How to Design a Patio Fence

A fence adds character.

There are few places that offer peace like a patio. Many have spent evening after evening reclining on a patio taking in the scenery, breathing a deep sigh of relief. Therefore, this patio "character" deserves the best design you can create. Patio fences are different from privacy fences, but that doesn't mean you can't use similar products and methods to design a patio fence.

Things You'll Need

• Sketch pad Graph paper (optional)

Instructions

1. 

   Measure the depth and width of your patio. Also make a note that places the door from the house to the patio. Give special attention to the ratio of each measurement.

2. 

   Next, make a list of the benefits a patio fence offers. Include individual events that take place on the patio now, and how they might change after adding the patio fence you design.

3. 

   Ask yourself pertinent questions concerning the different options fences have to offer. You need to consider the various materials used to build fences along with the maintenance of each and how each is installed in the planning phase of your design. See "Patio fence materials" in the References below for more detailed information on materials.

4. 

   Draw some sketches. Draw the individual pickets whether vertical or horizontal. This may seem tedious, but it is one of the best ways to envision a project before spending money on material. Graph paper can help keep the scale of the sketch in perspective.

5. 

   Inspect the ground around the patio to determine which method of installation is desired or even possible. If the patio has flower beds around the perimeter, you may want to consider installing the fence on the edge of the concrete. Keep in mind that this would affect the clear view of the flower bed. "Portable decorative patio fence" in the References below offers a unique look at portable fences for patios.

6. 

   Next, research the different types of rails that can be used on a fence. The rails of a fence are the horizontal pieces to which the vertical pickets are secured. These can be decorative and add character to the fence design. If you use them, you may want to separate the pickets so they can be seen from both sides of the fence. Or the pickets can be placed adjacent to one another so the decorative rails can only be seen by those on the patio.

Tips & Warnings

• Researching fence building will prepare you for the process after the design is complete. Compare as many different types of fences as you can find and use them as a reference point for your design.

• Do not limit yourself by a fixed budget while creating the design. Address that issue during the materials choice phase of the project. Never assume that the information found on the Internet is valid; check multiple sources for the most accurate results.

References

• Patio fence materials
• Portable decorative patio fence

Resources

• Expert advice on fencing in a patio