Private Backyards » Privacy Fence Materials

Bamboo Privacy Fence

Admin — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 03:21:02 +0000

A bamboo privacy fence is not only beautiful, it is also environmentally friendly. Unlike trees, which must be cut down to produce wood for fencing, bamboo is harvested without killing the bamboo plants. This is the definitive choice if you are concerned about protecting the environment.

Bamboo is also very durable, and can last for decades. Left untreated, it will turn a light silver or gray over time. Bamboo can be stained and treated with a sealant to extend its life, but these should not be applied until the bamboo has had some time to weather naturally. As it weathers, the hard, outer cellulose fibers will lose some of their density, allowing chemicals to penetrate and protect the material.

A bamboo privacy fence is a beautiful and environmentally-friendly fence choice. You will find a wide variety of designs and styles to choose from.

Vinyl Privacy Fence

Admin — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 03:19:22 +0000

A vinyl privacy fence provides the ultimate in fence longevity. Many brands are treated to protect them from UV (sunlight) damage, keeping them looking like new for a lifetime. Although slightly higher in cost that other fence materials, including wood, the longevity and maintenance-free qualities of vinyl make is a very low-cost option over the long term.

If you are looking for a privacy fence that you can install and forget about, this is going to be your best option. Pay attention to how the manufacturer treats their vinyl products. They should be using UV protection to prevent discoloration, and impact inhibitors to prevent cracking or breaking as the vinyl ages. Your best bet: select a vinyl privacy fence with a lifetime warranty.

Also, be mindful of the colors that you select. A white vinyl privacy fence will provide a clean backdrop to other landscaping options. It will also reflect sunlight, and might help to brighten otherwise darker areas of your yard. Darker colors, such as deep greens or dark browns will absorb rather than reflect sunlight. So if you get a lot of sun or have a lot of fencing to install, this could be a better options. Keep in mind that vinyl privacy fence colors, if not treated with UV protection, will fade over time.

Wood Privacy Fence

Admin — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 02:32:28 +0000

There is nothing more classic or beautiful that a wooden privacy fence. You have several options from the style you select to the type of wood the fence is made from.

Styles

The style of a privacy fence will affect not just the look, but possibly also the performance of the fence (as far as noise, wind and visibility is concerned). Keep this in mind when selecting a wooden privacy fence.

Stockade – A stockade privacy fence has vertical slats with no spaces in between. They provide a high-level of privacy, especially if purchased in six-foot heights or taller.

Shadowbox – Also known as a board-on-board fence, the shadowbox style looks good from both sides, making it a neighbor-friendly choice. Think of a stockade style (with no spaces between the slats) but the slats of the shadowbox fence alternate, where one slat is on your side, the next slat is on your neighbors side, the next is on your side, etc.

Dog Ear – In a dog ear style, the top of the fence slats have corners cut at an angle, giving the impression of a dog's ear.

Scalloped or Concave – The tops of these fences are curved downward in a bowl shape between the the posts. This gives a simple, yet pleasing decorative look to the fence.

Halfmoon or Convex – This is another way to add a decorative look to a fence. A upward curve between the posts of this fence style gives an inverted bowl shape.

Woods

The type of wood that you select can have a significant impact on the longevity and durability of your wooden privacy fence. It can also affect how the wood will age over time.

Cedar – Cedar is naturally insect and decay resistant, making it an excellent choice for fence material. Allowed to weather naturally, it will take on a pleasing silver or grey appearance. Cedar can also be painted or stained if desired.

Whitewood – Like cedar, whitewoods will weather to a gray color, but they can also be stained. Typically, whitewoods are used for the fence support structure, though they can also be used for the slats as well.

Treated – These woods have been treated with chemicals in order to resist decay and insects. They are long-lasting and can be painted or stained as desired.

Always bear in mind how much noise and wind reduction you want when selecting a style for your wood privacy fence. As to looks, nothing looks quite as good as wood, but proper selection will ensure a long-lasting solution for your installation.