It's not the best pick when it comes to privacy and security, but there's just something about the appeal of the picket fence that makes homeowners choose it.
It’s not the best pick when it comes to privacy and security, but there’s just something about the classic appeal of the picket fence that makes homeowners stand by it. Plus, this type of fencing lets you keep your kids and pets inside without blocking the view.
Not to say that this time-honoured favourite hasn’t evolved. From the evenly spaced wooden slats with pointed tops, modern picket fences have flourished into various styles that utilise different materials. With the wide selection of picket fencing to choose from, you can strike the perfect balance between classic and contemporary.
Material picks for your picket fence
Timber is still a great choice when it comes to picket fences, as it creates a rustic or romantic appeal for your home. Various types of hardwood or pretreated softwood can be used for fencing, but timber fences require intensive care. If you don’t want to deal with the rotting and termite issues that most timber fences have, you can also opt for metal or PVC picket fences.
For metal fences, although rot and termite won’t be a problem anymore, you will still have to make sure that they are properly protected from corrosion–especially the part of the fence that is buried in the ground. PVC fences are becoming more popular because they require minimal maintenance and are very durable, too.
Ways to update your picket fence
1. Paint it. This is probably the easiest way to refurbish your tired fence. If your fence is unpainted, stain it a deep shade of brown or red to bring out the natural beauty of the wood. You can also choose to paint it with bright colours such as green or blue so that the fence matches the landscaping of your home.
2. Change its top. Straight, spear, gothic, vintage gothic, dog-eared – you have an almost limitless selection of fence tops to choose from. For a unique look, you can even get a fence manufacturer to produce one with a top customised just for you.
3. Go for different levels. Who says the top of your picket fence should end at the same height? For a more modern look, you can opt for a staggered, arched, or scallop picket fence.
4. Get decorative fence posts. Fence posts don’t just make your picket fence structurally stable; they’re great for breaking the monotony of your fence too. Choose one with a nice fence post cap to increase the aesthetic appeal of your fence.
Although an adept DIYer can handle some of these fence updates, it won’t hurt to hire a professional to do the job. Get quotes from a professional fencer now.