The right fence type can really enhance the look of your home and add a healthy dose of curb appeal. But which kind of fence is right for you? Here are three things to consider when deciding what fence style you should get:
1. Purpose
There are a few factors to consider when deciding what fence will work for you and your home. First, what is the main purpose of the fence? If it’s to keep your dog in the yard, you’ll need to consider the size of the dog. A fence with narrowly spaced pickets may be better for a smaller dog, and a taller fence would likely be a smarter pick for a larger dog or a dog that is known to jump. If you’re looking for a fence for pool safety, there are certain fences that meet “pool code,” which you’ll need to consider. Maybe you’re looking for some seclusion from the neighbors. In that case, check out privacy fencing options. Whatever your reason for wanting a fence, there are plenty of fence styles to suit your needs.
2. Surrounding Area
You should also check to see what fence type others in your neighborhood have already installed. If picket fences are the style that everyone seems to have, maybe choosing a picket fence of your own is your best bet. Or maybe you’d rather stand out among the crowd and go for something totally different! Whichever direction you choose to go in, it’s good to at least consider the styles of existing fencing in the neighborhood and area directly surrounding your property. If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowners association, there may be restrictions on what kind of fence you can have. It would be best to check on that first to make sure you know what your options are.
3. Architectural Style
Another major factor to consider is your house itself. A white picket fence would look great with a cottage or Cape Cod style home, but can you imagine a white picket fence with an ornate Victorian home? It might look a little silly – a Victorian would probably be better served by a more stately looking aluminum fence. A ranch style home might look great with traditional split rail, where a modern home might look nice with a horizontal fence or basketweave. If you’re having your fence installed, your salesperson can help you decide what style will fit best with your home and your needs.
If you’re in the Chicago Metropolitan Area and can’t decide what fence type makes the most sense for you, give us a call and one of our fence experts can help you determine what kind of fence you need!