From the white picket fence of the 1950’s American Dream to the iron rods decorating lavish Southern homes, building a fence around personal property has been around almost as long as the concept itself. Be it from wood, metal or plastic, fences nowadays are far more than a physical barrier. Many times, they add color and sophistication that enhances the overall feel of the home. With so many great ideas for fencing, traditional wood is now a part of a retired tradition.
On a Budget
Many mansions have fences that are wrought and designed by professional artisans and cost more than many make in one lifetime. Fortunately, all you need is a little imagination to create a fence that is both practical and artsy. Wood planks, for instance, can be hammered into the ground and placed at different heights, create a wave effect. These can also follow a slight curve pattern at the base, throwing away the trappings of a sterile, straight line. Another possibility is reversing sets of planks at even intervals to create a simple yet sophisticated pattern.
We talked with RamFenceCompany.com about simply refurbishing a fence. They said, “If you already have a fence but don’t want to tear it down, purchase some panels of metal or other material to prop up against the fence, creating beautiful designs that can be easily changed at regular intervals. Finally, simply use local, natural materials.” If you live in an area full of good-sized rocks, you can easily construct a wire frame to dump the rocks into that creates an industrial looking fence without the hassle of having to glue the stones together.
Unusual Materials
Fences do not have to strictly be wood or iron. So long as they create a barrier, they work. Around a pool, clear plastic rods can act as a classy but safe way to stop children from running head first into the water. They can also be removed once they are no longer necessary. If you are an avid skier or biker, build a fence out of old skis or bicycle parts. Shutters, held together using a straight piece of wood along the back are a great medium for those desiring privacy as they provide little room for people to sneak glances through. The more eco-conscious plant evergreen trees close enough to one another so as to create a natural barrier that cannot be seen through and is hard to push through. They are also a great method of saving the environment.
Artistic Designs
Because it is your property, the fence you choose can exhibit close to anything you want. The only limit to adding art to your fence is your imagination. Draw up some designs and get carried away. Make sure what you build not only serves its purpose but does so in a way that embodies your personality. Paint the fence with a chalk-friendly paint, allowing kids to draw all over it with a medium that washes away with water. If you are a music lover, paint half slats black and attach them at differing intervals to turn your fence into a piano. Other designs include painting slats to look like colored pencils. A simple touch like painting the corner planks is enough to really add some sophisticated elegance through a basic medium.
No matter what you decide on, creativity is what truly transforms a fence into a significant part of the property. Whether it is fancy or fantastical, the right fence sets the mood of the home before ever even arriving. Much like any design project, do not be afraid to test out an idea to see if it would work. People are doing so daily and coming across some of the most creative designs ever seen. And while budget may worry you, so long as you are willing to sacrifice a bit, you can build a fantastic addition without breaking the bank.
References
- Fence. (2014, August 6). Retrieved from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fence
- Gaskill, L. (2014, August 6). How To Choose The Right Fence. Retrieved from Forbes: http://www.forbes.com/sites/houzz/2014/07/26/how-to-choose-the-right-fence/
