Fences and Fencing

The great American poet Robert Frost declared “good fences make good neighbors”. That may have been true in the last century and may still be true today. However, we use yard fences for several other reasons such as; for privacy, security, animal containment, property line markers, and safety. There use to be only a few choices in fence types available on the market but today the market is flooded with the old standards as well as new designs, some with high technology. Choosing just what you need for a fence system depends on the purpose for the fence. Some fences are installed for containment in keeping children and animals in a designated area, others are built to provide privacy from neighbors, and some are installed simply for aesthetics. Most fences can be installed by a DIY home owner as a home improvement project during a weekend. Some of the most common fences in use today are as follows.

Chain Link Fencing
The chain link fence is known as hurricane fencing. They have been in existence for decades because they are so versatile. Chain link fencing comes by the rolls ranging from 25 to 100 feet long and varies heights. The four and six foot fence is common for homeowner application but they can be purchased up to twelve feet in height for special applications. Fence gates of many sizes can be added for easy access. Options are available that include vinyl coated in a brown, green or black color. A chain link fence is excellent for keeping children or pets contained in a designated area.

Chicken Wire Fencing
A chicken wire fence is the most inexpensive fence you can buy. Chicken wire can be used as permanent or temporary fence to contain animals and keep wild animals out of a gardens and flowerbeds. If you are installing a split-rail fence you may want o consider attaching chicken wire behind it if you want to contain an animals.  

Electric Wire Fencing
While an electric fence is primarily used for livestock, homeowners have found that this is a great way to keep family pets safe inside the yard and wild animals outside the property, especially deer. This type of fence has options that can produce a mild shock to more powerful shock when it is contacted. These fences when used for residential use have controls that allow the strength of the shock to be controlled from a convenient control.

Post and Rail Fencing
The post and rail fence is primarily used in rustic or country settings, frequently seen in horse country estates. They also are often used to define a specific area of the yard. This might be simply to define the backyard from the front yard. The rails are round or split and range from eight to twelve feet in length. The posts are three to five feet high and are designed to accommodate two or three rails simply by slipping them into a slot cut into the post.

Vinyl Fencing
Vinyl fencing has become very popular for homeowners because it is maintenance free. There are many different styles of rail and wood panel fences. The benefit of vinyl fencing is that it will not rot like wood and does not require painting. If you are looking for a type of fence that is aesthetically pleasing and easy to maintain, the vinyl fence is a great choice.  

Wood Fencing
Wood fence is used for privacy and provides a nice aesthetic look. If you need a fence to block out views from neighbors, noise, or an unsightly view an eight-foot wood fence would be a good choice. Wood fencing comes in a number of different types of woods; pine, cedar, oak, and hemlock. They can be stained or painted to accomplish the look you want. However, wood fencing is not recommended for long fence runs as it does require a lot of maintenance to maintain it in top condition.

Whatever your fencing needs may be you can find a wide choice at home supply centers like Lowe's, Home Depot or a specialty fence supply center. Most are reasonably priced and are easy to install by a DIY homeowner. Good fences still can make good neighbors and give you privacy or contain pets.