Browsing Tag

fence

OUTDOORS

Enhancing Outdoor Spaces: 4 Ideas for Picket Fences

enhancing-outdoor-spaces-4-ideas-for-picket-fences

Are you looking to add more to your outdoor spaces?

We all love to spend time outdoors in the summer because of the fresh air and sunshine. But what do you think about all-season outdoor spaces? It can help our homes look better, feel better, and increase durability.

Picket fences are starter outdoor enhancements you can do to your home. There are so many creative ways you can use them.

Read on for four ideas for picket fences you should try out.

1. Painted Picket Perfection

Opt for a classic white picket fence and give it a fresh coat of paint. White pickets create a clean and timeless look that can complement any style of home. It’s both attractive and functional at the same time.

To add a twist, consider painting the pickets in a soft pastel color, a subtle shade that complements your exterior color palette. This approach adds a dash of color without overwhelming the space. Check out this top fence company, they offer a wide variety of customizable picket fences fabricated to meet your needs.

2. Floral Wonderland

Integrate your picket fence into a vibrant garden setting. Plant climbing flowers such as roses, clematis, or morning glories along the fence line. As these plants grow, they’ll intertwine with the pickets, creating a beautiful and romantic floral display.

You can also install small planter boxes or hanging baskets along the fence to further enhance the garden atmosphere. No matter what style you choose, picket fences are an ideal way to create a floral display that is sure to impress.

3. Rustic Reclaimed Pickets

Embrace a rustic or farmhouse aesthetic by using reclaimed wood for your picket fence. Weathered and distressed wood adds character and a sense of history to your outdoor space.

You can even mix and match pickets of varying sizes and colors for a unique and eclectic look. Leave the wood untreated or apply a clear sealant to preserve the natural patina. They can be a great way to separate spaces while adding an element of rustic charm to any outdoor space.

4. Picket Artistry

Turn your picket fence into a canvas for artistic expression. Consider stenciling or hand-painting designs, patterns, or murals onto the pickets. This could range from simple geometric shapes to intricate botanical motifs.

Ensure that the picket fence design complements the overall theme of your outdoor space and home architecture. When you combine picket fences and artistry, the possibilities are truly endless. With just a little creative thinking, you can turn an ordinary picket fence into a work of art!

Creative Ideas for Picket Fences

Enhancing your outdoor space with a picket fence can be an attractive and timeless addition. Try one of these four ideas for picket fences to add visual interest and charm to your outdoor area.

With a little care and consideration, you can create the perfect backyard retreat for your family and friends. Give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!

Check out the rest of our blog if you’re in need of more helpful and informative content like this!

0 comment
Share:
OUTDOORS

6 Common Errors in Fence Installations and How to Avoid Them

6-common-errors-in-fence-installations-and-how-to-avoid-them

You need a new fence for your yard, but before you make that purchase, you want to know the best fence installation process or practices. Otherwise, you might end up with a fence that doesn’t meet your needs. Or worse, you could put yourself at risk for injury.

Not quite sure how to install a fence the right way? We’ve got all the information you need to know! Keep reading for six common errors in fence installations and how you can steer clear of them.

Let’s get you started!

1. Inaccurate Measurement and Layout

Accurate measurements and layout are crucial for successful fence installations. Follow the steps twice and measure the posts twice before cutting to avoid problems. Closed posts can cause sagging, while far-apart posts cause low fences and need more materials.

Incorrect railing layouts can cause weak, unstable structures and hanging gates. Using tools like chalk lines, laser levels, and utility squares ensures accuracy and prevents costly repairs.

2. Inappropriate Use of Nails and Screws for Attachment

When installing or replacing old fences, it’s crucial to use appropriate hardware for securing components. Nails and screws are commonly used, but improper use can weaken the structure.

Common errors include improper size and spacing. Small nails can cause breakage, while long screws can cause over-torquing. To avoid issues, use proper nails and screws and space according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

3. Picking the Wrong Fencing Structure and Material

When selecting different fence materials, it’s crucial to consider the space’s individual needs. It includes durability, ease of use, aesthetic value, insulation, and budget. Choose materials that can withstand the elements and provide safety and security.

Flimsy or inadequate materials can cause costly repairs or replacements. Research and consult experts to avoid mistakes. Also, ensure quality, compatibility with terrain, and long-lasting applications.

4. Not Following the Necessary Building Permits and Regulations

Common errors in fence installation include not following building permits and regulations. Failure to get permits can lead to fines and the tearing down of the fence.

To avoid these errors, get the necessary paperwork and follow safety regulations. Research local ordinances and consult a building official if unsure. Hire fence contractors knowledgeable about regulations to avoid fence installation errors.

5. Neglecting Post Installation Maintenance and Protection

A common error in fence installation is not providing regular fence maintenance and protection. It is crucial to check for rust, loose posts, and other damages. If the fence is not maintained, then it is likely that it will decay and no longer provide your desired level of protection and security.

To prevent this, paint and seal the fence regularly and ensure that you check for any signs of damage. If there are any broken or loose posts, replace them right away.

6. Inexperienced DIYers

Inexperienced DIYers often make common mistakes when installing a fence on their own. Some of the most common errors include improper post spacing and failing to dig post holes deep enough.

