So you finally have your own yard instead of a shared patio space at your apartment complex…congratulations! Thoughts and concerns seem to be racing through your head on what to do with all this space. In this article, I’ll discuss one main topic that might be troubling you about your new-found freedom.
How do I add privacy to “my” space?
The most obvious answer to this question is installing a fence. There are many types of fencing on the market now-a-days. You need to consider what style will meet the function you have in mind. Don’t forget maintenance costs, because all fencing will need something to keep it in good condition at some point in its lifetime. There are a plethora of styles to choose from these days with around ½ a dozen of different construction materials for your taste. Each has their own maintenance requirements and prices. For example, take a look at these different styles and materials.
Besides what will work best for your yard and lifestyle, you also need to keep in mind what your neighbors will think. I know I know, you didn’t purchase your new home based on what people think, but neighborhood animosity should be the last of your worries. With homeownership, there are new responsibilities that come to the table. Sometimes you can even violate laws and regulations. Here are the best ways to avoid any of those types of worst-case scenarios:
Follow the rules: Fences are subject to local zoning codes. These dictate maximum height allowed, how far they must be from property lines, and whether they are even permitted in front yards. Often times it is recommended to touch base with your municipality’s zoning department before moving forward with a fencing project.
Be a good neighbor: Don’t hesitate to discuss the new fence with your neighbors. The last thing you’ll want to deal with is an upset neighbor. (Remember you’ll have to coexist for several years!) Sit down and have a pow-wow to see if they have a style that they think would look good and discuss everyone’s thoughts on property lines. Keep the channel of communication open. Your neighbors won’t make the final decision on fencing, but they will think highly of you for considering their feelings. Wouldn’t you?
Goals: When deciding on the type of fence you want, you need to pinpoint why you actually need the fence. Is it to block the view of something unsightly? To house a pet? To keep others from peering into your yard? In order to find the best fence for you, I advise asking yourself these types of questions. It will also help the salesman narrow down what he’ll recommend.
What’s your fences’ job?
If your goal is to block unsightly scenery, you will need solid fencing with tightly spaced vertical board, pickets, or framed panels to prevent you from seeing out and others from seeing in. Height should be at lease 6’ tall, so most people can’t see over it. If a little visibility is ok, then your boards can have spaces in between them. Most of the time, this type of fence is made out of wood, and they are visually appealing.
Now, if security is a necessity, you definitely want to go 6’ or taller to keep anyone from scaling or simply hopping over the fence. Pickets or other spiked tops will deter most from climbing over the barrier. A smooth outer face is also recommended, so possible intruders can’t obtain traction. A great material for this would be the metal or vinyl.
If you simply want to jazz up your yard with some decorative accents to establish property lines, your fence doesn’t need to be nearly as large as the previous types. You can choose fencing that is only two to four feet high with spaced pickets, latticework, or all sorts of ornamental designs that don’t block the view but enhance it. All material types work for this type.
If adding a fence for safety reasons is your main concern without changing the view, the most durable and cost-effective option is a wire fence or chain link fence. These consist of galvanized metal mesh, but adding a black or green vinyl coating at an additional cost helps make the fence disappear.
What material will suit your lifestyle and need?
The most common fence material is wood. Wood helps provide a traditional, clean look at a moderate price. Depending on the type of wood chosen, your installer might recommend treating it with a stain or wood preservative to protect it from different elements. You can expect to repeat that process every three to five years. Cost: $7 to $10 per foot, installed, for simple split-rail fence; $20 to $50 per foot, installed, for a 6’ privacy fence. Warranties are available for these too depending on the wood species and retailer.
Other very common fencing materials are vinyl and composite which are used for faux wood illusion. They are made from either solid vinyl or a mix of wood fibers and plastic resins. In both cases, the material is molded into rails, pickets, and other fence parts that get assembled piece-by-piece, on site, like wood fences. Their color is usually white but can be available in various shades and tints. The hue chosen is actually mixed into the material itself, so they never need painting. This type of material is great for the wood look but doesn’t require as much maintenance as its counterpart. Cost: $40 to $60 per foot, installed for a 6’ high privacy fence. Warranty: 20 years to lifetime depending on manufacturer.
The classic wrought-iron fence can provide a couple of different functions. It can be anything from an ornate decorative property-line marker to a tall, spiky enclosure that provides security. Now-a-days these fences aren’t wrought iron. Welding steel or aluminum together is what creates this timeless fence design. Cost: $25 to $30 per foot, installed for 4’ high fence; plus, $5 to $10 per foot to add ornamental finials and rings. Warranty: 20 years to a lifetime depending on manufacturer.
These last fence materials have to be one of the most common up there with wood. I’m talking about chain link and wire. The have gained popularity due to being the most economical, and chain link tends to disappear into the scenery. This is especially evident if it is painted with a black or green plastic coating. Of course these are transparent, but you can purchase vertical privacy slats that you weave into the mesh. Ready for the cost? Cost: $12 to $15 per foot installed for a 4’ high fence; add $4-5 for vinyl coating and another $6-10 for privacy slats. Warranty: 12-15 years depending on manufacturer.
All of these fence styles and materials will help create the barrier your lifestyle requires. There are more options available for more of a visual barrier, and I’ll discuss those in my next post.
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