Backyard fencing separates one area from another. It provides us protection from the outside. If you have a pet or kids you can feel the importance of backyard fences. It prevents your kids or pets from running around in the neighborhood. You can also separate your land and grow a garden in your backyard space without bothering anyone.
It is painful for pets to wear harnesses all the time, so if you install fencing in your backyard you can leave them alone and without protection. They can enjoy the backyard and you can relax in peace. From deciding the size of the fencing to choosing, budget-friendly ideas, the owner has to make some difficult decisions. Here we come up with some amazing backyard fencing ideas for beginners so they do not have to go through the research.
Key Takeaways
- Choose your backyard fence based on the area’s climate condition.
- You can customize and take care of metal and vinyl fences without any hassle.
- To create drama in your backyard you can choose lattice and wood fences.
- Bamboo fences are a great alternative to natural fences as it reduces deforestation.
Types of Backyard Fencing
Various types of backyard fencing depend on your backyard’s size, structure, and aesthetics. These fencings have different purposes. Here we will go through some important and easy-to-find backyard fencing.
1. Wood Fencing
Wood has been used to create wood fencing for a long time. From normal picket fences to modern engineered fences, fencing has changed a lot. It has two components. One-third set of the vertical post will be set in the ground, which provides stability. The horizontal rails will be set aside from 6 to 8 feet apart. It is used for supporting the picked fence or fence board.
Post and rail fences are used for penning livestock and bold division between properties. It defines the boundaries of properties. Wood and lattice fence are used for creating drama in your backyard garden area. It is a crisscross line of woods which enables the light and air to go through. You can also install climbing plants to increase the usage of this fence. Vertical louver fence is used in pool, deck, and patios. You can arrange this fence in your seating area. Privacy fencing creates a sense of sanctuary, peacefulness, and seclusion.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Organic and biodegradable. | Limited timespan from 5 to 10 years. |
| Provides full or partial privacy. | Needs regular cleaning with a pressure washer. |
| It increases the aesthetic value of the backyard. | Woods can split or crack under various conditions. |
| Some wood materials can be used to block out noise. | |
| The average cost of wood fencing is cheaper than any other fencing. |
2. Vinyl Fencing
Vinyl fencing is an alternative to wood fencing. It is a plastic-based material made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It can be used for various reasons. You can install a vinyl privacy fence in your seating or resting space. This privacy fence is 8 feet wide and 6 feet high. The semi-privacy vinyl fence allows airflow while providing privacy. These are like privacy fences but have small gaps between the pickets. Vinyl lattice fences have a smoother surface and .25 inches of thickness.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Customizable. | Expensive. |
| Low-maintenance. | Cost a lot to repair. |
| Does not rot or crack. | Not environmentally friendly. |
| Fire-resistant and impenetrable. | Extreme weather can damage the material. |
| Does not have insect problems like wood. | Can cause staining because of algae and mold. |
3. Metal Fencing
When you think about attractive fence structures the first thing that should come to your mind, is metal fencing. Metal fences are made of iron or steel, or aluminum. There are various types of metal fencing. Wrought iron is the most amazing metal fence the design is made by heating iron and forming it in beautiful shapes. Your pets cannot get through this fence and you can use different powder-coated colors to decorate it any way that suits your backyard.
To install a pool fence you can consider aluminum fencing. It is rust-resistant and also less expensive. The most common fence is a chain-linked fence. These types of fences are very popular among pet owners as their pets cannot pass through the gaps between the fences and cannot jump high enough.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can customize the design. | Quite expensive. |
| Durable as it does not rot or wrap. | Need maintenance. |
| Corrosion-resistant and last for decades. | Heavy, need professional help while installing. |
| Extreme weather cannot cause any damage. |
4. Tree Fencing
If you are curious about plants and love to make your backyard full of greenery, you will love the living fence. You have to decorate your yard with trees that will work as a natural fence and give your backyard an amazing and refreshed look. Pick trees that grow 8 to 9 feet high. You can also grow bushes or shrubs in between these trees.
You can plant boxwoods or evergreen hollies such as oak leaf holly which is 8 feet tall and a great way to use as a fence. They also provide beautiful berries. If you are looking for a classic privacy wall, you can plant multiple of the same tree or diverse mixture to add diversity. This will always help keep diseases and pests to a minimum.
A cluster of trees normally creates a dense wall and provides you privacy. You can also increase your backyard aesthetic by planting trees in a straight neat line. If you want to plant longer trees in your pathways you can consider planting Italian cypress, which can grow to 40 feet tall.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Provides more greenery. | Difficult to maintain. |
| Natural way of creating privacy. | Need to prune regularly so that weed does not grow. |
5. Bamboo Fencing
You can add bamboo as your outdoor fence. It will provide shade if you install them in an angled form. You can add vertical bamboo fence rolls in your backyard. Make sure to keep the cap side of the rolled bamboo up as manufacturers cap one end to help protect the inside of the bamboo from rapid deterioration from the element. Bamboo fences will also prevent your pets from damaging the neighbor’s sides. Bamboo fences also provide as highest privacy your backyard needs and also your pets can safely play outside without causing any damage. This firm frame style is bordered with 3×2 treated pine which supports the internal panels.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Natural aesthetic. | Quite expensive. |
| Reduce pollution. | Can rot, crack or split. |
| Minimal care and maintenance. | Color can fade after staining. |
| Eco-friendly, Long-lasting, and durable. | Unavailable in all climate conditions. |
| Can slow down deforestation as bamboo grows rapidly. | Needs to order that’s why the cost of transport is high. |
| Resistant to extreme heat, ultraviolet rays, rain, and snow. |
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Backyard Fencing Guide for Beginners
If you are feeling overwhelmed by the number of fencing types, then don’t worry! Here are 7 step-by-step processes of putting up a basic fence for beginners to get you started.
