For property owners, creating a unique and stylish yard is just as important as crafting a welcoming home interior. It is important to remember that initial impressions are lasting, and the first view anyone will have of your home is the exterior. That is why many homeowners are now taking a closer look at decorative fencing, a trendy and fun way to define a yard, beckon guests, and show off unique styles.
Decorative fences are versatile and landscape design elements can vary from a screen to a frame, barrier, boundary or support. They can protect children, keep your pets inside or out, and be inviting or forbidding. Taking the time to design one that enhances the natural beauty of your property can become a work of landscaping art. Ornamental fences are a great way to blend style and substance because not only can they be beautiful accents, but they can also be quite durable and stand the test of time.
Most people install fences to define property lines and provide privacy, which usually means enclosing a specific area, such as a backyard. Decorative fences, however, can also provide an eye-catching focal point, stop corner-cutting pedestrians and provide a backdrop for a favorite small garden.
In the past, there were few fencing choices available to most homeowners, and those that were obtainable were not often considered beautiful. Today, there are decorative fencing choices available for even the most finicky homeowners. Although you can still purchase stockade-type fencing, why limit yourself when you have exciting new options like bamboo, iron, acrylic or aluminum designed to look like wrought iron, composite designed to look like wood, and precast concrete panels that look like stucco, stone or brick? You can even choose to get live willow wands that can be grown, shaped and woven into a green, living fence.
One of the standard-bearers in ornamental fencing is wood, which can add an unmatched sense of warmth to your yard. While metal fencing may be more ornate, wood fences are more natural and less intrusive to your outdoor landscaping. This is paramount for homeowners who enjoy natural-style gardens. Wood fences, however, are susceptible to decay, warping, and pests. If, however, the decorative quality of your fence is a high priority, aesthetics may win out over durability.
For those looking at a traditional look, nothing matches wrought iron fencing. It is an excellent choice of material that pairs ornamental qualities with strong and durable materials. While costlier than other fencing types, especially when enclosing a large yard, no other fence has the potential to increase your property value as much as wrought iron. It also can provide greater security while being less obtrusive, as the posts are thinner than wooden fencing.
Unlike wood and wrought iron, shoppers are increasingly turning to a new option in the market — aluminum ornamental fencing. New manufacturing procedures have created products that are intricately fabricated, lightweight yet durable, and highly resistant to corrosion and pests. They won’t last as long as wrought iron, but quality aluminum fences will still last many, many years. As an added bonus, they can be custom designed with any shape, color, or ornamental feature.
Bamboo fencing is one of the trendiest, most durable, and environmentally friendly options available today. It comes in slats, rolls, and can be grown naturally. While bamboo fencing is beautiful in and of itself, many homeowners also choose to dress it up and make it look more permanent while boosting its structural integrity by framing the fencing with contrasting materials. One of the greatest benefits of bamboo fencing is that it can be installed anywhere it has support, making it a favorite of homeowners who want to hide unattractive chain link fences, since decorative bamboo fences may be installed on, and over, most metal fencing.
Finally, fence finials are all too often an afterthought, when they can be the crowning glory of any decorative fence. Finials are the decorative tops you see on many fence posts and are sometimes referred to as fence post caps. Store bought finials come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Some are more angular and geometric while others are dominated by ornamental ball caps.
Pointed fence finials will also add an extra measure of security, making the fence harder to scale. They can be made from the same material as the fence or a different, ornamental material such as copper. New trends include using repurposed old mason jars or vases with solar lights inside. Placed atop a fence, this finial adds a touch of unforgettable charm.
Modern decorative fencing options have a huge proliferation of products to give you whatever look you desire, as long as it passes muster with your neighbors and local authorities. It is important not to forget that your dream design could encroach on a nearby property, including public sidewalks or streets, or cause a hazard if clear lines of sight for cars and pedestrians are not taken into consideration.
When designing your fence, it is also important to consider the style and age of your house and the neighborhood. Style and construction materials for fencing can make your home stick out for the wrong reasons or make your neighbors jealous that they did not think of the idea first. Your local fencing expert will be able to help guide you and design the perfect fence that suits your property, needs, and neighborhood.
Psychologically, you want to plan in advance what your fence is saying to others. A low barrier of three to four feet implies privacy but is still inviting, while taller barriers are forbidding and directly say, “Private. Keep Out!” If you would like a variation from a straight fence line, an arched pattern indicates the desire for privacy while dipping gives a much more inviting vibe.
Sometimes, it is not about new fencing as much as it can be about sprucing up existing fencing to create a new look that freshens up your entire landscape. A drab old fence can be an eyesore, even in a yard brimming with beauty. There are many ways to accessorize a fence, from a new coat of paint to unique, mounted art. Mirrors, frames and even farm items can add a touch of whimsy to your fence. It is also fun to bring interior painting ideas outside for a fresh look. You can hire an expert to paint murals, vines or your favorite Chesapeake Bay crabs or river fish. Planters are another easy way to add color and life, while displaying your green thumb. Add them to new or existing fencing to feature your yard’s natural beauty. Keep in mind that you can mix and match different styles to mirror your personality, so adding small focal points to your decorative fencing can be a unique way to compliment your home and express yourself while creating something the neighborhood, your guests and your family will love.
Ultimately, fencing is about so much more than boundaries, and there are no limits to the creative approaches you can take in your design. They have become an extension of your interior decorating and a way to accent your landscape. Yes, they introduce safety and security to your property, but they can also enhance curb appeal. Decorative fences are a great investment in your home. They can increase property value and enrich your outdoor experience. Whether you are putting in a small fence to accent a garden or pond or enclosing a large area for privacy, there are many sides to ornamental and decorative fencing just waiting to be explored.
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