The Feng Shui take on fences

Fence manufacturer, Active Yards, always has some great insight into fences and design. There is one article in particular that we felt very inclined to share as it delves into how to use the ancient philosophy of Feng Shui to create a harmonious living environment as it applies specifically to fences. This article has some great tips that can help you determine which fence would be best for you according to these ancient rules. If you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to call the experts at Western Fence Company.

poolFeng Shui Your Backyard
Try something new this year that will create and promote a peaceful environment for you and your family.

If you’re looking to create a more positive living environment for you and your family you might want to try Feng Shui. Feng Shui is a Chinese belief that “a system of laws govern spatial arrangement and orientation in relation to the flow of energy.” Here are a couple of tips on how to Feng Shui your backyard.

1.) The first thing you must do is protect your yard from negative environmental impacts. This can be done through natural barriers that can double for both privacy and protection for your backyard area. These natural barriers can reduce noise, winds, and air pollution.

2.) Your backyard should have a feeling of security and comfort. Large rocks, stone walls, and fences can be both used as attractive and functional barriers for your yard. Take a look at activeyards.com to find vinyl and aluminum fences that might help you meet these needs.

3.) A part of Feng Shui is the belief of the energy flow Qi. In order to achieve this you need to create open spaces. This will allow the free flow of life force to move across your yard.

4.) Make sure to have an open area around the front of the house to allow the Qi energy flow to bring positive changes. One way of doing this is by making sure you aren’t planting large trees close to the front door. The front of your home should be simple, open and welcoming to your guests.

5.) Water elements are an important part of Feng Shui because they attract Chi energy. Chi energy is believed to bring money and prosperity to the home and water also doubles as a sign of wealth. You can create water elements in your backyard through ponds, fountains, waterfalls, and swimming pools. If you choose to install a pool make sure you protect it by purchasing a fence to put around it.

6.) To achieve complete Feng Shui you must have three elements in your backyard: water, rocks, and plants.

 

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Why we have fences


We are the kind of company that constantly have our customers and deeper purpose in mind. Fences are an important part of our homes and therefore our identities. In this spirit, we gathered a few quotes about what we do that we would like to share with you. Enjoy!

“A good neighbor is a fellow who smiles at you over the back fence, but doesn’t climb over it.” –Arthur Baer

“Don’t ever take a fence down until you know why it was put up.” –Robert Frost

“Good fences make good neighbors.” -Robert Frost

“The grass is not, in fact, always greener on the other side of the fence. Fences have nothing to do with it. The grass is greenest where it is watered. When crossing over fences, carry water with you and tend the grass wherever you may be.” – Robert Fulghum

“Love your neighbor as yourself; but don’t take down the fence.” – Carl Sandburg

“The fence that makes good neighbors needs a gate to make good friends” – Anonymous

Why do you think it’s important to fence in your property? Have any other great q

 

 

 

 

Front Yard Plans

The front yard is clearly, the first thing that someone notices about your home. There is a reason that white picket fences are so much more than just additional security, but what many people refer to when talking about the American dream and familial happiness. Check out these really cool front yard designs that include more than just picket fences.

Here is the traditional white picket fence with a little bit of a twist. There are beautiful flowers that crawl up the fence, allowing for a homier feel. Make it your own with some tasteful gardening!

If you’re looking for more privacy, this is a great example of a twist on an old classic. You can make a privacy fence with any material that you desire.

If you live outside of the city with a lot of serene nature as your back drop, then it might be a really good idea for you to fence in your entire property. This is just one example of a design that still blends beautifully with the natural landscape.

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Backyard Design Ideas

Adding a fence to your backyard is just one of the many ways that you can increase property value, security and also turn your home into a beautiful place to hold events, entertain guests or a sanctuary for you and your family. Here are some really cool design ideas from Pinterest and a few other design sites for inspiration. Remember Western Fence does custom work. Let us help you make your design dreams a reality!

 

A beautiful sitting area is a great idea for reading or gatherings.

 

This fence is the perfect ambiance for an inspired garden design that is sure to wow your guests and surround you with the tranquility you deserve, while offering privacy from neighbors.

Having a quality fence is especially important if you have a pool in your backyard. As you can see in this photo, having a fence does not have to be obtrusive. It can be an understated and exciting addition to your back yard.

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New Year, New You


We say it every year. “Last year was rough, next year is going to be better.” But it really could happen if you set yourself up for success instead of failure. How your surroundings influence you is too powerful to ignore. If you are wondering why you may not be reaching your goals, check out your home and how it makes you feel. Is it a sanctuary? Is it something you are proud to invite guests into? Has it been decorated the same way for the past 30 years? Check this out.

In the spirit of new beginnings, HGTV has consulted the experts and come up with some resolutions that will make your home a more beautiful, efficient, clean and green place in the coming year.

Here are our five picks for the best home improvement resolutions for the new year and how to achieve them:

1. Streamline the stuff

One of the best and least expensive ways to feel better about your home is to clear it of clutter.

Each year most of us acquire a mountain of stuff. Without some regular purging, cabinets and drawers get jam-packed and it becomes hard to find the things you use and enjoy the most. (All that clutter also makes your house look dated and dirty, designers say.)

This year resolve to go room-by-room periodically clearing anything that you don’t use, wear or love and donate it to charity. After that, think twice about what you bring in, says Antoinette Nue, an Atlanta consultant who specializes in helping people simplify and go green.

“Fill your home with the things that raise your energy level and make you feel good, and get rid of the things that drain your energy or are broken,” she says.

Stash useful (but not beautiful) items such as DVDs, remotes and those kicked-off shoes in simple woven baskets. Group similar items together on sleek trays, says Stuart McCormick, a designer with Liz Levin Interiors in Washington D.C.

Clear your counters of everything you don’t use on a daily basis. And get ready to breathe a little easier in your own home. 

2. Make it safe and sound

Your home may be beautiful, but is it safe? There are a few things that every homeowner should do to ensure that they’re not living with a potential health hazard or fire risk.

First, check your house for radon. This colorless, odorless gas causes about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year from the radioactive particles it traps in your lungs as you breathe, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. One in every fifteen homes has elevated levels. And with test kits costing as little as $20 at your local hardware store, there’s no reason not to get right on that.

While we’re on the subject of deadly gas, make sure you install a carbon monoxide detector on every bedroom floor in addition to fire detectors. If a chimney flue or furnace vent gets blocked or leaks, carbon monoxide could back up in your house and kill you. Like a radon test, this is a small investment – $40 or more – for such an important safeguard.

Watch out for dryer lint. We know you clean the little trap inside the door, but most people neglect to clean the vents and ducts behind the dryer. Lint may seem innocent, but it’s highly combustible, according to the U.S. Fire Administration, accounting for more than 15,000 building fires a year.

Make sure your house can breathe. Hickory Hills, Ill. home inspector Jack McGraw is always surprised at how many people’s bathrooms and attics aren’t vented to the outside (or the vents are covered over with shingles.) This makes you a prime candidate for mold.

And if you’re considering a remodel – and your home was last built or remodeled before 1978 – consider testing for lead paint and asbestos flooring. It will have to handled properly during removal, or particles can be released into the air for you to ingest.

3. Shrink your bills (and your carbon footprint in the process)

When people think of going green, they often think it takes solar panels or a hybrid car to make a difference.

Not so, says Bob Schildgen, who writes the “Hey Mr. Green” column for Sierra magazine. It just takes a little old-fashioned common sense.

The best place to start is by cutting your energy usage in your home:

    • Remember your mom’s advice and switch off the lights when you leave a room.
    • Turn off your air conditioner when you leave the house and dial your heater down to 55 degrees at night.
    • Install compact fluorescent bulbs and low-flow showerheads.
    • Try drying some of your clothes on the line and wait for the dishwasher or washing machine to be full before you run them.
    • Turn off your power strips and/or set your home computer to revert to sleep mode when not in use.
    • Water your yard less. Put in drought-tolerant landscaping if necessary.
    • Give composting a try. Your garden will thank you.
Read more at: http://bit.ly/1wOSepQ

How to Decorate Your Fence for the Holidays

There’s still time to decorate for the holidays! Don’t leave your fence naked, decorate and spread the holiday cheer. There are many different ways that are sure to tickle your fancy and impress any guests you’ll have this season. Here are six of our favorites from a fellow fence building company in Dallas.

    1. The Traditional – If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it-admittedly, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with sprucing your fence up with garlands of holly and a few Christmas wreaths. Just like blue jeans, some things never go out of style.
    2. A Very Hipster Xmas – Sometimes you want to give off a grungy vibe, a vibe that says buying super expensive strings of fancy lights that flash in 7 different patterns is way too mainstream. So you raid all the local yard sales you can find and come up with a Frankensteinian hodgepodge of lights, many of which are burnt out, and then wrap them around your fence.
    3. The Nativity Setup – For those who observe Christmas as the actual holiday that it is, your fence serves as the perfect backdrop for your New Testament-themed action figures; perch them on your fence to create a Nativity scene.
    4. Sleigh-jacking! – You’ll need to be a little bit crafty to pull this off. First, get yourself a model of Santa’s sleigh, plus all the reindeer. Then instead of sitting Santa inside the sleigh, position him so that he’s running after it. Take a bunch of rebar or other sturdy supporting materials and place the sleigh and the reindeer on your fence so that they’re already flying up in the air, and voila! Just add a run-of-the-mill garden gnome in the driver’s seat and you’ve got yourself a hilarious Christmas pantomime.
    5. The “I’d rather be somewhere else” – So it’s 10 degrees below freezing and maybe a white Christmas sounds nice to people from southern California, but sub-zero winters are just another reason to dread the holidays. Tell the world you prefer a sunny Christmas and top your fence with tiki torches, inflate a couple of plastic palm trees, and peg a plastic blue tarp in your front yard. You get extra points for putting an inflatable Santa Claus out there with sunglasses and an umbrella over his head.
    6. The Network TV Special – There’s nothing better than celebrating Christmas in front of the TV with your family and watching age-old classics like A Charlie Brown Christmas or How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Deck out your fence with cutouts of Snoopy and Friends or go for a cast of characters from Cindylou Who to the Grinch himself.
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Tired of Doing the Same Old Thing for the Holidays?

One of the greatest parts about the holidays is the keeping of tradition with your family, but sometimes it’s best to take an adventure so you can make new traditions! Salt Lake City has no shortage of awesome family activities for the season. Here are the top ten holiday attractions according to USA Today.

It’s so nice to live in or visit a larger city at the holidays and have so many options for Christmas activities.  Salt Lake City, Utah provides just that, in a picture perfect setting, with the beautiful snow-capped Wasatch Mountain range on the east providing a beautiful backdrop.  The downtown is energized with seasonal spirit, wtih many people choosing to stroll around the beautifully decorated Temple Square, with its numerous lights and beautiful nativity scenes.  Horse-drawn carriages carrying blanketed riders pass shop-keepers’ themed windows.  

Music is such a large part of the season and the Utah Symphony provides that in two different ways.  First, accompanying the professional ballet company Ballet West in their multiple showings of The Nutcracker at the Capitol Theatre, and secondly, in their own concert at Abravenel Hall, in the “Messiah” Sing-In.  Fulfill your inner dancer and singer by attending these two very inspiring shows.

Finish your holiday shopping while browsing the beautiful City Creek Centerdowntown or step back in time and to Salt Lake City’s beginnings by meandering the old fashioned village buildings at This is the Place Heritage Park and purchase handmade items or make your own while hearing carolers.  Father Christmas is on hand too.

Stay warm indoors at the annual Festival of Trees event at the South Towne Exp or bundle up to see Santa rapel from the tram at Snowbird Resort and see the Torchlight Parade come down the mountain – an awesome sight!

Enjoy your holidays in Salt Lake City!

Festival of Trees at South Towne Expo Center 
Festival of Trees is an annual holiday event held at the South Towne Expo Center, in Sandy, Utah, just south of Salt Lake City (ongoing for 44 years!). Themed Christmas trees are decorated by individuals, families and businesses and auctioned off, with all proceeds going to help the Primary Children’s Medical Center. What a wonderful way to help these children suffering from severe illnesses. Besides seeing all the different fun trees, be sure to see the Angel trees, which offer stories of current patients and those who lost their battle. Also don’t miss the change to purchase beautiful Christmas wreaths in the Aisle of Wreaths. Besides seeing all the trees, shop the Christmas boutiques and enjoy a variety of entertainment, including moving dance performances. Kids will love the visit from Santa, face painting, the gingerbread village and the bubble machine. Tickets are $5 at the door for adults and $3 for kids. Discounted tickets can be purchased in advance at most branches of Zions bank. For a special night out, attend the Opening Night with a $30 contribution to Primary Children’s Hospital Foundation. This is a dressy event complete with silent auction. (385-468-2260)

Christmas at the Grand America Hotel 
The Grand America hosts Santa and Mrs. Claus for Breakfast and a photo opportunity. Join in the holiday sing along and feast on delectable breakfast items served in the Oak Room at the only five star hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah. An amazing array of items awaits at either the kid’s buffet or the traditional buffet. Children love the chocolate chip pancakes with raspberry syrup, french toast sticks and even mini corn dogs and macaroni and cheese. At the traditional buffet, treats such as mini waffles, cheese blintzes, yogurt parfaits and smoothies accompany the egg and omelet station. A variety of dates are offered from November 29-December 24. Adults, $37, Children $20. Another option to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus is at Santa’s Grand Afternoon Tea in the Lobby, with 12pm and 3pm seatings, complete with holiday stories, hot chocolate and cookies. Since these events are in high demand, other options to enjoy at the hotel are the Victorian Afternoon Tea, Holiday Sunday Brunches, Christmas Eve Breakfast and Lunch Buffet, Christmas Eve Prix Fixe Dinner and Christmas Day Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Enjoy the beautiful seasonal decorations in the lobby, window displays in the shops and gingerbread creations. Continue the celebrating with New Year’s Eve Breakfast and Lunch Buffet, a New Year’s Eve Prix Fixe dinner and a New Year’s Day Breakfast Buffet. (801-258-6000)

Zoo Lights at Hogle Zoo 
Zoo Lights at Hogle Zoo is a fun holiday activity for the whole family. Running nightly November 29-December 31, the animals take a back seat for once amid all the excitement, although some displays are still open and some animals are actually more active at night. The Rocky Shores exhibit features a heated underwater viewing area for seeing North Pole natives such as polar bears, sea lions, otters and seals. Have fun walking the lit pathways with hologram glasses on and work your way through the 135 foot lighted tunnel. See the holiday crafts, ice carving displays and ride the Conservation Carousel (weather permitting). Catch some dinner at the Beastro, grab a hot chocolate, then go meet Santa and his reindeer at the Macy’s Santa Station. Tickets are $7 for Adults, $5 for children (Toddlers 2 and under free), with discounts for seniors and members. Gates are open 5:30-8pm Sunday through Wednesday and 5:30-9pm Thursday through Saturday. (801-582-1631)

Messiah Sing In with Utah Symphony at Abravanel Hall
The Utah Symphony, under the baton of Thierry Fisher, brings its “Messiah” Sing-In to Abravanel Hall Nov. 29 and 30. Handel’s “Messiah” is a famous piece of music performed mostly during the holidays, and contains the familiar “Hallelujah Chorus.” Always wanted to sing someplace besides the shower? Here’s your chance! The audience is invited to sing along with the symphony and featured soloists from the Symphony Chorus during this masterful and inspiring concert, which tells the story of the Messiah through Biblical verse. Print out your own lyrics or purchase when you come. For inspiration, volunteer members of the Morman Tabernacle Choir will be dispersed throughout the audience on Saturday night with 75 singers from the University of Utah chorus joining in on Sunday evening. Both performances start at 7pm. Tickets range from $10-$32. Concert is 2 hours including intermission. Abravanel Hall is a beautiful venue in the heart of downtown, next to Temple Square. Its 4-story lobby has impressive city views and the theatre, known for its acoustics, seats nearly 3,000. (801-323-6800)

Top Fence Picks of the Week

Better Homes and Gardens has been a great magazine that has helped so many achieve the design that they strive for in their homes. They recently released a wonderful article and gallery showing just how diverse fences can be and just how much they can be used to make a statement with and about your home. Check this out!

A classic white picket fence makes a charming addition to any garden, especially when paired with a matching arbor and gate. A low fence such as this gives definition to the space, but still allows unobstructed views. A pathway and arbor beckon further exploration.

Low-maintenance vinyl provides an updated look to the classic white picket fence. It keeps its pristine look — and you never need to paintit because you buy in the color you want — white in this case.

Here’s a hint: If a white fence feels stark in your yard, soften it by weaving rambling roses, clematis, or other plants through the pickets.


Securely hold wood fence rails in place with a brick pillar. Match the brick to others used in your patio or on your house to tie various landscape elements together. Cap the brick column with a flat piece of slate to shed water.



Read more at: http://bit.ly/1RhEe65

A Brief History of Iron Fences

Iron fences are just one of those design elements that exude class and sophistication. At Western Fence Co, we have all kinds of iron fencing options that can allow you to bring this kind of elegance to your front door. Check out a brief history of this beautiful tradition, you just might be surprised.

One of the earliest uses of cast iron railings in England was in 1710-14 at St Paul’s Cathedral, despite the objections of Christopher Wren, who did not want a fence around the Cathedral at all, and said that if there had to be one it should be of wrought rather than cast iron.[2] The set was made at Gloucester Furnace, Lamberhurst,[3] in the Weald of Kent and surrounded the cathedral, including seven gates. It weighed two hundred tons and cost six pence a pound.[2] The total cost was £11,202[2] which was a fortune then. No further railings are known to have been cast in the Weald.[4] Other early uses of cast iron railings were at Cambridge Senate House and at St Martin’s-in-the-Fields, London.[2]

Wrought iron may be used to construct ornate railings. The Davies brothers of Wrexham made such railings in the 18th century and these are much admired – Nikolaus Pevsner described their work as “miraculous”.[5] They made fine wrought iron railings for Stansty Park and these may now be seen at Erddig Hall.[6]

During World War II, many sets of iron railings in Britain were removed. Railings were usually cut off at the base; the stubs may still be seen outside many buildings in London and elsewhere where they have never been replaced. This was supposedly to provide scrap metal for munitions, but there is some scepticism as to whether they were actually used for this purpose.[7]

In 2012 artist Catalina Pollak created an interactive sound installation called Phantom Railings in Malet Street Gardens, London, the site of railings that were removed during World War II. Acoustic sensors pick up the movement of pedestrians walking by and translate it into “the familiar sound produced by running a stick along an iron fence”.

Read more at: http://bit.ly/1XCXc73

How a Fence Can Increase Home Value

Fences have a lot of great purposes for your home. First of all, they make your home feel more home-y. It divides property lines, keeps pets in respective areas, can make a beautiful statement and can even increase the value of your home. 

Why does one homeowner get more money when they sell their home while another gets little? Why does one home sell quickly while another home within the same neighborhood takes months to be sold or may not even be sold at all? Could it be pure luck or there is something one did to his house to make it more attractive to potential buyers?

Making a few home improvements will go a long way in increasing your chances of selling the house. There are hundreds of homes available on the market and so for your house to be picked out, you to need sweeten the pot. Fencing is one way to improve the value of a home. But how will fencing enhance your home value? Read on.

How much value fencing adds to your home

On average, privacy fences are 4-9 feet tall. Installing a fence in your backyard for privacy purposes will increase marketability for your home with prospective buyers when selling. Homeowners with pets, such as dogs, may require a fence and could be reluctant to purchase a home without one due to the high cost of fencing materials and installation. A standard fence costs USD1000 – $5000 to install in many real estate areas; depending upon the materials selected and size of your yard.

This does not mean that using any type of fence will tremendously increase the value of your home. While a chain link fence may be less costly, the resale value obtained with this addition is so minimal. On the other hand, privacy wood fences and solid fences like concrete or cast iron can net a profit of at least 50% of the material and installation costs on resale. So fencing materials play an integral role in determining the overall home value during appraisal.

For a homeowner, the value of a fence may not be monetary in nature. Most homeowners like the added privacy of having a backyard fence, in addition to their decorative benefits which enhance the appearance of the yard and the home as a whole. What having a more beautiful home and more privacy brings for homeowners outweighs the potential loss of profits when selling.

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