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| Fencing adds privacy, atmosphere and structure to your yard. |
Installing a fence can do a lot more than maintain privacy -- it can also add atmosphere and structure to your entire backyard! Wooden fences have been one of the more traditional styles due to their charming look and practicality.
Lumber Choice:
Wood species such as cedar, redwood, cypress, and pressure treated pine have proven themselves to be durable and weather-resistant, making them the best choices for fencing. Below is a further breakdown of some of the most popular lumber options.
- Pressure Treated Pine: This choice is more affordable and practical than other types of wood. However, it has received environmental criticism for the chemical treatments and physical processes that is undergoes.
- Western Red Cedar: Naturally resistant to many weather elements, cedar is a strong and durable fencing option. It is also heralded for its appearance and resistance to moisture.
- White Oak: Tough and hardy, oak is known for staying strong in extreme elements. Despite this, it has received a reputation for warping or bowing.
- Tropical Hardwoods: While woods such as Ipe, Tigerwood, and Brazillian Cherry are known for their beauty, they have come under fire for their negative environmental impact. Despite this, hardwoods are still a good choice because they will not need to be replaced as often as other types of woods.
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| There are many types of styles to choose from. |
Fence Panel Styles:
Once you have chosen your lumber type, it is time to decide the overall design of the fence. There are three designs to choose from, each of them offering varying levels of privacy and aesthetic appeal.
- Solid: Best for those desiring complete privacy in their yard. It is commonly used to surround swimming pools or property lines. These fences are typically 4 to 6 feet tall and use pickets that are very close together. Pickets can range from dog-ear style to a more elaborate design.
- Spaced Picket: This style still allows for privacy, and can easily keep children or pets safety inside the fencing lines. They are usually no more than 4 feet tall, allowing for surrounding views and sounds.
- Shadowbox: Alternating panels across the front and back give the fence the same look on either side. This is perhaps the most neighborly choice, as the person on the other side will still enjoy a pleasant view. At about 6 feet in height, shadowbox allows for a pleasing amount of air circulation.
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| Use outdoor decking screws and aluminum or stainless steel nails. |
Installation Tips:
Don’t be frightened by the daunting task of installation! Depending on your comfort level, this step can be done on your own or by a professional. Just be sure to keep this tips and tricks in mind so your installation process goes as smoothly as possible!
- Make sure you measure out your fence lining properly to save time and money in the future.
- Use outdoor decking screws and aluminum or stainless steel nails to attach fence panels.
- Avoid having the wood come in contact with the ground to avoid future moisture problems such as rotting, warping, and splitting.
- Don’t forget the protective finish!
For more home tips please visit homechanneltv.com.