After centuries of accenting the American dream, there’s still something special about a home picket fence. Picket Fence Summerville is a popular choice to keep children and pets safe but can also add curb appeal. Before starting a fence project, call 811 to find out the location of any underground utility lines. Doing so helps avoid slamming a post into a line or damaging pipes.
A well-kept home and yard are part of curb appeal, but a beautiful fence can also boost the appeal. A picket fence is a classic American choice for accenting front yards and adding character to the house. It can also keep children and pets safe while letting passersby see the house from the street.
Many people paint their picket fence white, a look that’s easy to maintain with regular repainting and washing. However, it’s important to remember that a white fence can show dirt more readily than darker colors. A more subtle option is to use a fence color that matches the trim of your house, or choose a gray or brown stain.
While picket fences are typically made of wood and painted, today they are available in a wide range of materials. PVC vinyl is a popular alternative, which is almost maintenance-free and comes in a variety of styles to match your front-yard landscaping. Some of these fences can be prefabricated and shipped to your home for assembly. Aluminum and wrought iron are other decorative options that are often used for enhancing curb appeal.
The classic picket style has a point at the top and straight lines down the sides. But you can also experiment with other shapes to add interest and charm. For example, you might consider a square picket that alternates heights and has a more ornate look that would complement a Victorian-style house. Or you could use a functional spear shape that looks similar and has points that help shed excess rainwater.
A picket fence is typically a waist-high, open design that helps project an inviting feeling to passersby. The gaps between the fence boards allow sunlight to reach your lawn and showcase your well-manicured gardens, and the transparency of the wood or vinyl means that you can still see out onto your neighborhood.
It’s customary to build a shorter fence in the front yard for curb appeal and a taller one in the backyard for privacy. But don’t be afraid to dress up a simple metal or wooden fence by adding a ribbon, lace curtains or a colorful mural to the side. A few carefully placed plants can transform even the most ordinary picket fence into a showstopper.
Privacy
In addition to providing a decorative touch to your home, picket fences can also add privacy. This is because they are usually shorter than other fencing styles, and they offer a small gap between the individual pickets that allows you to see outside your yard.
The size of this gap is a personal preference, but most homeowners choose to keep it around 6 inches wide for maximum visibility and security. This size of gap is still sufficient to keep children and pets safe, and it will allow ample sunlight to reach your plants and garden.
When it comes to choosing the color of your fence, you have a variety of options. Popular picket fence colors include white, tan, and natural wood. These are all classic and timeless options, but you can also get creative with your choice by painting it. For example, one homeowner used a unique paint color called Navajo White by Benjamin Moore to create a striking effect.
Another popular option is to choose a custom fence design. These fences can be curved or arched, and they can feature patterns or other design elements that will help you achieve the perfect look for your yard. These types of fences can be more expensive than other options, but they are well worth the investment because they will enhance the beauty of your home and increase its value.
A wood fence offers a traditional, rustic charm that works well with many different homes. It’s also durable and provides a high level of privacy. You can choose from a number of different wood types, including pine, cedar, and Douglas fir. According to HomeAdvisor, a wood fence will cost you between $15 and $20 per foot between materials and installation.
One of the most popular choices for a wood fence is a board-on-board style. This type of fence uses alternating pickets on both sides with a gap in between, creating a distinct shadow effect. This type of fence offers complete privacy when viewed from straight on, but it can be seen through at an angle.
Security
Many people use fences to protect their homes, which can help bring an increased sense of security inside the home. This can also provide a more peaceful and safe environment for children and pets to play, sleep and grow. Adding a fence may even qualify a homeowner for insurance discounts, depending on the type of fencing and its height.
Many options are available for home picket fences, including wood and man-made materials like vinyl or cellular PVC. The best choice for your home will depend on your security needs and your aesthetic preferences. If you want a fence that blends in with the exterior of your home, try choosing one made from a material that matches the color and style of the house, such as vinyl or aluminum. This way, it will be hard to spot from a distance.
Another option is wrought iron, which is durable and will not warp or break easily. It can also be forged into designs that complement your home, such as curves and latticework. Some wrought iron fences feature spikes, spear tops or razor wire along the top to deter burglars who might attempt to climb over or ram the fence. Some of these fences can also be reinforced with concrete to add extra strength and protection.
A fence should be tall enough to keep out intruders but not so high that it blocks the view of your windows and doors. Burglars will look for ways to get around a fence, so you need to be sure that it will be difficult to climb over. Fences that feature a series of vertical slats, such as steel palisade fencing, can be a good choice. These can be welded together, making them very tough for anyone to scale and block the view of your house.
Other types of home picket fences include chain link and board on board fencing, which can be more utilitarian in appearance but offer high durability through the use of interlocking steel wires. If you are concerned about your children or pet’s safety, consider installing a gate that can be locked securely with a padlock. Many fence companies can help you choose a lock that will meet your specific requirements.
Maintenance
A wood picket fence frames a yard, provides privacy and helps keep children and pets safe. However, like any home improvement project, it requires regular care to maintain its appearance and functionality.
Wooden fences require periodic cleaning to remove dirt, mold, mildew and moss. The fence should also be sanded, and any cracking or damage should be repaired and repainted. The surface should be coated with a water repellant wood preservative that is also resistant to UV rays. Depending on the climate, this can be a natural oil stain or a chemical-based sealant.
Whenever you clean your fence, use a pressure washer to ensure the wood is completely free of debris and grime. Aim for a distance of about 3 feet from the fence while using the hose, as overly close pressure can splinter the wood. You can also try an alternative to the pressure washer and spray a solution of 20% bleach and 80% mild detergent on the fence. This will kill any mold spores and help prevent them from growing back.
As part of the maintenance process, homeowners should make sure that plants, leaf piles, yard decorations and other items aren’t piled up against the fence, as this can interfere with airflow and promote the growth of damaging mildew and mold. Sprinklers should be kept away from the fence as well, as they can quickly wet the wood and cause it to rot faster than it should.
If your fence is made of pressure-treated wood, you may not need to apply any kind of protective treatment as it will already be infused with the needed preservatives. But if it’s untreated, an exterior wood stain that is both water and UV-resistant should be applied every other year.
While traditionally, wood has been the go-to material for picket fences, they can also be made of vinyl. These fences are more expensive upfront, but they’re also known to last longer than wood and won’t rot. They’re also more environmentally friendly, since they don’t require as much maintenance and chemicals as wooden fencing. It’s important to do your research before choosing the right type of fence for you and your family.
