5 Different Types Of Fencing That Will Enhance Your Curb Appeal

Looking for curb appeal? A beautifully crafted fence adds charm and character. The right fence can change the whole look of your home. But there are so many different types of fencing available.

A fence should be a natural extension of your home, so you don’t want to choose one without giving it some thought.

Consider a fence that harmonizes with your home’s architectural style, or pick an element to match from the house’s exterior — maybe stone, wood, or painted trim. Or choose an interesting architectural detail — a porch railing, pillars, or final — and repeat it in the fence to tie everything together.

See? We told you there’s a lot to think about.

Consider Your Home’s Architecture

What kind of house do you have? This should be one of your first considerations when shopping for a fence.

Stroll in front of your house and take a good look.

What does your house look like from the sidewalk and across the street?

Say you have a ranch-style home with vinyl siding. Erecting a stone fence here would look awkward and out of place.

Maybe you have a beautiful old stone house with a slate roof. In that case, putting up a white vinyl fence would look equally wrong.

Are there elements from your house you can incorporate into your fence?

Maybe you have an exposed stone foundation. You could plan stone columns for your fence.

Bottom line: A fence should feel like an extension of your architecture. But it shouldn’t steal the show. You want to notice the beauty of your home first, not the fancy fence.

5 Different Types Of Fence To Consider

Let’s take a look at five different types of fencing that will enhance the curb appeal of your home.

Wood Fences

Dreaming of a classic white picket fence? This fence staple is often made of wood.  Picket fences usually average between 2 and 4 feet high.

You might consider a lattice fence, crafted of sturdy cedar square lattice and chunky posts.

Keep in mind that wood, if painted or stained, will require regular maintenance.

Looking for lower maintenance? We’ll talk about vinyl fences that mimic wood a bit later.

Wood can be stained or painted to match your home, so your color choices are practically limitless. Repairs are easy, too: a hammer, nails, and wood. But beware: wood can attract termites.

A wood fence can be crafted with boards close together if you want privacy, or spaced apart for a classic picket look.

Arbors and gates are great additions to a wood fence and add to the charm.

Wrought Iron Or Aluminum Fences

Sturdy, timeless wrought iron fences tend to be ornate, which suits more formal, historic houses or high-end urban homes.

Similar styles are available in powder-coated steel, anodized aluminum, or composite materials that are more affordable and easier to maintain.

Aluminum fencing comes in various picket sizes and spacing. There are also lots of aluminum picket styles, from simple to fancy.

Remember, if you have a simple home, a very ornate fence will likely look out of place.

Stone Fences

Stone fences have been around forever. They offer a rustic and natural look to your landscaping and their sturdy construction is one of the most permanent fences. So don’t choose this type of fence lightly — it’s not going anywhere. You’ll also pay more for this longevity.

A stone fence lends a classic look, great for traditional homes like colonials and Cape Cods, especially when built of native stone.

Stone fences will stand up to the toughest conditions, from heat and snow to termites and ants.

Vinyl Fences

Vinyl offers the look of a wood fence — from a distance — but comes with the convenience of low maintenance. Buy it in the color you like and you’ll never have to paint it.

Dirty? Just spray off a vinyl fence. They won’t split, crack, rot or get munched by termites.

Vinyl fences cost more than wood, so if you have a large area to fence, your initial investment will be higher.

Repairing a vinyl fence typically involves more than replacing a board or two. You may have to replace an entire section.

And they can attract algae, mold, and mildew, especially if near sprinklers that soak them often.

Natural Fencing

Natural fencing can be anything from hedges to climbing roses to evergreen trees. You can also install a mesh core that serves as a base for flowering vines like wisteria or honeysuckle for a fence that blooms.

Note: this isn’t a quick fix. You’ll need to be patient to let the pretty plants mature and fill in.

Also, do your research — pick the wrong shrubs or vines and you may have a bountiful barrier all summer, but a fence of bare twigs in the winter.

Combine Materials For A Custom Look

The prettiest fences are often crafted from more than one material for a truly custom look. Add a wood fence atop a stone or brick foundation if the look blends with your home’s architecture.

A Few Things To Consider

Your neighborhood may have rules about fences you’ll have to follow. Contact your town hall or city’s zoning office to learn about easements, height restrictions, setbacks, or any other regulations.

Verify your property lines. Look at your survey or plot plan to confirm where your lot begins and ends. If there is any uncertainty, think about hiring a land surveyor.

Let your neighbors know your fencing plans. It’s just good courtesy.

The Fence Is Up — Now What?

Now that you have a pretty new fence, think about what enhancements can add to the curb appeal.

If you’ll be using the front yard for lounging or entertaining, you might want to plant some flowers and plants inside the fence to pretty up the space from the inside view.

Soften the fence’s hard lines and make passersby happy by adding some landscaping to the outside.

Add some bright blooms to a white picket fence for even more cheer. Grow some flowering vines among the sturdy rails of a wrought iron or aluminum fence.

Don’t Forget The Gate, Maybe An Arbor, Lights

A beautifully crafted gate is like the punctuation mark on your new fence.

Depending on the style of your fence, you might want to incorporate an arbor, too.

Professional landscape lighting can highlight your fence, gate and other details once the sun goes down. Lights can focus on interesting architectural details like columns or custom posts.

Leave Your Fencing To Neave

The experts at Neave Carpentry can custom build a fence that suits your home perfectly and adds that needed punch of curb appeal.

Chances are if you want a fence, you’ll need a gate. There are plenty of styles, from classic garden gates to low-cut walkway gates, to grand imperial style gates for driveways and entrances.

If you’re in the Hudson Valley, call us at (845) 463-0592. If you’re in Westchester County, call (914) 271-7996; from Connecticut, dial (203) 212-4800. Or fill out our simple web form, and we’ll contact you about setting up your free consultation.

Neave Carpentry assists with the entire process, from design to construction to maintenance.

Our professional construction teams also perform renovations on all types of fences and can help you refurbish your existing fencing.