It’s estimated that the fencing market in the US will grow to USD$12 billion in 2027from USD $8.6 billion in 2020. With this speculation, anyone can safely assume that many homeowners know how valuable fences can be for their property nowadays. You may be one of them, yet you’re having trouble choosing from the best fence designs you recently saw since you’re here.

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Before anything else, you should determine your purpose for installing a fence, then the one you’ll choose primarily hinges on that. Take note that there are several outdoor fence designs you can find.

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Given that, when determining the right fencing design ideas for your property, there are essential factors you need to consider. These crucial factors are mostly tied together, so you must know how to strike a balance between them.

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Fortunately, this article listed these essential factors one by one, bundled with short descriptions and justifications.

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1. Homeowners Association

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Once you’ve decided on the fence's purpose, you must check with your Homeowners Association (HOA). Some HOAs may have stringent rules and policies regarding fence installation, repair, and replacement. Aside from that, most HOAs may be highly particular with the height and material of their members’ fences, so the number of designs for your fence may become a bit limited.

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Disregarding their guidelines may result in long stressful talks with them—not to mention fees and a dreadful request to put down an already installed fence. So, before you get into any difficult situation, talk to your HOA.

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2. Neighbors

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Aside from your HOA, it's best to consider your neighbors. While most wouldn’t mind their neighbors suddenly putting up fences, some may feel offended, primarily if the boundaries between your and your neighbors’ properties aren’t clearly demarcated.

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While you have the right to surround your property with a fence, you should at least be a good neighbor and inform them about this decision. You wouldn’t want a bunch of sticks and stones to unnecessarily create a gap emotionally and socially between you and your lovely neighbors.

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Also, you wouldn’t want your neighbors to take legal action against you if they decide to believe that you’re building one out of spite because they don’t like the design of your fence. And yes, some states have spite fence laws, which can get you in trouble. To prevent that, take your neighbors’ opinions regarding your fence type, design, and material.

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3. Privacy

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Most of the time, fences are installed to achieve a certain level of privacy for the homeowners. If it’s the primary purpose of getting a fence, pick a design and material that can protect your property well. For example, tall fences are great for shielding you from the prying eyes of your neighbors and passers by.

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4. Maintenance

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Surely, you’ve already driven around different cities, suburbs, and neighborhoods to know that fences deteriorate. Some of them may be rotting, worn out, or heavily damaged. And you can’t deny that those fences hurt a property’s curb appeal.

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Because of that, you should be capable of sparing some time and money to maintain your fence in the future. However, not all can do that; it’s understandable. So, consider this factor before picking one from the types of fence designs available.

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5. Decoration

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Speaking of curb appeal, even if you just install a fence from one of many fence yard ideas to make your life more private, you shouldn’t just forget fencing decorations. After all, you wouldn’t want to make people think that you’re living in a high-security prison because of your chosen barbed wire fence design in tandem with your home's gray, cold concrete walls.

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Decorative metal fence panels

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Flowering vines

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String lights

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Container garden

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Mural

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On the other hand, some people opt to get fences to improve their properties' security level. Sadly, in some cases, the bright and friendly neighborhoods are prime targets to malicious individuals ready to commit burglary. And the last thing you want to happen is for you to be their victim.

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6. Security

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On the other hand, some people opt to get fences to improve their properties security level. Sadly, in some cases, the bright and friendly neighborhoods are prime targets to malicious individuals ready to commit burglary. And the last thing you want to happen is for you to be their victim.

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To prevent that, choose fence designs that are tough and can give evil-doers a hard time climbing over

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7. Cost

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Another factor that you should consider is the cost of the fence. Take note that the cost of fences varies depending on the design and contractor. Even a simple 100-foot linear picket fence may cost around USD$500 to USD$3,500. And you should be on the top of your game regarding expenses, especially if you plan to have a patio with fence designs.

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8. Material

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Tied into the cost is the material that you want. However, don’t just focus on the price. You should also consider the unique properties of the material you choose for your fence. Here’s a short list of the common fence materials you may need or want:

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Cedar: It may look good, but they require lots of maintenance in the future if you don’t want them to rot and degrade after a few years.

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Vinyl: It may appear too artificial and plasticky up close, but they’ll stay with you for a long time—as long as nobody suddenly decides to ram their car on them.

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Composite: It looks like wood but is resistant to rot and insects.

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Metal: There are many kinds of metals you can choose for your fence, but all of them can last for years, even decades.

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Masonry: Brick and stones look stylish and highly durable but can be expensive.

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Conclusion

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Those are the essential factors you need to consider when choosing the fence for your property. As you may have gathered here, knowing the design can be easy if you know what you need to look at before you decide on the type and design for your fence. It only gets tricky when your HOA and neighbors get involved in the equation.

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References:

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Grand View Research, https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/us-fencing-market

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Glenda Taylor and Bob Vila, https://www.bobvila.com/articles/types-of-fence-materials/

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Kelly Roberson and Caitlin Sole, https://www.bhg.com/home-improvement/outdoor/fences/fence-decorating-ideas/

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