Pressure Treated Pine

You can expect a fence made from pressure treated pine to last for about 10 years or so. While it is not the most durable type of wood fencing, it is still very attractive—not to mention affordable! If you are on a limited budget, you may want to consider this type of fencing for a short period of time and upgrading when you have more money.

Western Red Cedar

Fencing made from Western red cedar is probably the most popular. This type of lumbar has the ability to change its moisture content as the humidity in the atmosphere changes, meaning it will does not shrink and swell as much as other types of lumber. This prevents warping and cracking and increases the life span. a good quality red cedar wood fence will last anywhere from 15 to 20 years.

Southern Cypress

Southern or bald cypress is often used as a more affordable alternative to Western red cedar. It is very similar in appearance—a tan or red color and few knots—and boasts the same durable properties with a lifespan of about 15 years. The primary difference is that it is much lighter and costs about half the price on the East Coast.

Redwood

Another popular choice is wood fencing products made from heartwood of the California redwood tree. This type of fencing can last up to 25 years with regular maintenance. It has a longer life span than other types of lumber because it has natural barriers to termites and resists decay—even below the ground.

Ipe

 You can expect to pay a premium for hardwood fencing products made from Ipe, but this resilient Brazilian hardwood will last for more than 50 years in any climate, wet or dry. It has natural, enduring properties that made it extremely durable and resistant to rot and decay. It also has a smooth, sleek look that many people prefer over knotty lumber products.

Whatever type of wood you choose, remember it won’t last forever. It is important that the fencing is installed correctly and you perform regular care and maintenance. This will make it last longer and allow you to enjoy its beauty for years to come.

Create A Focal Point

When landscaping your yard, choose a focal point and work around that. The focal point could be anything—a man-made waterfall, a large shade tree, a swimming pool or a fire pit. Once you have determined what you want to main focus of your landscaping to be you can design your yard to highlight that one great feature. If the focal point of your yard is actually the view, you could install a large stone patio and arrange your patio furniture in a way that everyone can enjoy the view. Large, columnar pine trees on either side could frame the view. If you are on a hillside lot and safety is a concern, you could use a low, ranch style fence that wouldn’t obstruct the view.

Define Spaces

Even though your yard is designed around a specific focal point doesn’t mean that it can’t have other points of interest. You should still define other spaces and design your yard in such a way that each space compliments the overall focus of the yard. A winding path made from paving stones invites guests to enjoy other points of interest. A patio made of larger paving stones beneath a pergola could designate an outdoor dining area, while an uncovered portion of the same patio could be used for other activities. Similarly, a tiered backyard or a multi-leveled deck can define different activity zones. Planters can be used to bring the adjacent landscaping onto the deck and create a seamless transition from one space to the next. Fences, lattice, trellises and screens can all be incorporated into your landscaping to define different spaces as well as to protect your privacy. The key is to enhance your privacy in a way that doesn’t detract for the landscaping or feel like a barricade.

Add Pops Of Color

Beautiful landscaping in Richmond, VA—and everywhere else for that matter—have one thing in common: color variety. A lush green yard is nice, but it is also boring. The most stunning yards have different colors throughout the yard to add visual interest. A few ways that you can incorporate more color into your landscaping include:

• Container gardens
• Flowerbeds
• Outdoor furniture
• Fencing

For instance, you could paint Adirondack chairs in two contrasting colors such as orange and purple and place them in the midst of your greenery to create a contemporary style vignette. Or, for a more nostalgic look, you might use a country corner style white picket fence as the backdrop for an informal flower garden bursting with color.

Having a fence is the perfect way to top off the look of your house. Much like a bracelet, earrings or rings, fences are like accessories for the outside of your house. If you’re thinking about putting up a fence, there are a lot of things that need to be taken into consideration, such as what purpose the fence will serve, what materials you plan on going with and how much the fence installation will cost. The cost is the main factor that will determine many of your other decisions, so it pays to be well-informed of what makes up the average cost of installing a fence.

Type

The type of fence you put up will play a big part of how much you’ll spend. You have a lot of options, including three-rail fencing, picket fencing, privacy fencing and chain link fencing. In addition to price, each type comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, such as upkeep and repair. Do your homework before making a final decision since the more expensive type of fence may be well worth it.