1. Building Permit
You can build up a fence up to 2.5 meters high without a building permit. But you need to check the council before starting. If your building is on a boundary line, it’s best to talk to your neighbor about it. You also need to inform them about the cost and what type of fence you are building and starting time.
2. Establish a boundary
If you are unable to find your boundary pegs, get a copy of your plans from your council or you can ask a surveyor to help you out. Try to check out your council plans to see where all your pipes are located so that you can avoid hitting them. You also need to call the electrical provider for information about underground cables. So that you do not cut them while digging a trench.
3. Gather Tools and Materials
Next, you need to fix where you want your fence and what purpose you want that fence. You also make a note about the fence type and materials to build it up. You can make a layout of your plans and gather all the necessary materials. These materials are necessary for any type of fencing.
- Hammer
- Power drill
- Tape measure
- Nails
- Screws
- Level
4. Put a String Line
You need to put a string line on your boundary line. It not only represents the boundary but also the center of the post holes. Try putting the post not more than 2 meters apart.
Measure and mark the required depth on the auger. By using an auger you can dig a hole for the post. Make sure the string line falls center of the post hole. You can use another string line to measure the height of the post.
5. Cement the Post
Spread a layer of well-compacted gravel in the post hole which will serve as a base. You can also check the depth by inserting the post in the hole. You can move to the next step by making sure the distance from the ground to the top is the height of the mesh plus 5.
You need to be sure that the post is straight by checking the level and locking the position with clamps and wedges. Then you need to pour the concrete around the post.
6. Nail the Pickets
If you are going for a picket fence you can nail the pickets to the rails using the drill or hammer method. If you decide to use panels, try installing removable panels to create a temporary entryway.
You can manually fix the screws in the ground and insert the pin in the appropriate holes in the screws and insert the screwdriver from above.
7. Install the Gate
Install your gate post in the same way you have installed the normal fence post. When the post is in the right place, grab the necessary hardware such as a screwdriver or drill.
Measure the spot where you want to attach the hinges of your gate section and the gate post.
16 Backyard Fencing Tips and Ideas
A backyard is a place where you should feel comfortable and safe, you can make this place interesting as well by following these backyard fencing tips and ideas.
- Picking the best material: Choose the perfect fencing materials for you and your backyard. You do not want your fence to rot over time.
- Wrought iron: You can add wrought fencing which will provide airflow and also secure the privacy of your property.
- Play area: If you want to separate your kid’s playground, you can add fencing around the kids’ play zone.
- Budget and design: Plan out your budget and work and design your fence according to your needs and the size of your backyard.
- Versatility: You can bring versatility by installing a gabion fence in your backyard. It is a wired wall filled with stones.
- Creeper plants: For these, you can install walls so that they can grow easily.
- Power lines: Steer clear of planting tall trees under a power line, and be sure to prune them properly
- Spacing: Try planting fences 12 feet away from your home or any foundation.
- Modern look: You can also add horizontal cedar slats to bring a more modern look to your backyard.
- Durability: Concrete fences are the most durable retaining walls and it is a great way to prevent outside noises.
- Chicken coop: If you are planning on building a chicken yard in your backyard, you can use welded wire as a fence, it will keep away coyotes, foxes, or any other predators.
- Luxury look: If you want your yard to have luxurious look, you can install corrugated metal fencing.
- Mood: You can change the mood of your backyard by setting up colorful vinyl fences.
- Alternate style: Rather than using wood or metal to separate the property, you can consider a garden wall.
- Trellis: Weaving vines through a trellis is affordable fencing that provides privacy and is also aesthetically pleasing.
- Professional: Seek professional help so that you can get an idea about where to put your fence and what materials will be useful.
FAQs
1. What is the most low-maintenance fence?
The most low-maintenance fence is a vinyl fence which is long-lasting and easy to take care of. They will not rot or peel and also saves a lot of money in the long run.
2. How long will a brick fence last?
Brick fences will last over 100 years if they are properly maintained, installed, and inspected.
3. What height fence is the best?
Backyard fencing is needed for privacy and protection so it depends on you how high you want your fence to be. You can install 6 feet high fences to maintain privacy from passersby but if you want to be extra safe, you can install 7 to 8 feet high fences.
4. How do I calculate fence spacing?
All you need to do is multiply the length by 12, divide by the number of posts, and subtract the thickness of the fence posts.
Final Thoughts
As we can see, backyard fencing is a good way to provide privacy as well as create an outstanding look for your backyard. You can decorate your backyard any way you desire but you need to keep in mind the space of your backyard. Beginners can feel intimated about the structure and maintenance of fences but with proper instructions and maintenance, it can become very easy. If you are feeling overwhelmed about choosing fence materials, you can ask for professional help, they will give you an overview of all the materials and help you choose it based on the climate condition. You can also go through our website and find new ideas and designs for backyard fencing.
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I am Donald M. Beyer and I am backyard enthusiasts. I am a homeowner who has been doing DIY projects in and out of my house for many years. From simple backyard lunches to making an old-school pizza oven in my own backyard, I have a lot of experience in turning my backyard into my and my family’s personal playground.
