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Gone are the days of worrying about maintaining your wooden fence now that vinyl products have become increasingly popular and more affordable among homeowners throughout the United States. This durable material doesn’t peel, rot, blister, rust, flake, corrode or abnormally change color over time. But how does one decide on which style of vinyl fence is best for them? It can be an extremely overwhelming decision, so here are some tips to help guide you through making the best choice for you, your family and your property.
Choosing a Style
The first thing you want to consider is the best style of fence for your property. This will help you with determining textures and colors down the line.
You will want a style that will complement the exterior of your home, boosting curb appeal and adding value to your property. There are some people who prefer more conventional options, such as pairing a ranch style house with a ranch rail fence, or a craftsman style house with a picket fence. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this, as long as that is what you are going for. These are excellent selections for those who like traditional looks, while still remaining elegant and sophisticated.
For those who own a structure or building that is more modern in design, a solid privacy fence is usually a great way to go. The simple, clean lines can provide a great accent to your home and yard, while still creating a warm and welcoming space for your guests. This is a perfect choice for those who are on trend but would like to take their design a bit farther than what most people are used to. If you are a person looking to lease or rent the various properties that you own, potential clients will appreciate the privacy and updated designs that you have made available for them.
And then there are those who like to push the boundaries – intertwining traditional elements and modern aesthetics for a unique look that most will find amazing. This can be achieved in many different ways and depends greatly upon the siding style and color of your house. When finalizing a design, don’t forget that opposites can attract.
Keep in mind, looks aren’t the only thing that matters. Consider some of the other components of where you live and what you are looking to achieve. For those in a busier neighborhood, privacy fences are a great choice. This option can significantly reduce sound and light pollution and provide a little extra seclusion for those who enjoy relaxing outdoors.
If you live in a quiet area where you consider your neighbors as family, picket fences are a wonderful way to enclose your property, perhaps for keeping your young children and pets secured and within your line of site, but still allowing you to keep that open and friendly feel within the community.
Although vinyl fences are extremely durable and need very little to no maintenance, there are some outdoor elements that you may still want to take into consideration when purchasing a new fence. In regions where wind speeds can reach over 100 miles per hour, such as Tornado Alley, vinyl fences are designed to have the panels blowout, rather than risk damaging the posts. This results in any repairs to the fence being very minimal. To reduce the chance of this happening to you though, you may want to consider a semi-private or picket fence to allow the wind to blow through the fence, rather than into the fence. Homes within the path of these storms still need to prepare for the worst to be on the safe side.
Nevertheless, there are others who are concerned with allergenics. To combat this problem, many cleaning products have been created to remove algae, mold and mildew stains without compromising the integrity of the vinyl materials used to construct the fence. Using a solution of soap and water, along with a soft, micro-fiber rag to wipe the area clean, can create a safe and healthy environment for those interested in working with vinyl products. If necessary, you can also use a bristle brush (similar to what you would use on a vehicle), taking care to not scratch the fence.
Picking a Texture
A lot of the same reasoning when deciding on a style also applies to the texture you can choose for your fence. For those going the modern route, a solid color is a wonderful selection, including white, tan, clay and slate gray. Other options include wood textures and designs, perfect for those who like the look of wood, but prefer the durability of vinyl. Over the years, production techniques have improved immensely, making it hard to spot the difference between textured vinyl and actual wood.
Many manufacturers also provide a wide variety of various wooden patterns. With the ability to mix and match grains and stains, you have many possibilities to choose from to coincide with your family perfectly.
Selecting a Color
This can be one of the hardest decisions for people to make when deciding on fencing for their home. When it comes down to choosing from traditional shades of wood, it can actually be very difficult to choose a wrong option. There is almost always a way to tie in different stain colors, whether it be to enhance the color of your house, decking or landscaping.
Standard, solid colors that are available are best for a modern look. A way to make your property pop out is to choose a color for your fence that contrasts nicely to your house or yard. This is a great option for eclectic people who like to make a statement. And before getting too scared, remember that there are plenty of communities around that embrace this type of look.
Various cultures have welcomed bold colors, usually with each color having a special meaning behind it. Before making a final decision, it is encouraged that you research your chosen colors to see if their meanings relate to the feelings you are trying to convey.
It’s also important to respect your neighbors. Take a good look at the surrounding properties and see what others have selected. It’s great to stand out, but you don’t want to alienate yourself at the same time. If you are unsure of how the local citizens may react, it can’t hurt to go around first and ask for their input. Try to keep in mind that whatever changes you make to your property can also affect the estimated values of the homes that surround you.
Tying it All Together
It is important to not forget what the overall look you are going for is. Just because that fence looks wonderful in the stock room or brochure does not mean it will translate perfectly when installed on your property.
When deciding on fencing, keep in mind that there are many simple ways to ensure your purchase will look immaculate, as long as you are willing to take the necessary steps. It could be a simple procedure, such as painting your house’s trim a color that will accent your new fence nicely, or maybe something more complex, such as replacing the siding to coincide with the style of the fence. Regardless, keep an eye on your budget and see if the changes you want to make are within reach.
Determining What is Best in the Long Run
What is most important is for you, the homeowner, to love where you are living. With that in mind, try to keep a clear vision in your mind of how you foresee the near future. If you are someone who is planning on selling your property anytime soon, you will more likely receive better results with traditional fencing. However, if you are happy with where you are and you want to show off your fun side, don’t hesitate to pick whatever interests you best.
Even though vinyl fencing is more expensive than wood, it outlasts any wooden fence on the market, making it more financially efficient over time. This is why it is important to take your time to decide what is best for your situation. Nobody wants to spend the money replacing a fence unnecessarily.
Conclusion
In this article you have been presented with many different ideas and options. There is not necessarily a right or wrong answer for your decision. Based on your needs and wants, it is important to calculate all factors and pick what is best for you. If you still need more guidance, contact your local fence supplier and see what they recommend and offer.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that certain areas have ordinances expecting you to adhere to certain colors or designs. Always check with your local municipalities to see if they have certain zoning requirements.