Deciding to build a backyard fence happens for a variety of reasons. Pets, children, protecting a garden, securing a pool, providing safety or simply adding a new look to a property are all reasons.

Making the decision to build is one thing, ensuring you have the new backyard fence you imagine is another. There are a variety of considerations when deciding to build, and we look at a few in this blog post.

Building a backyard fence to last takes planning, care and attention to detail during fence construction. There are plenty of online resources with help for DIYers looking to build a backyard fence as a weekend project.

Ensuring a fence is built to last requires quality materials and proven construction techniques. While these can be learned online, there is value in considering using an experienced, proven Twin Cities fence contractor for the job.

Deciding the style of fence you seek is among the first choices. Should it provide privacy, or allow sunshine and wind to pass through it?

Identifying the height of the fence to do the job you seek is another step. Is it designed to keep dogs and children enclosed and safe? Or, are you seeking some security, making it more difficult for people to get into your yard.

Providing security is also a consideration for the material you are using. While stronger fence materials provide better security, the aesthetic of the choice is likely even more important.

Seeking a more natural look to the fence? Try installing a wood fence, which come with a variety of designs and construction styles, either pickets spaced apart, or tongue-and-groove boards fit together and attached to cross beams.

Weather-resistant aluminum fencing provides the traditional look of an iron fence as well as security as the strongest fence material.

Chain link is also an option, providing security and containment as well as allowing light and sun through.

Our next blog post will identify other factors to consider when building a backyard fence, including cost and environmental considerations.

If you are a pet owner or your neighbors have wandering pets, your life can be made easier with a new fence to contain your property. Maybe your neighbor’s unsightly yard has given you thoughts of moving to a new neighborhood.  No need to move, you can have an attractive privacy fence installed. There are many reasons why people buy fences. Are you wondering “Do I need a fence?”- here are three things to consider.

A common concern for pet owners is dog containment. Consequently, a smart cedar picket fence can enhance the appearance of your property and also keep “Rover” safely at home. Therefore, Ornamental steel and aluminum systems have a classic look. Additionally, Ornamental fences are typically maintenance free and are equally effective at containing pets.

Homeowners with small children looking for a lower cost way to keep their little ones safe may choose a chain system.  Hence, chain link fences are a great way to contain any size yard at an affordable cost. Galvanized chain link systems have been available for many decades. Vinyl coated black, green and brown can be more attractive options. In summary,  if you live in a neighborhood with an HOA, be sure that they allow chain link systems as many do not.

Visually blocking out the things that are beyond your borders is easily completed with a Privacy fence.  It will provide a layer of security as well. These fences have many benefits but are often not allowed in front yards due to city regulations. Privacy fences can be made of cedar, vinyl or composite (Trex) materials.  Cedar would require a level of upkeep (staining, board or post replacement, etc) but with vinyl and composite, effort would be minimal.

Fences can add a great amount of security to your home and for your family.   A high quality, sturdy fence will be extremely effective in keeping animals or intruders off your property.  Also, it will improve the appearance of your home, and can enhance privacy as well as the aesthetics of your landscaping.

In the end, the reasons you purchase a fence are unique to your needs and a qualified fence professional can help you make the right choice.

Enclosing a swimming pool is a good idea for a variety of reasons. From privacy to security and, above all else, safety, homeowners protecting their pool need to select the type of fence to fit those needs along with their individual style and taste.

Understanding applicable ordinances and rules to enclose a residential pool is important before making a final fence decision as they may have height and setback requirements that can affect the choice.

Wood fencing for swimming pools are a solid option as they are custom built and offer various levels of privacy, height and styles. This allows fitting the fence to the contour of a property and also painting or staining a preferred color. Continue reading →

Our previous post discussed the consideration a young, growing family should consider when discussing installing a backyard fence. Those options include Security, Privacy, Durability and Price.

In this post we will examine the various fence types available to homeowners and how the compare to the evaluations outlined previously.

When considering a fence for a family looking to keep children safe while they are alone outside there a several fence types:

Chain Link Fences. These fences are good at keeping children contained and unwanted animals out of your yard. However, while residential chain link fences can be of any height, they typically are four or five feet tall and can be traversed with some effort.

Chain link is also the most affordable fence type. Made from galvanized steel wire woven in a recognizable diamond pattern, chain link fences are durable and require little maintenance. They offer little privacy unless plastic slats are used.

They can be covered in black or green vinyl to help it blend into your yard, or can be used with wooden posts and cross beams to provide a distinctive appearance. Because the chain link is galvanized it is durable and has a longer lifespan than wood. Continue reading →