Length

Fencing in a small backyard won’t cost as much as fencing in a large backyard. In 2010, 300 feet of privacy fencing cost homeowners as much as $6,000 and an entire acre cost as much as $20,000. For the same year,  three-hundred feet of three-rail fencing cost $6,000 and $14,000 for an acre. Homeowners who wanted a picket fence in 2010 paid $10,000 for 300 feet and $30,000 for an entire acre. To save money on costs, you can get a cheaper fence for the backyard and a slightly more expensive fence for the front yard.

Additional Costs

You have to pay for more than just your new fence. If you need or want them, you’ll also have to pay for gates, which can cost upwards of $400. Simply installing a few gates can push up the costs of your fence installation by $2,000 or more. If you have difficult terrain to put a fence on, the fencing company may charge you extra for that as well. Installation is another additional cost to think about. Much like the cost of labor for your automobile when compared to the actual price, installation can make up a majority of your expenses. According to 2010 statistics, privacy fencing or three-rail fencing that is set up by a professional can cost you as much as fifty percent of the final costs.

Additional Features

Certain types of fencing come with their own unique additional features. Cedar is the type of wood that is usually used for privacy fencing while a chain link fence is most often wrought from stainless steel and you won’t have to do much to take care of it over the years. A chain link fence also comes in a variety of coatings that can better blend in with the surroundings of your house. These coatings include green and brown. You should also keep in mind that privacy fences are usually six feet high while chain link fences are usually five feet. This can be worth noting if you have big dogs or children that you want to keep in the yard.

Educating yourself on what makes up the cost of your new fence is just as important as educating yourself on the different types of fences there are.

1- Why You Are Building a Fence

First of all, consider why you want to build a fence in the first place.  This will help you to decide how much to spend and what kind of materials to choose.  If you mainly need a fence to keep the dog in and don’t want to spend a lot of money then a chain link fence may be a great option.  On the other hand, if you need privacy, a vinyl or wood fence may be a better option.  Take the time to seriously consider what functions you want your fence to provide so that you can choose a style that will meet these needs.

2- Neighborhood and Municipal Building Codes

Impulsively running out and putting up a fence may cost you in the long run.  If the fence you build does not meet neighborhood or city building codes, you may end up taking the fence right back down!  Many neighborhoods and cities have rules about the height, look, and materials that a fence can be build with.  In addition, there are often codes that pertain to how far a fence has to be set back from a road or corner.  Make sure that you research the codes in your area and get a building permit if required to protect your investment.

3- Whether You Want To Hire a Professional

Building a fence may look easy when doing your research on the internet but, like most projects, can be much more complicated when you try to do it yourself.  If you are not secure in your handyman skills consider hiring a professional.  Many contractors will give you free estimates so it makes sense to consider your options.

4- Your Neighbors Preferences

If you share a property line with a neighbor, it is important that you discuss your fencing decisions together.  The fence may negatively impact their property or views so their opinions need to be heard.  They may also have strong feelings regarding what style of fence materials to use.  Furthermore, make sure that you have clear and precise property line measurements before you build.

5- Consider Gates

Last, but not least, make sure that you take into consideration how you want to be able to maneuver around your yard.  The last thing you want to do is block off a commonly used pathway by a solid fence.  Gates should be installed wherever you frequently need access.  Additionally, make sure that you choose gates that are wide enough to get vehicles or yard equipment through if necessary.  Gates may also be beneficial if you want access to parks, neighbors, or roadways.

Once you have taken the time to research or think about all of these options, you are ready to start the fence building process. With a little time and research, you can feel confident in your choices and enjoy the beauty and functionality of a well built fence for many years.

Get a spouse or friend to help with the yard work. Many hands make light (yard) work.

There may be some people who love spending hours in the sun bending, raking, sweating, and weeding.  Most people, though, would rather take on just about any other task than a day full of yard work.  If you are one of those that dread gardening, there are a few things that you can do to make the job a little easier and a whole lot less work.

1- Get the Right Tools

With the right tools in hand, yard work can be a snap.  Yard tools may represent a bit of an investment, but they are often well worth every penny.   To minimize the amount of strain and sweat that you have to expend while doing yard work, invest in quality yard power tools.  Trimmers, edgers, blowers, and tillers make working the soil much easier.  Additionally, power tools often complete tasks in a fraction of the time it would take to do them by hand thereby getting you out of the sun and inside much quicker.

2- Stop Weeds before They Start

The best strategy for fighting weeds is to prevent them in the first place.  Weeds that have already taken over a garden or flower bed can be next to impossible to completely eliminate.  On the other hand, when you make sure that they never even start growing, you have already won half the battle.  Start preventing weeds by preparing gardens when you first plant them.  Put down a quality landscape fabric and cover it with a thick layer of mulch or rock.  In areas where there are very few plants growing, pull out your sprayer and saturate weeds with a strong herbicide to completely kill them while keeping them from coming back.

3- Don’t Take On Too Much At One Time

If your garden has already gotten out of control, spending a few full days out in the sun battling overgrown bushes and weeds may make you dread yard work for the rest of the summer.  Instead, take on one small project at a time until the entire yard has been completed.   Better yet, schedule 15 minutes every day or even 1 hour once a week and devote it entirely to yard work.  When you know that there is a definitive start and finish to your work, the time may go by faster and easier.

4- Work when it’s Cooler Outside

Nothing takes the fun out of yard work like sweating and baking in the scorching sun.  A better idea would be to get out and get the work done before the day has had a chance to heat up.  When the work is completed first thing in the morning, you have the additional benefit of getting it done so that you can enjoy the rest of the day without dread weighing you down.

5- Hire Someone

Hiring someone is the ultimate tip for making yard work as easy as possible.  There are many landscape companies that provide regular yard maintenance as a service.  If their prices seem a little too steep, consider asking a teenage neighbor or family member if he or she would like to earn a little extra money.

When it comes to yard work there really is a way to work smarter not harder.  With the right tools and a solid game plan, yard work doesn’t have to be something that you dread.   Try to keep in mind that the results of a well maintained lawn and garden are often well worth any effort.

These helpful yard working tips provided by FenceMeInRichmond.com, your Fencing Provider for Richmond, VA and the surrounding area.

If you have thought about installing a fence for your home or business but are unsure if you want to spend the money, consider the many benefits a fence has to offer.  The first benefit that may come to your mind is privacy but there are at least five more reasons that may help convince you of the need to install a fence.  Below are the top six reasons to install a fence yourself or to hire a professional fencing company.

1.  Privacy

As mentioned above, privacy is probably one of the most common reasons listed for wanting to install a fence around a home or business.  Did you know that there are different levels of privacy that can be achieved with different fencing styles?  If you want total privacy then a wood or vinyl fence might be the perfect choice.  If you want a lower level of privacy and would like to be able to see outside your property, you may consider installing a chain link or aluminum fence.  Whatever your privacy needs, there are different types of materials available.

2. Protection

Another popular reason cited for installing a fence is protection.  You may have property or possessions outside that you would like to keep safe and secure.  If you are working on a project outdoors or simply want to keep your barbecue or other large items outside, a fence will provide an extra layer of security.

If you have children, protection is probably your number one concern.  Installing a fence around your home provides a safe haven for your children to play.  You don’t have to worry about children running out into the street or strangers walking by and talking to your kids.

3. Security

A fence provides an additional source of protection to your home.  Your home and possessions are of utmost importance to you and therefore you feel responsible to do all that you can to provide a sense of safety and security.  Burglaries and home invasions often occur from backyards that are unseen to the noise and traffic on the front side of your home.  Installing a fence can help deter would be thieves from attempting to break into your home or business.  By installing a fence around your property, thieves are also unable to see your property and are less likely to attempt to take anything.  Preventing criminal activity and providing security to your family is an invaluable benefit to installing a fence.

4. Establish Boundaries

Hopefully your need to install a fence doesn’t arise from heated arguments with your neighbors; however, sometimes the need to establish your property boundaries is essential.  You may choose to install a fence simply to help establish boundaries.   A fence may help make landscaping and gardening easier as you won’t have to worry about your neighbor’s bushes and/or garden growing into your space.  There are fences that can be installed that look equally appealing on both sides so talk with your neighbor about the benefits of installing a fence.  You may be able to convince your neighbor to pitch in on the cost of installation.  There are benefits to both of you, so hopefully the purchase can be made with both parties paying a fair amount.

