- The type of fence chosen for a residential property is largely dependent on the intended purpose of the fence. Privacy fences are at least 6 feet in height, and depending on the amount of privacy required will feature spaced boards or a solid face. Picket fences are shorter (normally 4-feet or less) and are usually chosen more for decorative reasons, either to frame a garden or simply to add general curb appeal to a property.
- Whether you're choosing a picket or a privacy fence, the boards used can vary considerably, depending on the look you're going for. More traditional styles, like the classic picket, have boards that come to a point at the top, in what is known as a Gothic top. A version known as French Gothic has a contour cut into the neck before the point, and offers an even more ornate look. Stockade-style privacy fences can also have pointed boards, although homeowners looking for a more contemporary look may want to go with a flat-topped board. A nice compromise is the dog-eared style of board, which is a flat-top style with diagonal cuts on each side of the top of the board.
- In densely populated areas where neighbors are very close to each other, full privacy fences are common. They are often board-on-board fences, whereby boards overlap each other so that total privacy is ensured. Semi-private fences are still tall, but will have spaces between the boards, and often a decorative or lattice top section. This will give you more visual flow in and out of the garden without it being in full view. An attractive variety is the shadowbox fence, which features spaced boards that alternate with boards on the other side of the fence. Allowing air flow, these fences tend to stand up well to windy conditions, as well as offering an attractive view on both sides of the fence.
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Basket-weave fencing consists of thin (usually 1/2-inch) strips of wood woven horizontally. They
function quite well as a privacy fence and are quite inexpensive.
Ranch and rail fences have between one and four horizontal rails connected to vertical posts, usually spaced 8 feet apart. They also sometimes employ a cross rail pattern known as crossbuck, and are commonly used in more rural settings since the style is reminiscent of livestock fencing on ranches and farms. This style will define your property line and give you a nice open look, but it won't offer you privacy and it will do little to contain pets. - While wood remains the most popular and affordable material for residential fencing, vinyl fencing duplicates the appearance of wood, but can often be a better long-term investment. If you're planning a privacy fence along a property line, a wooden fence will need regular maintenance and will ultimately need to be replaced. Vinyl fencing certainly has a far higher up-front cost, but usually comes with a lifetime warranty, and only requires an occasional washing to keep looking like new.
