Picket Fence Summerville is a common sight around residential properties. Its evenly spaced vertical slats (pickets) are held in place by rails and capped with a decorative cap.
For generations, a white picket fence was easy shorthand for the traditional middle-class suburban concept depicted in movies and TV shows. But why are people so committed to the idea?
Picket fences are a classic way to add curb appeal to your home. The simple, evenly spaced vertical slats create a cozy cottage-like atmosphere and offer an inviting look that can complement many architectural styles. You can also choose to use horizontal slats for a more modern aesthetic. Whatever your style, choosing a color that complements your home’s architecture will help the fence blend in with its surroundings and create a cohesive look.
To maintain the beauty of your picket fence, regularly clean it to remove any dirt and debris. You can use a pressure washer or a soft-bristle brush to remove any buildup or grime. When scrubbing, be careful not to damage the paint or wood. You should also inspect the fence for any signs of wear or deterioration, such as rot or softness. If you notice any problems, promptly treat them with a wood preservative or fungicide to prevent further damage.
A well-maintained picket fence can significantly boost your property’s value. It can also provide a safe and secure environment for children and pets. In addition, a quality fence can improve your home’s curb appeal and increase its marketability, making it more appealing to potential buyers.
While a picket fence is a relatively low-cost investment, it’s important to install it properly to ensure long-term durability and appearance. You should hire a licensed, insured professional to ensure that your fence is installed securely and that it meets local building codes.
In addition, you should choose a material that’s durable and suits your needs. Wood is a traditional choice, but it can be expensive and requires regular staining or painting. Vinyl is a budget-friendly alternative that requires less maintenance and lasts longer than wood. You can also choose a metal picket fence for a more ornate look, but it may require more maintenance to prevent rust.
A unique picket fence can be a great way to stand out in a neighborhood with similar homes. It can also attract specific buyers who want a property with character. If you’re planning to sell your home in the future, a custom-designed picket fence can be an excellent selling point that enhances your property’s overall value.
Privacy
A picket fence is often the perfect solution for privacy issues. It allows you to keep children and pets safe while keeping prying eyes out of your home and backyard. A picket fence also offers you a private space in a noisy and busy world. It’s easy to install and works well in the front yard or back yard.
A classic wood picket fence is a good option for homeowners looking to create a traditional look. This type of fencing can be made from a variety of materials, including pine, red cedar, and white cedar. It can be painted or stained for a custom finish. Wood fences are durable and can last for many years. They also offer good value for your money and can add curb appeal to your property.
This type of fence is available in a variety of heights and picket sizes, with different spacing options. For example, pickets can be placed closer together for more privacy or further apart to allow more air flow. You can choose to build your own fence or buy pre-made panels that are already positioned with the pickets at a set distance. Choosing a paneled fence will save time, but you may lose some flexibility with the spacing of your fence boards.
When the term “white picket fence” is used, it’s meant to represent the ideal middle-class American suburban lifestyle. This type of lifestyle was popularized after the Second World War, when family values were at their peak and conformity was an important part of life. Today, people still strive for the same ideals and a picket fence is a symbol of that.
In the past, however, the white picket fence was a sign of military service and was used to mark territory or defend against cavalry. It was then adapted by New World colonists to demarcate their land and mark their homes, with the pickets being pointed for an attractive appearance. They were also a practical choice because the points made it easier to spot the fence from a distance. These early fences were made from rough wood, but when mass production began, they became more refined.
Security
Historically, people put up picket fences around their houses to mark domestic property boundaries and to keep neighbors off their land. Today, however, they are more often used to provide security and to enhance the look of the home. Depending on the style of fence and its materials, it can be a good deterrent against intruders and can keep kids and pets safe while outside.
Although they won’t stop a determined intruder, a picket fence can add some privacy to your yard and protect your children and pets from curious passersby and stray animals. They can also make it difficult for criminals to reach the front of your house from the back of your property, and they help you keep track of who is entering and leaving your yard.
In addition to the standard wood picket fence, you can choose from vinyl and metal options. These are durable and will last much longer than wooden fences, but they are more expensive than wood. They are available in a wide range of colors to match your home’s decor and can be customized with features like wrought iron posts and gates.
A swaged picket top design is another option that adds an anti-intruder element to your picket fence. This design is not as sturdy as the welded wire or woven wire mesh fencing, but it still provides a strong visual deterrent to criminals who would try to scale a picket fence.
Other security components that can be added to a picket fence include kick boards and cap boards. Kick boards are 2×6 or 2×8 slabs of wood that run along the base of the fence to protect the pickets from mud and rainwater and give the fence a finished appearance. Cap boards are a similar element that runs along the top of the pickets to “cap” them off and prevent them from being damaged by the elements or intruders.
For a more visually striking security system, you can also choose to add barbed wire to your picket fence. This is a type of fencing that has very sharp barbs attached to it, and it can be a painful and dangerous deterrent for intruders who would try to climb your fence or cut through it. The best part is that these security features can be added to a picket fencing system in a way that doesn’t compromise its aesthetic.
Maintenance
Whether it’s made of wood, vinyl or metal, a picket fence needs regular maintenance to keep it looking good. In addition to cleaning it, you’ll want to protect it from moisture and UV rays by sealing or staining it. This will also help it retain its color over time. Taking proactive steps to preserve the fence will ensure that it lasts longer, and will reduce the risk of mold, mildew and other structural problems.
During the cleaning process, look for any broken or rotting boards and repair them as needed. It is important to fix these issues promptly as they can compromise the integrity of the entire fence. In addition, if any trees are growing too close to the fence, they should be trimmed to prevent them from uprooting it.
Another way to protect your fence is by applying a preservative chemical treatment. This will protect it from water and sun damage, extending its life. Ideally, this should be done at least every five years. Depending on the weather and environment in your area, you may need to do this more frequently.
Once the fence is cleaned, it’s a good idea to give it a coat of paint or stain. Both options will add to the beauty of your home and enhance its curb appeal, but they require different levels of maintenance. Paint forms a durable surface layer that will need periodic touch ups, while stain penetrates the wood, enhancing its natural appearance and providing protection from moisture and UV rays.
When choosing a color, consider the shade of your home and its landscaping. You might want to match the house with a white picket fence, or choose a dark stain to make it blend in better with your surroundings. In addition, if your home has a steep roof slope, you might want to opt for a squared or blunt picket design instead of an elongated Victorian style. Regardless of the color you choose, be sure to use exterior wood stain that is designed for your specific climate. Also consider adding a kick board and cap board to your fence. These are 2×6 or 2×8 slabs of wood that run along the base and top of the fence, respectively. They provide additional protection against mud and rainwater and offer a nice finishing touch to your fence.