Fence Me In
Fences are often the first to go when the ground gets saturated and starts moving around, like after a recent rain. You may have noticed your fence doesn’t look quite right after a couple of months of deluge. Fear not. Consider a rainy winter or spring as an opportunity to install a brand-new fence that will hold up to the elements and boost your home’s curb appeal.
Material Shopping
Chances are you haven’t explored the fence market in many years. A lot has changed. There are now greater choices in fence material and designs available. Here’s a rundown of what’s on the market today.
Wood
Cedar, Western Red Cedar and California Redwood remain timeless, beautiful, affordable and flexible. A standard board fence is simple, sturdy, and offers privacy as well as a traditional look. However, the standard board fence doesn’t have to be standard. To get a more modern look, simply rotate the boards. Horizontal board fences are becoming increasingly popular as an affordable, yet modern approach to the traditional fence.
Looking to add a touch of elegance that will give your neighbors fits of fence-envy? Hardwoods like Mangaris and IPE turn the traditional wood fence into a unique structure that screams prestige. Hardwoods are a bit more expensive than softwoods, but if you’re looking to dazzle, they are an excellent fence option.
Vinyl and Aluminum
Vinyl records may not have survived the 1970s, but vinyl fencing is thriving in 2017. Vinyl is not a new technology for fences – it’s been around for years – but today’s vinyl is more versatile, better looking – and much cheaper than its predecessors. In fact, vinyl is now only slightly costlier than softwoods – about $5 more per square foot on average.
With vinyl, you can design your fence, your way. With a variety of both vinyl and aluminum-based materials, you will have plenty of options to create a personalized fence that fits your needs and your style. Best of all – vinyl fencing requires virtually zero maintenance through its entire lifespan. A simple hose-down every now and then will do the trick.
ActiveYards – which offers prefabricated, low maintenance, lifetime warrantied fence systems made in the USA – is now available at J&W Lumber locations. ActiveYards systems are one of the most innovative, inexpensive and user-friendly fencing options available. Made from PVC and aluminum, ActiveYards fencing offers high-quality materials at a very affordable price. Best of all – you can easily install the fence yourself. With a simple locking system, the fence parts snap together easily – like Legos for adults. The most difficult part of installing the fence is digging holes for the fence posts. If you know how to use a shovel – and don’t mind putting in a little elbow grease – you can save thousands on installation.
Cedar Split Rail
Looking for an unobstructed view with minimal security but with a maximum rustic feel? The post and rail fence has been a staple in America since George Washington crossed the Delaware. Split Cedar offers a natural, frontier feel and is perfect for ranches and homes with larger spaces to denote borders. For a more hearty and durable post and rail fence, lodge polls are a great choice.
Get Creative
New materials like vinyl/aluminum combinations aren’t the only new players in the fencing revolution. More and more, homeowners are getting creative with their fences. It’s not uncommon to see custom fences that combine existing materials and designs to create something entirely new.
Pro Tips
Split the cost: Your next-door neighbor will be sharing that big, beautiful new fence with you. Why not work together on the fence and split the costs?
Know the rules: Always check your local building codes. There may be height restrictions and rules for certain types of fences. Know your HOA’s policies – which are often stricter – as well.
Get inspired: Start looking at fences when you’re out and about. You will notice fences you like and fences you don’t – and you’ll get the creative juices flowing.
At J&W Lumber, we’re here to help. Contact us or stop into one of our showrooms and we’ll help you find the right materials and plan for your fence.
My husband just inherited a farm from his parents and we decided to convert it to a dairy and livestock farm. We got all the permits sorted out so I went and moved on to making the farm safe and to avoid the animals getting out. I’m leaning towards building an Aluminum fence for its versatility. Do you have any recommendations on what kind of fence we could put up? Thanks!
My husband and I really want to get a fence, but we don’t know what kind of fence to get. That is nice that vinyl has a ton of options for making the fence personalized. I would like to be able to have a unique fence that no one else has in the area. Thank you for the information!
It was great how you said that wooden fences are wonderful because they are beautiful, affordable, and flexible while at the same time simple and offers a traditional look as well as class. Those are all the things that my mom desires the most for the fence, so I am sure that she will love my suggestion. I have been weighing the pros and cons of wood and metal fences for a while now, but I think my question has been answered. Thanks!
It’s good to learn more about different fencing materials. We want to put one in this year, and deciding which style we want has been tough! I like the fact that vinyl is so cheap and improved from before. What about chainlink and vinyl mixed together? I’ve heard good things about that.
