminum, steel, chain link, and vinyl fences. The material you choose will have a lot to do with the function of your new fence. Other factors include the styles of the houses around you.
While it is not a requirement (unless your HOA has regulations about it), planning a new fence to fit in with your neighbors is always a good idea. If you’re neighborhood is mostly wood and vinyl fences, you should probably avoid chain link that’s visible from the street. But if chain link is standard for your neighborhood, it may be a great, cost-effective solution for your home. The same is true for steel and aluminum fences. Steel and aluminum can both mimic the look of classic wrought iron. If you live in a neighborhood where wrought iron is the norm—common in more urban settings—a wood or vinyl fence may look out of place.
Considerations When Selecting a Material
Matching your setting is just one consideration in planning a new fence. You should also consider your budget, your desired design, and the function of your fence.
Wood is a classic material for privacy fences. It is strong, solid—no peeping toms— and it ages well. At Bravo Fence, we offer pressure treated pine, cedar, and composite wood fences.
If you want a vintage or high-end look, we recommend aluminum or steel. A steel fence is extremely secure, and aluminum is not far behind. There are many design options for these metal fences, and the options are completely different than the options for wood.
If you like the look of wood, but want something less expensive and with less maintenance, you should consider vinyl. Vinyl fences have come a long way. They can look like wood, but without the same aging and maintenance concerns.
Chain link is strong and cost-effective. It is also easy to repair if it gets damaged. Chain link is a great solution for keeping pets contained. With added slats, it can provide a lot of privacy, too.
Choosing a Color, Design, and Height
This is where planning a new fence really gets fun. Once you’ve finalized your fence’s location and material, you can start picking out colors and designs. The options can seem a bit overwhelming, but think of it like picking paint colors for a new home. It should be fun, but also well thought out and carefully considered.
Wood Fence Designs
If you are building a wood fence, you have several options to choose from. First, determine how transparent you want your fence to be. If you are building a privacy fence, you probably want a solid fence. You can also choose semi-solid fences that have small gaps. There is also a wide selection of tops for your wood fence. The simplest top is just a straight cut. But you can also choose a variety of curved and mitered tops. Some fences include specialized tops the include lattice and other designs about the solid part of the fence. Posts can also be fitted with a variety of finials and other decorative caps.
If you are building a more decorative fence, or just marking a boundary, you can go more transparent. Picket and split rail fences are two popular styles of transparent fences. Picket fences are very popular in the front yard of cottage-style homes. They are also popular on many classic ranch-style suburban homes. Picket fences are typically ornamental, and rarely more the four feet tall. 36” and 48” picket fences are standard.
If your home is a little more rural, or even just has a rural style, split rail can complement your home. Split rail is common on farms or around corrals. There are quite a few types of split rail fence, ranging from sleek and modern to unfinished and rustic. Split rail fences are typically lower than privacy fences, at three to four feet tall. A two-rail fence usually measures 36” to the top of the rail, while a three-rail fence is usually 48” tall. In some cases, a four-rail fence can be five feet tall, but four-rail fences are not common.
Aluminum and Steel Fences
Aluminum and steel fence designs range from the sleek and modern to the classical and ornate. One of the most popular uses of metal fences is to mimic the look of traditional wrought iron. A wrought iron look-alike fence can be as ornate as you like, with curves, designs, and decorative caps. Metal fences are most often painted black, but you can select white of other colors depending on your personal style. Many traditional designs include finials that are painted gold.
For a more modern look, aluminum and steel fences can have straight, clean lines and minimal or no ornamentation. A typical modernist metal fence will include sleek black posts and matching rails. However, many colors and specific styles are available.
Chain Link Fences
Residential chain link is not limited to the plain gray fencing you see in many commercial applications. There are two primary methods for dressing up a chain link fence. The first is to cover the chain link in vinyl coating. The coatings come in many colors, and they can also soften the chain link so it is less industrial looking. Another option is to place vertical or diagonal slats in the chain link. The slats come in many colors, and they add both color and privacy to your fence. Chain link can also be painting, which expands your color option to almost any color you can imagine.
Chain link comes in rolls that range from three feet to twelve feet tall. Three or four feet is common for a front or side yard. If you plan to add slats and use your chain link fence as a privacy fence, consider a six-foot fence. Taller fences than six feet are uncommon in residential settings.
Answering Your Questions About Planning a New Fence
Planning a new fence can seem overwhelming. There are endless choices to make, and sometimes the differences aren’t clear. When you work with Bravo Fence Company, we will help you navigate these choices to design the perfect fence for you. Contact us today to get started!
