There is an old song written in 1934 called “Don’t Fence Me In”. It’s clear that that era didn’t have the wide range of fencing options available today! Fences in this era were decorative, colorful and functional.
Custom Wrought Iron Fence
Modern homes are enhanced by the sleek lines of wrought iron railings. Regardless of the size of the house, wrought iron fences add elegance to the landscape. With the option to make your own custom wrought iron fence designsmatching the fence to your taste, budget and home will not be a problem.
Wood Fence Design
The main element in building a picket fence is the type of wood you use. Western Red Cedar Fence has proven to be the most durable and long lasting fence you can build. A cheaper material is pine, but over time, pine warps with changes in temperature and humidity. The picket fence design uses wooden planks (pickets) which are placed vertically and lined up evenly. The top edge of the board can be pointed, rounded or tapered (called dog-eared). The height of the fence and how closely the boards are placed together is determined by the degree of privacy desired. The height of each plank is based on the design of the fence – straight, scalloped or half-moon. Wood or vinyl panels that look like wood are available for this design. Short picket fences look great around country cottage style homes.
Shadow Box Style Fence
The Shadowbox style is a variation of a picket fence that allows for semi-privacy. The boards are placed alternately on opposite sides of the fence rail, unlike other designs where the boards are on the same side, with their ends slightly overlapping. Because of this alternating placement of the boards, this fence has no back — it looks exactly the same on both sides. Looking at the fence directly from the front there is total privacy but the view from the corner has visibility through it. This style of fence can work well with a beach house.
Split Rail Fence
Split rail fences have a large gap between their two or three rails, which are threaded into the studs. This fence is not designed for privacy. They provide an unobstructed view of the landscape and are a beautiful decoration for the home. They are easy to make, durable, and inexpensive. The timeless and rustic charm of the split rail fence blends well with the ranch style and two-story colonial houses.
Lattice Fence
The lattice fence has a solid panel base providing complete privacy, with lattice panels at the top allowing visibility through. A full length lattice (or screen) fence is an excellent framework for climbing plants such as ivy. A lattice screen can be used to hide an HVAC unit in the ground at the side of the house, or a trash can storage area. This idea is worth considering for any style of home.
Brick & Stone Fence
A brick and stone fence is a great addition to almost any home, depending on the style and type of brick and stone chosen. The stones can appear to be stacked with nothing to hold them together or mortar can appear to fill the spaces. The stones can be round or slightly square, and the bricks can match the color of the brick house. The top of the fence can be flat and covered with a layer of stones or even a wooden fence.
It is important to choose a fence that matches the style of the house. There are fence designs to suit all property types and sizes, as well as budgets, so homeowners – get creative and add a fence!
Viking Fence is a Texas-based fencing company with offices located in Austin and Dallas. As the only fencing company in Texas to own and operate its own lumber mill, Viking Fence provides the highest quality, Western Red Cedar panels for all wood fencing projects. You can also rent temporary chain link fence for a construction project or event or get wrought iron fence specifically designed for your home.
