How to Choose a Home's Fence and Gate Design and Material

Your home's fence and the gate attached to it are very important for both appearance and security. You probably want a fence that does more than just mark off your property boundary but will also deter intruders from coming into your yard, give you some privacy from neighbors, and enhance your property's appearance as much as possible. With so many options for fencing design and materials from which to choose, this can actually make it difficult to find just the right one; note a few tips to make the selection easier on you overall.

1. Start with regulations

First, note if there are regulations you need to follow when it comes to your home's fence. This can be regarding its height and its style; in some neighborhoods, the fence cannot be so tall that it overwhelms your neighbor's yard, and there may also be laws about fences with vertical bars and how far apart they must be spaced, to keep children and animals from getting caught between them. If you live in an area with a neighborhood association or homeowner's association, they too will probably have rules in place regarding your fence, so start by checking with them.

2. Consider security

If you want a gate for your fence, you no doubt want it to be as secure as possible. Consider the lock you can purchase with each type of fencing material and style and if it would be easy to access from outside the fence. Choosing a wood or vinyl privacy fence with no openings between slats and no mesh design can keep someone from reaching through to inside the fence and unlocking the gate. Larger posts on the side of the gate can give you a way to drill an opening for a thick deadbolt so that the gate is more secure against someone simply forcing it open.

3. Material

After noting the important factors of local regulations and security, you can then turn to the material of the fence and gate. A wood privacy fence may give you the most options for color, as you can easily repaint a wood fence any color you want, when you want. Vinyl may be more durable than wood, as it won't rot, chip, or stain, but it can be difficult to repaint vinyl so you may need to consider your limits on its appearance. The same is true for metal fences; aluminum won't rust or corrode, but to refinish it, you may need a contractor who can add a layer of powder coating. Keep these points in mind so you know you're happy with your fence for years to come.

For more information about fencing options and designer gates, contact a local fencing contractor.