That’s good to know that wood is affordable. It has a good look to it as well. It definitely could fulfill the white picket fence dream.
My favorite part of this article is when you said that hardwoods are a bit more expensive than softwoods, but they are an excellent fence option. This information is really helpful considering that we are about to replace the entire fences. Oh yes, I agree that we can save more money if we’ll just share the fences as well as the cost!
It sure was nice to know that just like the vinyl fencing, the aluminum-based material will give the owner an option to create a fence that is based on their lifestyles. If that is the case, then I will use aluminum instead as it seems to me as the material that is more durable and long-lasting. Thank you for sharing. At least now I know what to consider as I have plans on having a personalized fence installed around the property that will withstand the weather.
I was talking to my fiance the other day about our interest in getting a fence. We want to make sure that we are getting the best materials and doing the best for our yard. Getting creative is great advice and it will be fun to see what we come up with.
Thanks for pointing out how different materials can really offer different looks. I never really thought of it that way. I especially like how you said that a wood fence offers a more traditional look. Traditional looks are totally in right now and I think it would be worth the investment if I ever decided to get a fence.
Of the materials you have listed here, I think I’d go with wood. Now with that, there are multiple types to choose from. I’d just be sure to go with a professional for installation purposes to ensure that things would get done right.
It’s great to know more about fencing materials. I love how you said that wood is good because it offers privacy and aesthetics. We’re hoping to put a fence around for our kids, so I think wood would be great.
Great Tips. Thank you so much for sharing a great article.
My kids asked us to buy them a dog so they can learn responsibilities. I really liked the idea of having one, but I don’t know what type, of fence to install. Thanks to your article, I will definitely consider a vinyl fence because they required less maintenance and are easy to fix.
It’s good to know that standard board wood fences will give me the traditional look I’m looking for. Since I plan to get exotic wood erected in my backyard, I should probably hire someone to do a custom job of it. I think I’ll hire a reliable contractor to help me out with the planning and building process.
Thanks for sharing the info. Those are some beautiful fences pictured there. I agree a quality fence installation is something a homeowner won’t regret!
We just bought a new home and need to put in a fence in our backyard. I love your tip about using a Cedar split rail for the unobstructed view. The neighbors have a great pasture with horses that we love to look at. I will be sure to find a professional that can help us get this type of fencing installed for our home.
Thank you for suggesting that hardwood fences can give your home an elegant look that your neighbors will covet. I’m currently building a house and I’m trying to decide which material to use for my fences. In my opinion, wood will give my home that classic, elegant look I’m going for.
My pool seems like it lacks privacy right now because the only thing I’m relying on for security is my neighbor’s steel fence, and sometimes, he sees me dipping into the pool when he goes to his backyard. I think I’ll hire someone to build a fence for me so that I’ll enjoy swimming in the pool without feeling conscious about it. It’s great to know that a vinyl fence is now much cheaper nowadays, so this might be the one I’m looking for.
It’s interesting to know that wood fencing will offer privacy and a traditional look. My husband and I moved to our new house, and we are looking for advice about how to replace our backyard fence, and we are looking for advice to choose the right fence materials. I will let him know about the benefits of wood fencing to help us choose the right materials.
Those were some amazing information. This helps me so much to understand some useful thing.
Christina- we’re so glad that we can help! If you’re in the Southern California area you can call any of our 6 locations and they can go into even more detail on what would be the best products for your fence and give some free estimates!! https://www.jwlumber.com/contact/ thank you for reading and HAPPY BUILDING!
My older sister just adopted an adult golden retriever and is needing to add a fence to her yard to keep him in. It’s nice how a wood fence can offer privacy and durability, and you can rotate the boards horizontally to make it look more modern. I’ll try to help her find a fence installation service in Ottawa to help with her dog.
Sabrina- Thank you for reading!! We love the horizontal fences and they’re perfect for keeping your fur family safe 🙂 A good way to start is by contacting your local construction assocation- they will have a list of licensed local pros happy to help! Let us know how it goes- we LOVE to see pics!!! Happy Building
I love the designs and the style it’s wonderful.
Nice fences! I like the designs it’s wonderful.
Thank you! We have the privilege of working with the best contractors in the business!! Happy building!
Thanks to sharing the nice information about the material which use to design the security fence which match our style.
Thank you Stephen!
I like how today’s vinyl fences are better looking and more versatile. I’d like to get a fence that matches well with the colors of my house. A wooden fence just wouldn’t cut it even it was painted.
Thank you for the great article . I will follow the same as you told in this post.