Picket Fence: A Classic Choice for Front Yards
Picket Fence Summerville accentuates the front yard of your home, making it both inviting and secure. You can choose from several materials for your fence, including wood, vinyl, and metal.
Historically, picket fences were utilitarian, but over time they became a symbol of the ideal middle-class suburban life. A rickety picket fence won’t win you any friends, but an attractive one can keep neighbors happy.
Picket fences are the classic choice for front yards and provide a decorative way to keep kids and pets in while allowing passersby to see into the yard. They are usually two to four feet tall and can also be used in the backyard. A picket fence can be made of wood, metal, or low-maintenance composites. However, wood is still the most common material and offers the greatest number of picket shapes and styles. Wood is also easier to maintain than paint because a solid-color stain allows moisture to escape more easily.
The cost of a picket fence depends on the type of wood, height, and other factors. Wood fences are typically built on-site or bought as prefabricated panels from home centers and lumberyards. They are then installed on posts that are buried at least 2 feet in the ground. Prefab fences are cheaper than custom-built ones. But both can add up if you include gates, hardware, and other features.
Backer rails are often made of 2×4 lumber and span the length of a fence from post to post. These are fastened to the posts with nails or screws. Pickets are then fastened to the backer rails and can be of any style. Many are rounded at the ends, but they can also be squared or flat. They are commonly capped with a trim board to finish the look of the fence.
Wood is the most common material for a picket fence and can be made of pine, recycled wood fiber, pressure-treated wood, or cedar. Cedar is a good choice because it contains the insect repellent cypress oil, which helps repel insects and is rot-resistant. It’s also more durable than most other types of wood and is not affected by bad weather or high winds.
Vinyl is another common choice for a picket fence. It’s not as expensive as wood and is available in a variety of colors. It’s not as beautiful as a natural wood fence, but it’s easy to clean and maintain. It’s also durable, resists stains, and won’t rot or mold.
Durability
The durability of your picket fence depends on the materials you choose and how well they are installed. A good rule of thumb is to use the best-quality wood you can afford because it will last longer than cheaper grades. Spruce, pine, and fir are often used for home fences because they are inexpensive and readily available. However, this type of lumber fares poorly in damp environments and tends to rot after a few years. It is best to use rot-resistant wood when possible.
You can also opt for cedar, which is a beautiful choice that will withstand weathering and insect infestation. Cedar has a rich color, and while it may need staining, this will not require as much maintenance as other types of wood. Many homeowners prefer the look of a natural-looking, unpainted wooden fence. Staining can be done to add color and enhance the wood’s appearance, but you will need to re-stain your fence every few years.
Another popular option for a picket fence is vinyl, which looks like painted wood but does not need re-staining or painting. Vinyl is a cost-effective, low-maintenance option that comes in most design styles and colors. You can even customize your vinyl fence with a cap board to give it a finished look.
Wood and composite are also good choices for durable fencing. These options are easy to work with and install. Composite fencing, which combines wood fibers with polymers, is durable and requires less upkeep than a traditional wood fence. It also resists rot, insects, and warping better than wood or vinyl.
Metal is the most durable material for a fence, but it is also the most expensive option. The durability of metal depends on the type and grade of steel. Stainless steel is the most corrosion-resistant, but it can be difficult to find. Aluminum is the least expensive of these materials and has a decent lifespan, but it is not as strong as other metals.
To ensure the longevity of your picket fence, be sure that it is anchored to sturdy concrete or other stable support structures. You should also keep the area around your fence free of debris and toys so that items won’t be knocked into it during a storm. You should also make sure that your posts and pickets are not touching the ground, because moisture can cause rot in as little as a year.
Maintenance
Whether made from wood or vinyl, picket fences require specific maintenance to keep them looking fresh and in good condition. Using a garden hose or pressure washer to clean them regularly is a simple and effective way to keep them free from dirt and grime. It’s also a good idea to inspect them regularly for any cracks or breaks.
A traditional picket fence is made of wood painted white, but now they’re available in low-maintenance polyvinyl chloride (PVC or vinyl). They look like the classic wooden fence but don’t require sanding and staining, so they last much longer. They’re also easier to customize, so you can choose the color and design that best suit your property.
Another advantage of a PVC picket fence is that it won’t rot or shrink. It’s also a popular choice for homeowners who want to add a decorative touch to their home without spending a lot of money. It’s worth noting, however, that PVC fences aren’t impervious to water damage, so they should be placed away from water sources.
Metal is another popular option for picket fences, with wrought iron being the most common. It’s rust-resistant and sturdy, but it’s not as visually appealing as other materials. Another disadvantage of a metal fence is that it’s usually expensive, and the thin pickets can make it hard to hide your yard from neighbors.
Wood is another alternative to a metal or vinyl fence, and it’s more affordable than many other types of fencing materials. However, it’s not as durable and may rot or attract insects. A wood fence can be painted or stained to match your home, and it can also be sanded down to restore its appearance after years of wear and tear.
It’s important to hire a professional for any fencing installation project, including a picket fence. The right contractor will have the knowledge and tools needed to install the fence properly so it won’t sag or fall over time. They’ll also know the proper techniques for installing a wood fence, so it will be safe from rot or insect infestations.
Appearance
A picket fence is a classic choice for homeowners looking for a quaint look in their yard. Its simple design makes it easy to install and affordable compared to other fencing materials. This style of fence comes in many different styles and colors, making it a versatile choice for any home. It is often painted white to match the trim of a house, but it can also be stained or painted in any color to suit your style.
A traditional picket fence is usually 4’ in height, but you can choose a slightly lower or higher fence based on your preference. It can be built with planks that are all the same height or with a concave, rounded pattern, starting high and then dipping low and then rising again. Decorative gates and posts can add to the overall look of your picket fence.
The type of material used for a picket fence will also influence its appearance. Wood is the most common choice, but vinyl and composite are becoming increasingly popular. These materials have the benefit of being low-maintenance and durable, but they still look like wood.
If you’re planning to plant flowers and roses along a picket fence, you may want to consider how it will look from the street. Ideally, it should be set back from the sidewalk by at least a foot or more. This will help protect the plants from passing male dogs and allow them to bloom.
While picket fences are a popular option for residential properties, they aren’t the best choice for all areas of your property. If you have a steep incline in your yard, this type of fence is unlikely to be able to climb it. In addition, the wood in a picket fence can be susceptible to moisture, which may cause the boards to warp or buckle over time. If you want to avoid this issue, opt for a vinyl or composite fence instead.
