| There are many aspects to designing the ideal | | | | because it provides a safety barrier without greatly |
| outdoor living space so it is often difficult to know | | | | disrupting the line of sight. |
| where to begin and where to end. One characteristic | | | | Of course, the material you choose will also depend |
| not to be overlooked is that of a fence. Fences | | | | on the region in which you live and the style of |
| serve many functions for homeowners, privacy, | | | | architecture. Rustic wood is the obvious choice for a |
| boundaries, and safety being just a few. Ironically, | | | | log home floor plan, for example. Some materials are |
| when it comes to fencing an outdoor living space or | | | | limited to certain areas and can be prohibitively |
| courtyard house plans, the options are nearly limitless! | | | | expensive to use elsewhere. Also, the function of |
| Vinyl is extremely popular for fences because the | | | | the fence will help determine the style and material. |
| material can last forever with little maintenance. But, | | | | Both style and material should complement the |
| the appearance can look cheap compared to nearby | | | | architecture of the surrounding homes. For example, |
| landscaping or structures. | | | | one fence may be a homeowner's key to privacy |
| Wooden fences are charming and familiar to many | | | | but elsewhere it may look like an industrial fortress. |
| homeowners. This material is most affordable but | | | | Another thing to keep in mind is local building codes, |
| often requires more maintenance and regular care | | | | zoning, and Home Owners Association regulations. It |
| than other fencing options. Cedar and Redwood are | | | | is best to find out what you can and cannot do with |
| two hardwoods that come highly recommended for | | | | fencing before you even begin seeking out styles |
| fencing applications because of their resistance to | | | | and materials. Fencing luxury home designs is |
| insects and rot. Softwoods are easy to work with | | | | different from fencing a country cottage. Once you |
| for do-it-yourself types but need regular treatment | | | | have approval and find something you like, take the |
| to make them resistance to ever-problematic mildew | | | | time to make a final decision. Fences are long lasting |
| and pests. | | | | structures that should be one-time investments. Be |
| Composite is a material comprised of wood fiber and | | | | certain you love what you put in because it is going |
| plastic resin. Composite takes on the charming | | | | to be there for a long time! |
| appearance of natural wood but has the convenience | | | | Lastly, seek out professional input and advice. Do not |
| of minimal maintenance like vinyl. It is a great | | | | hesitate to hire a professional to complete this |
| compromise between the two! | | | | project. Fencing is not simple to install and can be a |
| Aluminum fences are not as popular though it is | | | | nightmare to repair and replace. Correct installation is |
| typically a low maintenance material that never fades | | | | worth the extra investment so there is only the |
| or discolors. However, aluminum fences are often | | | | need to complete it once. By the time it is all over, |
| ornate and serve more of a decorative function. This | | | | you may never have to think about your fence again! |
| can be a great material for fencing around pools | | | | |