With so many fence styles accessible today, it can be hard for homeowners to pick the one that best fits their home and wants. Fences generally fall into three categories: privacy, functional, and decorative. Whether used to define plot boundaries, keep pets and children safe, or keep out uninvited visitors (two- and four-legged), a fence can dramatically improve your home’s curb appeal. Made of various materials, including wood, metal, vinyl, stone, and brick—you can be sure there is a fence style that’s adequate for you. And, since installing a fence can be a tough task that many people don’t have time for, here at Degraff Construction, LLC we want to make sure you love your fence and get exactly what you want. Here is a look at some of the most common styles of fences used today.
- Privacy, Please
Convert your space into a secluded hideaway with privacy fences, which are possible in a variety of styles and in materials that vary from cedar and pressure-treated wood to vinyl. Decorative options include lattice panel tops with coordinating gates and post caps.
- Classic Charmer
Nothing is quite as much a part of our American awareness as the traditional white picket fence, one of the most well-loved fence styles of all time. This charming design is constructed of heavy-duty commercial-grade vinyl and features a graceful scalloped top and extra-wide posts set off by thinner top and bottom rails.
- The Splits
One of the most popular rustic fence styles is the traditional split-rail fence, which is constructed of long, rough-hewn beams that are threaded through holes bored out in heavier, rounded posts. Traditionally, split-rail fences were used on farms to keep livestock from roaming and were constructed using native American chestnut trees. Today, split-rail fences are constructed primarily of black locust wood.
- Attractive Aluminum
Metal makes a classic and attractive—albeit expensive—ornamental fence material. Most metal fences highlight an open design with widely spaced pickets and are often topped by scrollwork or decorative elements. Aluminum, one of the least expensive metals used for fencing, offers homeowners a durable and long-lasting option.
- Lovely Lattice
Heavy-duty lattice panels can be used to create an ornate decorative element. Lattice fences may be assembled of cedar, pressure-treated pine, or natural whitewood. They’re typically constructed with a wide top and bottom rails for stability. Many lattice fences styles also emphasize decorative posts and post caps, creating a personalized appearance.
- Contemporary Custom
Many modern fence designs defy classification, combining unique combinations of horizontal, vertical, and even curved pickets to create something truly unique and personal. Contemporary-styled fences are often made of metal or vinyl, although there are many attractive, up-to-the-minute designs that are crafted from wood as well.
- Post-Modern
Post-and-rail fencing—also known as estate fencing—is an updated, contemporary take on the classic split-rail fence. Post-and-rail fencing is typically constructed using a three-rail design, with three square horizontal rails connected to solid, heavy-duty square posts. Post-and-rail fences can be constructed of wood, vinyl, or metal.
- Rock On
Rock and stone are the oldest types of fences, used since ancient times to outline property lines and keep domestic animals confined. The earliest stone fences were made by simply piling stones on top of each other in a heap; newer stone fences use wire-mesh frames and mortar to achieve a more polished appearance.
- Chain Gang
The simplest, most common, and least expensive type of fence material is chain link, used primarily as a functional fence to keep people or animals confined. As the name suggests, chain-link fences are made up of links of metal that have been wrapped together and attached to upright poles. Upscale chain-link fences are vinyl surfaced for greater durability and endurance.