Picket Fence Considerations for Your Front Yard
Posted on: 27 July 2020
A front yard fence helps define your property line while adding to the curb appeal of your home. Further, it can provide some safety for children and pets in the front yard. If you have always dreamed of a home with a picket fence, the following guide can help you design one.
1. Material
When it comes to a traditional picket fence, you have two options when it comes to the material: vinyl or wood. Vinyl emulates the look of wood, but you will never need to sand or repaint the fence. On the other hand, wood can be repainted, so if you want to change the color you have the option. Both materials are durable and long-lasting. If you prefer tradition and the ability to change the color of your fence, opt for wood. On the other hand, if you want a low maintenance option and never plan to alter your fence's color, vinyl is the way to go.
2. Style
You have a few choices when it comes to the style of the pickets. The two standard options are pointed or rounded tips. Opt for rounded tips if you are worried about kids or dogs hurting themselves on the fence. Other popular options include a Windsor tip (which features a teardrop or arrowhead-shaped tip) or the Victorian tip (which resembles a fleur-de-lis shape). There are also decorative options for your post caps, such as lighted or copper caps, that allow you to hone the style to match your home.
3. Height
A standard front yard picket fence is about 3 feet tall, although taller options are available. Generally, 3 feet is sufficient to provide a visible boundary as well as to contain small children and some pets. Before settling on the height, though, check with your local building department and your homeowner's association, as applicable. There may be height restrictions, including both minimum and maximum heights, that you must abide by.
4. Spacing
Finally, determine how closely you want your pickets placed. Closer spacing decreases airflow through the fence as well as minimizing the sight lines. Wider spacing allows more airflow and light through, but can also allow children and pets to squeeze between the pickets. As a rule, the pickets must be either too closely spaced for a head to fit through, or far enough apart so that no one's head could get stuck between the pickets.
Contact a fence installation service for more help in designing and installing your front yard fence.
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