To avoid these mistakes, it is important to seek professional help when measuring. Using a metal detector to locate underground pipes and wires for safety and to prevent property damage.

Learn More About Errors in Fence Installations and How to Avoid Them

Common errors in fence installations can ruin the look and quality of the fence. With adequate preparation, appropriate materials, and careful work, you can have a pleasing and sturdy fence that can last for years. With the help of a qualified fence expert, you can ensure correct installation and prevent errors by keeping your eyes open and ensuring proper fence maintenance.

Did you find this article helpful? Check out the rest of our blogs!

0 comment
Share:
OUTDOORS

Wood vs. Vinyl Fence

wood-vs-vinyl-fence

How Do These Two Fencing Materials Compare in the 4 Categories We’ve Chosen?

When it comes to fencing around homes, two types of fencing tend to be particularly popular. These are vinyl and wood fencing. If you’re not sure which type of fencing is right for your home, check out our comparisons below, as different people will reach different conclusions based on which variables are most important to them. There’s no one superior fence for everyone.

Appearance

One of the main factors people consider when choosing a fence is the appearance of the fence. The first thing to keep in mind is that there is not just one type of wood or one type of vinyl fence. These days there are many alternatives for each type of fencing, so you’re very likely to be able to find one that will suit your style. You can get help from Illinois Fence company if you want to get a better idea of all the various options available for each type of fence.

Photo credit: Pinterest

Wood fencing tends to be the favourite when it comes to the overall appearance of a fence, at least when it’s freshly installed. People love the natural look, and it’s what many people grew up with. However, if it isn’t properly maintained it can get to look like an eyesore. You can vary the appearance with your choice of stain or paint so it can match virtually any style and colour of home.

Vinyl fencing used to look very plastic-like, which isn’t very appealing. But over time it has improved a lot in appearance, although it still doesn’t look the same as wood. It tends to maintain its appearance better than wood without a lot of maintenance. As time passes, your vinyl fence may end up looking better than your neighbor’s wooden fence if they don’t properly maintain it. You have your choice of more solid panels that improve privacy or panels that look more like traditional fencing with more spacing between the planks.

Maintenance Necessary

If you don’t have a lot of time to deal with keeping your fence in tip-top shape, you may want to opt for vinyl fencing. Aesthetically it might not be quite as pleasing as wood, but it does require a lot less maintenance. In many cases, unless something happens to damage the fence, all you need to do is periodically clean it off with a hose or a pressure washer to get off any dirt that’s on the fence. Choosing the right colour for the fence will minimize the appearance of the dirt in between cleanings.

Wood fencing needs to be stained or painted after installation and then repainted frequently. As it gets older, it may warp and rot, especially if it hasn’t been properly cared for throughout its lifetime. This can be a time-consuming and expensive process. If you think you’ll want to change the colour of your fencing over time, wood does have the advantage of being able to be refinished.

Durability

Think about it. How many times do you want to have to deal with putting in a new fence over your lifetime? Probably not many. This means you want a fence that will be durable and long-lasting.  Wood fences are susceptible to rot, insect damage, and damage due to expanding and contracting with varying temperatures and moisture levels, all of which affect their durability.

Vinyl fencing is typically manufactured to be able to withstand all of these issues. In general, wind damage may be the most common issue. Those who live in areas with high winds may want to opt for the fencing with more space between the slats, as this makes it more wind-resistant. Vinyl fences can last up to 5 times as long as wood fences, which average about 20 years before they need to be replaced.

Photo credit: Pinterest

Cost Considerations

When it comes to the cost of fencing, you need to take three factors into consideration: the initial cost of installing the fence, the cost of maintaining the fence, and the expected lifetime of the fence. What looks like the best deal from the initial price may not be the most cost-efficient choice in the long run.

The initial cost to install wood fencing can vary greatly based on the type of wood you choose. It can be as low as $3 to $7 per linear foot (before installation) if you choose pine or as high as $12 to $60 per linear foot if you opt for white oak. However, in general, the initial cost of buying and installing a wood fence will be cheaper than purchasing and installing a vinyl fence.

The typical vinyl fence ranges in price per linear foot from about $15 to $30. Rail fences will be cheaper than picket or privacy fences, and shadowbox styles are the most expensive. White vinyl is less expensive than wood grain vinyl, which is less expensive than black vinyl.

Which fence do you choose?

From these quick comparisons it looks like wood might be the better deal. But keep in mind that wood fences need to be restained or repainted every year or two, which adds to their maintenance costs. While vinyl fences just need to be hosed off to rinse off the dirt.  It does tend to cost more to repair vinyl fencing if it gets damaged, as you often need to replace an entire panel while with wood fencing you can just replace the slat that’s damaged. The much longer life of vinyl fences means they may be the more cost-effective option in the long run.

There are many issues to consider when choosing between vinyl and wood fencing. If appearance is the most important factor for you and you are open to a bit more maintenance, you may want to choose wood fencing. However, if you are looking for a more carefree option and can afford a larger upfront investment, consider one of the many types of vinyl fencing available. You could also review other types of fencing, such as metal fencing, if neither of these types of fencing meets all of your needs.

1 comment
Share: