Want to fence in your property or just part of your yard but don’t know where to begin? This article from Forbes by professionals over at Houzz offers any and all considerations for the right kind of fence for your needs. Need to keep pets in or other animals out? There are specific fences for that! Need to secure your pool or an entrance from the street? There are fences for that, too! Continue reading below, and you will be full of ideas for your project.
How To Choose The Right Fence
Houzz, Contributor to Forbes
Laura Gaskill, Houzz Contributor
Need a new fence for your yard or patio? Whether you crave more privacy in your outdoor space; need to block chilly wind, mask a street view or secure your pool; or keep your dogs in (or deer out), we’ve got you covered. Here’s the need-to-know info on choosing the right fence based on space and needs.
Gain Privacy
If you want true privacy, choose a fence with little to no space between boards. A closely spaced lattice can be nearly as private as a solid material when combined with the lush foliage of climbing plants. The height willdepend on the slope of your yard and your neighbor’s yard, the position of your seating areas and any applicable local building codes. Try using a length of paper or cardboard the height of the fence you are considering, and have a friend hold it up while walking the perimeter of your yard. Stand up and sit down in each area of your yard to see if the fence will be high enough for your privacy needs.
Consider going gateless. If ease of access is more important to you than security, consider forgoing the gate entirely and installing several offset fences to allow room for a path while blocking the street view, as shown here.

Consider a stepped design. If it seems like too much to have a tall privacy fence all the way around your yard, consider going with a stair-step design to get privacy just where you need it. For instance, you could have a taller section of fence around your seating area and hot tub, and lower fencing beside the lawn.

Shield Wind
When you need to block strong breezes but don’t want to lose the light — or a grand view — the best option is glass, as shown on this stunning rooftop patio. If blocking a view is not an issue, any privacy fence with few to no gaps between boards will work well. For height keep in mind that if you primarily need to keep the wind out of a seating area, the fence can be a few feet lower than around an area where people will be standing, such as around the grill.
Feel Secure
The most important features to have for a security fence are a taller height, a lack of places to grip and a sturdy, lockable gate. Any security fence should be at least 8 feet high, although you can add a few feet of trellis to the top of a 6-foot fence for security that doesn’t look quite so imposing. Choose a fence with flush boards and no horizontal rails on the outside, to deter potential intruders from attempting to climb it.

Block a Street View
When your home is on a busy street, creating a peaceful backyard space begins with the right fence. If you want to allow some light in, pick a fence with small gaps between boards (or even a lattice-like design) and layer lush plantings on both sides to provide additional privacy. Or try a frosted glass design, as shown here. As with privacy fencing, it can be helpful to test out the fence height you are considering before you commit.

Keep Your Dogs In
The first step is knowing your dogs. Are they jumpers or diggers? How high can they jump? Are they likely to try to escape from your yard, or are they generally content to hang out? A 3- to 4-foot fence could be adequate for smaller dogs and those who do not jump; larger dogs will need something taller. If your dogs are diggers, bury the fence at least 6 inches underground or place hardscaping along the fence line.

Consider blocking visual stimuli with a solid fence.While nearly any type of fence can do the job of keeping your dog in the yard, if your dog is excitable or loves to bark, consider investing in a solid fence to block the visual cues (cars, pedestrians, cats) that get him going.
Keep Deer Out
Some deer can jump nearly 8 feet high, making it quite difficult to keep them out of garden beds using normal fencing. A solid privacy fence is ideal because it blocks the deer’s view of your tasty plants — it’s not likely deer will jump into an area if they can’t be sure it is safe. If privacy fencing is not desirable (for instance, you want to be able to see and enjoy your own garden), you can make a regular garden fence taller by attaching netting to taller poles, in effect making a taller (but nearly invisible) fence. Another option is to make your fence significantly wider by planting large hedges along one side — deer cannot jump as high if they must also clear a long distance.

Secure Your Pool
Even if you do not have children in your home, it is important to take steps to secure your pool — friends or relatives with children could visit, and neighborhood kids could try to sneak into your pool without your knowledge. Be on the safe side by securing both your yard (with a security fence) and the pool itself. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s safety barrier guidelines for home pools suggest using a fence with a minimum height of 48 inches, a maximum spacing of 1¾ inches between pieces and no handholds or footholds for children to use for climbing. The gate should be self-closing, should be self-latching with a childproof latch and should open outward from the pool.

Before You Buy That Fence …
- Check local building codes and apply for a permit if necessary.
- Find out where your property line is. Hire a surveyor to map it out for you if you are unsure.
- Be sure there are no underground utility lines in the way.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/houzz/2014/07/26/how-to-choose-the-right-fence/#42ffaaab2ad7
Choosing the Right Fence for Your Home
Fences serve different purposes for each individual situation. They help mark boundary lines between our properties and our neighbors. Your home might need one to keep your livestock in and wild animals in or out, improve appearance of your yard, heighten privacy, outline the boundaries of your property, or increase security. They also protect children as they play in the yard. Knowing the purpose of your fence is of high importance and will help you determine which material, height and construction is suitable for your lifestyle and needs.
Benefits of Having a Fence
Improves overall privacy and security: Having a fence can minimize the likelihood of a break-in from occurring.
Acts as a barrier: Above keeping your children safe and keeping your pets from running away, fences can help prevent wild animals from entering your property.
Will add value: Having a fence can add to the value of your property, especially if you choose a suitable option that is sturdy, safe and makes your overall landscape more noticeable.
Types of Fencing Material
It is important to keep your budget in mind when deciding what kind of fence to install on your property. Depending on the type of material used, installation costs will vary. Comparing the cost per foot of materials you are considering is important when coming to a final fencing decision. If two of the fencing materials will provide you the exact same benefits and one varies drastically in price — you might want to pick the more cost effective option.
Zoning Restrictions
Depending on your place of residence, a fence might not be entirely your own. Residential areas tend to have strict restrictions so checking with your local governing officials before hiring a fencing contractor can help save you money, time and the hassle in the long run.
Keep Your Neighbors In Mind
If you have neighbors, add them to the overall discussion. You want your neighbors to be on the same page about the type of fence and the location of the desired fence. Keeping your neighbors up to speed on these two areas will help decrease tension of accidentally building on their property lines and other areas of concern.
Deciding on your new fence does not have to be a stressful decision. Before getting started, you will also want to find the right contractor for the job. Make sure they are licensed and check all of their references. Find all of the material you will need for your fencing project here at Western Fence Co. Contact us today for all of your fencing needs: 1-888-GET-FENCE.
What You Should Know About Chain Link Fences
There are many different types of fences in existence today, but one of the most commonly used of all is none other than the traditional chain link. This style can be found in just about every part of the world, on residential properties, commercial businesses and on school campuses. There are numerous reasons why this style of fence is so popular, though it is important to install it properly and maintain it in order to ensure it lasts for as long as possible. If you are considering a chain link fence for your property, here’s what you should know:
The Benefits of a Chain Link Fence
As a barrier, a chain link fence of course serves the primary purposes of a fence in the first place: privacy, security and even appearance. That said, it also happens to be a lot more cost effective than other types of fencing, saving property owners a ton whether they need a lot of it or just a little. They can also be installed rather quickly (usually in less than a day), and are also usually flexible enough to fit around any property (hills and curved boundaries are not obstacles).
As for appearance, this is really just another benefit of chain link. Many people like the fact that they can see through it, providing more sunlight and an open feel. Others choose to create a more private effect by growing ivy or other plants along their chain link fence. Of course, chain link can also be painted a wide variety of colors for those who want it to coordinate further twith their personal tastes.
Other benefits include:
Things to Consider Before Installation
Now, before just marching ahead and installing a chain link fence on any property, it is important to take a few things in to consideration. For example, some areas have specific zoning and construction laws that may restrict what kind of fence you can use on your property, and these laws may also affect where it can be placed. You should always do your research on these before making your decision, but of course consulting with an experienced fencing contractor can also help.
And as great a choice as chain link fences usually are, there are also a couple of downsides to consider. The most obvious here is that they do not provide as much privacy as some other types of fencing, and it is also wise to consider the fact that they do not provide as much security (chain link can easily be climbed by those who are determined). Nevertheless, if your highest values are with affordability and the various other benefits that chain link fencing can provide, then these small shortcomings may not be an issue.
Finding the Right Contractor
The quality of chain link fencing depends greatly on how it is installed. A poorly aligned or badly measured fence, for example, may wear down and sag not long after it is installed. If you’re unsure of how exactly to find the right contractor for the job, following these points is a good rule of thumb:
Contact Western Fence Co. to learn more about how we meet all of these points and more.
Fence Maintenance
Once your fence is installed, it is important that you take proper care of it so that it lasts for a long time. It is a good idea to clean it regularly (usually just spraying with a water hose and gently wiping away any tougher soiled areas will be enough). You should also check it for loose components, especially around the posts. When caught early, the fence can easily be tightened before it worsens into a bigger problem. At Western Fence Co., we can provide you with all the information you need about keeping your fence looking like new and lasting for decades.
Top Reasons You Need an Automatic Gate
Along with increased security and convenience, there are many great advantages to having an automatic gate on your property. Since there is such a wide variety of options available, the decision to install an automatic gate can be overwhelming. To help you in your decision-making, let’s look at and explore the many benefits gained by having this feature added to your property.
Property Security
The most obvious advantage of installing an automatic gate is the ability you gain to control who enters your property at all times. A boost in security and protection is most often the number one reason customers consider installing an automatic gate. With additional features, such as key pads, locks and intercoms, automatic gates are great for deterring burglars and helping you protect your home and property.
Security For Loved Ones
Automatic gates can increase the security of your loved ones, as well. Gates help prevent young children or elderly loved ones from wandering off the property and are often used to keep pets properly secured. Not only will they help keep children and pets enclosed, they serve to prevent other animals, which may be dangerous or a nuisance, from entering your property, too.
Curb Appeal
With a wide range of styles and materials available, automatic gates can add instant curb appeal to your property. Both simple and elaborate designs are available to match a variety of property styles, allowing your entrance to make a statement.
Property Value
A highly-prized feature, such as an automatic gate, can increase the value of your property. If you decide to sell your property, the enhanced curb appeal along with the increased security can help boost the value and the sale of your property.
Lower Insurance Rates
Insurance premiums are often lowered with the addition of an automatic gate. It is best to check with your insurance provider to see if the increased security will help reduce your premium and save money.
Privacy
Investing in the installation of an automatic gate can increase privacy by closing off visual access from traffic and neighbors and prevent solicitors from knocking at your door. Homeowners and business owners have the option of the level of privacy desired when choosing an automatic gate.
Convenience
Unlike manual gates, an automatic gate ensures that gates are not accidently left open or opened by someone unauthorized to be on your property. In addition, an automatic gate means you don’t have to get out of your vehicle in inclement weather to open or close it.
Peace of mind, property enhancements, and increased security can be easily possessed with the addition of an automatic gate on your property.
Repurposed Fence Materials
Making a fence stand out might be tricky for some. It is easy to choose the traditional fencing materials that look the same from yard to yard, but going out on a limb with repurposed materials could allow you to be the talk of the neighborhood. Take a look at the article below that talks about four different materials that make good fencing materials and think about making your fence truly unique!
Source: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/ideas-use-repurposed-fence-49255.html
Why Fences Rot
Fences are susceptible to all weather and elements, therefore if you want your fence to look great and stay strong for many years you should protect it from weather as much as you can. To do so, it is important to first understand the top causes of a rotting fence. That way you can combat the situation. You can also look into better materials as well.
Overview of Fence Threats
A wood fence has two significant threats that will affect its
strength and stability — dry rot and wet rot. Dry rot involves the loss
of protective oils over the wood surface, which causes the wood to dry
out and become brittle. Wet rot involves moisture continually contacting
the wood — usually at the points where fence posts contact the soil.
Types of Wood
The type of wood you choose for a fence has a significant impact on
how the fence withstands environmental factors. Some wood is very hard
and resistant to decay, while other types of wood are soft and will not
resist decay as effectively. Types of hard woods well suited for fences
include cedar, cypress, oak and redwood. Types of wood that are slightly
less dense include Douglas fir, tamarack and pine.
Wood with pressure treatments have chemicals forced into the wood to
create deep protection against both insects and decay. To analyze
pressure treated wood for durability, check the stamp or label that
shows certification. The stamp should specifically show pressure
treatment for ground use if you’ll be using the wood for fence posts.
Wood with a stamp showing “above ground use” will not resist decay if
you use it for fence posts.
Protecting and Staining Wood
Apply a protectant and stain over the surface of the wood to create
an effective barrier against moisture. It may be necessary to reapply
the stain annually to maintain an effective moisture barrier. You can
test the wood to see whether it needs a fresh application of stain by
sprinkling water over the wood surface. If the water forms beads on the
surface and does not penetrate down into the wood, you know the barrier
is still working effectively. If the water absorbs down into the wood,
this indicates that you need to apply more stain to the fence to protect
the wood.
Keeping the Fence Clean
The accumulation of debris on and around a fence can
contribute to fence rot. Never allow a pile of leaves to accumulate
around fence posts and under fence slats. If debris accumulates in
crevices, including dirt and soil in cracks, wash or brush it away to
prevent decay. Allowing debris to accumulate on the wood may also invite
insect infestations, which can damage a wood fence.
Protect your investment and keep your fence strong and attractive for many years.
Source: https://www.proreferral.com/hg/top-causes-fence-rot/
Strong Fences
Anyone can take a look at a fence and tell if it is strong and sturdy or not. There is logic behind the design and installment of a fence to ensure that it will be strong for years and years. The article below explains what components are responsible for a strong wooden fence. Check it out!
What Are the Components of a Strong Wooden Fence?
April 3, 2017 by: Minara El-Rahman

Spring is officially here and that means lots of outdoor entertaining.
Is your outdoor space ready? While most homeowners focus on building a
new deck or on deck maintenance, redoing your fence can transform your
space. Do you know what the critical connections of a fence are? We will
outline them here along with a sneak peek at our newest fence bracket,
the FBFZ, just in time for spring.
Select the Right Wood
Since fences are exposed to the elements, using the right type of
wood can make all the difference. Using woods like cedar, redwood or
preservative treated lumber ensures that your fence lasts for years to
come. Finishing with an exterior grade stain or paint is
Strong Fence Posts
It is essential to set your fence posts into the ground properly.
This means for wood fences that are 6 feet tall, you need 2 feet of the
post in the ground. It is also recommended that a 2″ gap be maintained
between the bottom of the fence and the ground to help prevent rot. We
recommend that your fence posts be set in concrete for strength and
durability.
Exterior Grade Hardware
Using connectors, screws and nails that are rated for exterior use
will prevent rust and corrosion and ensure that your fence will last a
long time. Using exterior-rated Simpson Strong-Tie connectors can save
you on long-term costs by adding strength while minimizing repairs. The
new patent-pending FBFZ flat fence bracket creates a simple and strong
connection between the rails and posts. With a new flat-plate design, it
is easy to install and creates a secure connection. It has a ZMAX
galvanized coating for additional corrosion resistance, so you know you
won’t have to worry about a rusty fence in a few years!
A well-built fence not only gives you some privacy, it gives you the
peace of mind to know that your children and pets are out of dangers
way. Plus, who doesn’t love a nice picket fence?
Source: http://diydoneright.com/blog/components-strong-wooden-fence/
Pretty Deck Railings
All decks need railings because they are extremely important safety features. But, who says they have to be eye sores? There are many different styles and designs available these days, and the article below showcases several of them. We can work with you and your ideas to create the beautiful deck railing you want! Keep in mind that we can also do custom plasma cut pieces! You can browse through those in our gallery after reading this post!
Deck Railing Design Ideas
An essential safety feature, your deck railing is also a key component of your overall deck design.
Choosing a deck railing design is putting the icing on the cake of your deck-building project. You can add a railing system that matches the material of your deck, or mix it up, like adding a colorful powder-coated aluminum railing to your redwood deck.
Composite and vinyl deck railings come in many styles and colors, and are virtually maintenance-free. Railing kits have posts, balusters, rails, and connectors that make installation a DIY-friendly project. The structural core of the system are pressure-treated wood posts covered with a composite or vinyl sleeve, and some systems offer mix-and-match baluster materials, such as steel and aluminum spindles. Composite and vinyl kits are readily available at home improvement centers for $25 to $30 per linear foot.
Glass
At $40 to $60 per linear foot, glass makes an oh-so-chic but oh-so-expensive deck railing system. Nevertheless, they’re great when you want to see all the vistas your deck has to offer. Use tempered, shatterproof safety glass, but check with your local building codes about glass railings before you proceed. Look for modular railing systems with aluminum posts and supports. Choosing tinted glass helps prevent birds from flying into clear glass.
Metal
Metal deck railings are made of either powder-coated aluminum or steel. Both are rugged, but only aluminum is rustproof. Metal deck railings that you find at home improvement centers come in a limited number of styles and colors. Expect to pay $30 to $40 per linear foot for a metal tailing system.
Cable railings
Cable deck railing systems are another good way to open up views, and to give your deck design a modern aesthetic. They include stainless steel cables and posts made of wood, aluminum, or composites, and a system runs about $125 to $150 per linear foot. The cables run through intermediate posts and usually end at a corner where the cable is attached to a turnbuckle for creating — and maintaining — the correct tension. To comply with codes, the cables must be no more than 4 inches apart, so maintaining the proper tension is vital.
Wood
If you’re looking to liven up your wood railing, try these deck railing design ideas:
Source: http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/outdoors/patios-and-decks/deck-railing-design-ideas
All Fence Considerations
Want to fence in your property or just part of your yard but don’t know where to begin? This article from Forbes by professionals over at Houzz offers any and all considerations for the right kind of fence for your needs. Need to keep pets in or other animals out? There are specific fences for that! Need to secure your pool or an entrance from the street? There are fences for that, too! Continue reading below, and you will be full of ideas for your project.
How To Choose The Right Fence
Houzz, Contributor to Forbes
Laura Gaskill, Houzz Contributor
Need a new fence for your yard or patio? Whether you crave more privacy in your outdoor space; need to block chilly wind, mask a street view or secure your pool; or keep your dogs in (or deer out), we’ve got you covered. Here’s the need-to-know info on choosing the right fence based on space and needs.
Gain Privacy
If you want true privacy, choose a fence with little to no space between boards. A closely spaced lattice can be nearly as private as a solid material when combined with the lush foliage of climbing plants. The height willdepend on the slope of your yard and your neighbor’s yard, the position of your seating areas and any applicable local building codes. Try using a length of paper or cardboard the height of the fence you are considering, and have a friend hold it up while walking the perimeter of your yard. Stand up and sit down in each area of your yard to see if the fence will be high enough for your privacy needs.
Consider going gateless. If ease of access is more important to you than security, consider forgoing the gate entirely and installing several offset fences to allow room for a path while blocking the street view, as shown here.
Consider a stepped design. If it seems like too much to have a tall privacy fence all the way around your yard, consider going with a stair-step design to get privacy just where you need it. For instance, you could have a taller section of fence around your seating area and hot tub, and lower fencing beside the lawn.
Shield Wind
When you need to block strong breezes but don’t want to lose the light — or a grand view — the best option is glass, as shown on this stunning rooftop patio. If blocking a view is not an issue, any privacy fence with few to no gaps between boards will work well. For height keep in mind that if you primarily need to keep the wind out of a seating area, the fence can be a few feet lower than around an area where people will be standing, such as around the grill.
Feel Secure
The most important features to have for a security fence are a taller height, a lack of places to grip and a sturdy, lockable gate. Any security fence should be at least 8 feet high, although you can add a few feet of trellis to the top of a 6-foot fence for security that doesn’t look quite so imposing. Choose a fence with flush boards and no horizontal rails on the outside, to deter potential intruders from attempting to climb it.
Block a Street View
When your home is on a busy street, creating a peaceful backyard space begins with the right fence. If you want to allow some light in, pick a fence with small gaps between boards (or even a lattice-like design) and layer lush plantings on both sides to provide additional privacy. Or try a frosted glass design, as shown here. As with privacy fencing, it can be helpful to test out the fence height you are considering before you commit.
Keep Your Dogs In
The first step is knowing your dogs. Are they jumpers or diggers? How high can they jump? Are they likely to try to escape from your yard, or are they generally content to hang out? A 3- to 4-foot fence could be adequate for smaller dogs and those who do not jump; larger dogs will need something taller. If your dogs are diggers, bury the fence at least 6 inches underground or place hardscaping along the fence line.
Consider blocking visual stimuli with a solid fence.While nearly any type of fence can do the job of keeping your dog in the yard, if your dog is excitable or loves to bark, consider investing in a solid fence to block the visual cues (cars, pedestrians, cats) that get him going.
Keep Deer Out
Some deer can jump nearly 8 feet high, making it quite difficult to keep them out of garden beds using normal fencing. A solid privacy fence is ideal because it blocks the deer’s view of your tasty plants — it’s not likely deer will jump into an area if they can’t be sure it is safe. If privacy fencing is not desirable (for instance, you want to be able to see and enjoy your own garden), you can make a regular garden fence taller by attaching netting to taller poles, in effect making a taller (but nearly invisible) fence. Another option is to make your fence significantly wider by planting large hedges along one side — deer cannot jump as high if they must also clear a long distance.
Secure Your Pool
Even if you do not have children in your home, it is important to take steps to secure your pool — friends or relatives with children could visit, and neighborhood kids could try to sneak into your pool without your knowledge. Be on the safe side by securing both your yard (with a security fence) and the pool itself. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s safety barrier guidelines for home pools suggest using a fence with a minimum height of 48 inches, a maximum spacing of 1¾ inches between pieces and no handholds or footholds for children to use for climbing. The gate should be self-closing, should be self-latching with a childproof latch and should open outward from the pool.
Before You Buy That Fence …
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/houzz/2014/07/26/how-to-choose-the-right-fence/#42ffaaab2ad7
Landscaping a Fenced Yard
If you have been wanting to spice up your yard by adding landscaping, look no further! There are ways you can landscape along your fence to accentuate the fence instead of hiding it. The article below offers some ideas and even suggests how you can bring in even more nature with certain plants. Use these ideas for inspiration and then get started!
Landscaping Along Fencing for Beauty and Privacy
Fences, by nature, are often quite boring and bare. But you can change that. The addition of plants along your fence adds beauty, provides additional privacy and gives you more room to grow the plants you enjoy.
Choose Plants Based on the Type of Fencing
If you have a lawn, install a border to separate the lawn from the landscaped area and to prevent grass from growing into it. The border should be at least 12 ft. away from the fence to allow space for plants to grow. There are different types of landscape borders available, including flexible plastic, metal and brick. The height of the plants you select depends on your fence. If your fence is decorative, choose lower-growing shrubs and perennials that won’t cover the decorative details of your fence. However, if your fence is plain-Jane boring, then select plants that will grow tall and cover it.
Ideas to Get Started
When selecting plants, keep your property line in mind. Keep unwanted trees and plants from extending into your neighbor’s property. Avoid adding invasive plants along your fence, since they can be difficult to keep under control.
So start looking at the area along your fence as a great opportunity to add beauty to your garden!
Source: https://www.tractorsupply.com/know-how_home-garden_gardening_landscaping-along-fencing-for-beauty-and-privacy
Fixing Wobbly Fence Posts
Does part of your fence need reinforcement until the whole thing is
ready to be replaced? Do you need to make sure your pet doesn’t escape
or someone doesn’t get hurt? You can reinforce your fence posts easily
if you follow the suggestions in this article. After getting together
your materials, you can be your own handy man! Continue reading below
for directions.
Source: http://homeguides.sfgate.com/reinforcing-weak-fence-post-99903.html