When it’s time to add a fence to your property, whether it’s for practical or aesthetic reasons, it’s important to choose the right materials. Here’s how a fence contractor decides on the right fencing materials in Essex Fells and Saddle River, NJ.
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The primary consideration is usually function.
1. Privacy
A privacy fence is designed to add seclusion to a property. The fencing materials choices include wood or vinyl. A privacy fence will feature wider pickets that are installed immediately adjacent to one another to block the view. These pickets can be installed vertically for a more traditional look or horizontally for a more contemporary look.
The addition of a lattice top can give a privacy wall a lighter, more airy feel. You will want to ensure that this type of privacy wall is tall enough so that people can’t easily peek over the top; if your municipality has height restrictions on fencing, talk to your fence contractor about a solid privacy wall (without the decorative lattice top).
2. Security
Home security and pool safety require sturdy, no-climb fences. For this, aluminum is often the preferred choice thanks to its durability, strength, and easy maintenance (it will never require painting, like wrought iron fencing). The narrow pickets and relatively wide openings allow for virtually unobstructed views. A number of style choices let you pick the fence that best suits your home’s architectural aesthetic.
A more budget-friendly alternative for security fencing is chain link. Chain link fences are incredibly tough and long-lasting. While they are not considered the most attractive solution, they can be enhanced with privacy slats including those that look like vegetation. This can be a wonderful solution for any part of the property that isn’t street-facing.
3. Keeping Pets Safe
Keeping your pets safe and on your property is important. Home security fencing is also tough enough to keep pets contained, no matter how large or small the breed. Chain link will also serve well for pet containment, as will privacy fencing.
The classic “white picket fence” is often thought of as more decorative than functional, but smaller dogs could be quite happy behind this type of fence, as long as they can’t jump over it.
The choice comes down to the size of your pets, how high they can jump, and the aesthetics you’re after. Your fence contract will help you make the best choices that are aligned with your design style and needs.
When it comes to sloped or uneven properties, fencing can become a real challenge. A fence that is kept horizontal on top (for aesthetic reasons) can result in gaps along the bottom (unless it is custom-made). While a fence that’s straight across the top looks better than a fence that follows the contours of the land, it could allow pets to squeeze through.
Placing decorative rocks at the gaps can prevent pets from getting through the gap. Another option is a custom fence that is straight across the top but follows the contours of the land on the bottom. A third option is to build a low masonry wall that provides a level base onto which a security or privacy fence can be installed.
4. Decorative Fencing
Decorative fencing, such as a small section of fence along with the front entry, is typically wood or vinyl, in the classic picket fence style with a scalloped top, or post-and-rail fences for more rustic settings.
Decorative fencing could completely encircle a vegetable garden, pool area, or backyard. Or one or two sections could be used to define the front entry, serve as a visual guide on a long driveway, or enhance the front yard.