Choosing the right fence for your home is an endeavor that requires plenty of consideration. A well-chosen fence will improve your property’s curb appeal and enhance your outdoor space. Yet, functionality is paramount, and you must follow legal requirements for any home improvement project. All in all, it’s a challenging decision, but the right choice will provide a just reward for your efforts in a fence that is visually appealing and serves its purpose for years to come.
Determine the Purpose of Your Fence
Your fence’s purpose will play one of the biggest roles in its design. The reasons for residential fences in Chicago are practically endless. You may be creating a safe area for children to play or an area to contain your pets. Perhaps security is your goal, or you may want a fence for decorative purposes. Whatever your goal, you can find a fence to meet your needs. However, a decorative fence is likely to be considerably different than one designed to keep in a large dog or to keep out intruders.
Understand Neighborhood and Legal Requirements
Before selecting a fence style or even choosing a material type, it’s crucial to check local building, zoning, and HOA regulations. These regulations may dictate fence height, materials, and placement. For example, the fence height limit in Chicago is eight feet for fences with an open structure, but only six feet for solid structures. Other regulations may apply to various suburbs, neighborhoods, and homeowners’ associations. Failure to follow regulations could end in costly rebuilds, fines, and a much different result than you anticipated.
Explore Fence Styles
Here comes the fun part. Now that you know what your fence needs, you can explore the styles that will give you what you want. You may be surprised to learn that, even with various restrictions, there are many attractive options to choose from.
- Picket Fence: Known for their classic appeal, picket fences are characterized by evenly spaced horizontal boards or “pickets.” Typically made from wood or wood-look vinyl, these fences provide an open look that allows you to maintain a connection with the neighborhood.
- Privacy Fence: Designed to provide privacy and security, privacy fences are solid barriers that are often taller than other fence styles. They can be made from a variety of materials, including composite, wood, and vinyl, and are highly customizable.
- Ornamental Fence: Erected to add luxury and style to an outdoor space, ornamental fences are typically made from aluminum or steel and are available in a range of styles. These fences add style while providing security and maintaining visibility.
- Horizontal Fence: While traditional fences feature vertical slats, many homeowners are turning to horizontal fences for a more modern look. Available in a variety of materials, including wood, vinyl, and composite, horizontal fences feature horizontal slats joined by vertical posts of a contrasting or identical color.
- Shadow Box Fence: A shadowbox fence is a board-on-board fence made to look good on both sides. The boards are placed close together but not joined, allowing air to pass through while providing full privacy. Shadowbox fences are typically made of cedar or cypress wood to provide visual appeal and natural weather resistance.
Contact us at Bespoke Fence to Learn More About the Fences We Offer
Choosing the right fence for your home is a decision that impacts your property’s visual appeal and your family’s privacy. When you’re ready to choose a fencing solution designed for your needs, the professionals at Bespoke Fence are ready to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can design a fence or custom gate with the function and style to complete your property.
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