5. Noise Reduction

Another huge benefit to installing a fence is noise reduction.  If you live next to a freeway or highway you know that a fence is essential in reducing the amount of noise coming from traffic.  There are many choices of fence materials to help with noise reduction.  Obviously a solid fence such as wood, vinyl or concrete would be better than chain link or aluminum.  If you live next to an especially busy street or highway, consider talking with your local city planning department to see if they can help cover the cost of your fence.  If you border an especially busy street or if new road construction or development is suddenly affecting your property, they may be willing to pitch in on the cost of installing a fence.

6. Insect and Animal Problems

If you are having an especially difficult time with insects biting, did you know a wood fence can actually help keep insects off your property?  Cedar wood contains natural oils that help repel insects and many people are choosing to install cedar fences for their bug-fighting benefits.

Another benefit to installing a fence is that it can keep animal pests out of your yard.  If you have ever lived somewhere where the outside areas are considered common areas, you know the frustration of pets leaving their mark and irresponsible pet-owners not cleaning up after them.  By installing a fence, you will be able to keep stray cats, dogs and other animals off your property.

Conclusion

There are many benefits to installing a fence around your home or business.  Consider your current fencing needs and research the different types of materials available.  You will be able to find the right materials at the right cost to meet your personal goals.

There are at least four types of fencing styles to consider: 1) wood, 2) aluminum, 3) vinyl and 4) chain link.  There are benefits to using each type of material and the reason for choosing a specific material depends on your location and fencing needs.  Consider asking yourself some basic questions before beginning to choose your fencing material.  Questions may include the height, color and available warranty on the fence.  Are you looking for a fence to keep your dog or other animals securely fenced in or are you looking for a fence that will create privacy for you and your family?  Following is some information on each type of fencing style to help you make the right decision for your next fencing project.

1. Wood Fences

Wood has long been an excellent fencing choice.  Wood is extremely versatile and can be used on projects such as fencing animals or livestock, establishing a beautiful picket fence in your front yard or creating perfect privacy barriers.  Wood is generally one of the least expensive fencing options as wood is generally readily available.  Another benefit to wood fences is that many home and business owners can choose to install the fence themselves.  Many home improvement stores sell lumbar and if you are a do-it-yourself type of person this might be the perfect type of fence for your needs.  You can simply purchase the lumbar yourself and install the fence at your own pace.  If you aren’t up for completing the project yourself, you may choose to hire a professional fencing company to complete the project for you.  Either way, you can rest assured that a wood fence is an excellent choice.

Another benefit to wood fencing is that there are many types of wood to choose from.  Oak, cedar, redwood and pine are popular choices that help create an attractive look for your home or business.  Cedar and redwood are even known for their ability to resist decay and help deter certain insects.

2. Aluminum Fences

Aluminum fences are now a popular choice in place of wrought iron fences because of their ability to resist rust and corrosion.  Aluminum fences create a secure barrier but also allow you to look outside your property.  One of the greatest benefits of using this type of material is durability.  Many aluminum fences carry a lifetime warranty and don’t require routine maintenance and repairs that other materials may incur.

Aluminum fences are often used to secure business locations because of the particular look and style it provides.  Aluminum is a great material to consider using if you would like to install something that is secure and virtually maintenance free.

3. Vinyl Fences

Vinyl fences are currently a popular choice among many homeowners.  Complete privacy is one of the most cited reasons for installing a vinyl fence.  There are no holes or gaps so you can be sure no one will see into your property.  Vinyl fences are also very strong and many manufacturers offer a lifetime warranty on their products.  This can help put your mind at ease to know that all your time and money will last you for years to come.

Another benefit to installing a vinyl fence is that it is environmentally friendly.  You won’t have to worry about repainting or applying special chemicals to preserve your fence.  If you have young children, you may consider installing a vinyl fence because you won’t have to worry about any exposed nails or wood splinters.

4. Chain Link Fences

One of the greatest benefits of chain link fences is affordability.  Not only is the material relatively inexpensive but installation is also quick and easy and will therefore cost you less in time and labor.  If you are looking for security without total privacy, consider installing a chain link fence.

Conclusion

There are many benefits to each type of fencing materials and it is important for you to consider why you are installing a fence.  By asking yourself some basic questions and reviewing the benefits of each fencing materials, you will be able to install the perfect fence.

Example of a 3 board country fence with wire mesh from Fence Me In Richmond, LLC.