Whether you are installing a fence for the first time or are an experienced fence builder, it is important to create fence design plans that will suit your needs. Even a small, white picket fence for the front of the house for an aesthetically pleasing look requires some planning.
Beyond the look of your fence, you’ll need to think about practical considerations as well. You’ll need to know where your property line is, if you need a permit for your fence, and what fences are allowed if you have to deal with HOA regulations.
If you’re building the fence yourself, don’t forget how long it takes to build the fence, especially if you have pets or small children running around. If there’s an existing fence, allow for demolition time and think about how to get rid of the old fencing material, too. Depending on the size of the fence, this could take a weekend all by itself!
Fence Design Plans
Before you start knocking down the old fence or digging post holes, laying out the fence will save you time when it finally comes time for installation. When creating fence design plans consider the following:
- What materials are best suited for your fence – including material cost, durability, appearance, and maintenance?
- Which direction should the fence be facing?
- The height of the fence. The taller fences may require extra support and reinforcement to stand up sturdily over time.
- How much space is available for the fence installation?
- Consider where any access points, such as gates, will be located.
- If there are any local regulations concerning fence building and installation.
By taking the time to develop fence design plans that cover all of these considerations, you will be sure to have a fence that is both beautiful and durable for many years to come. A quality fence can increase your home’s value as well!
Fence Design Plans: Materials
When it comes to residential fencing, there are a variety of materials to choose from — each with its own advantages and drawbacks. From wood and vinyl to aluminum and wrought iron, there’s no shortage of options. Each material offers something unique, allowing homeowners to make an informed decision about which type of fence is best for their home.
Wood fencing has been a popular choice for many years due to its timeless looks and relative affordability. It is also relatively easy to install or repair, so it can be done by you in some cases. However, wood fences do require regular maintenance — they should be cleaned, treated, and coated with a stain every few years.
Vinyl fencing is a low-maintenance material that won’t break the bank. It typically costs less than wood but still manages to provide privacy and security along with a neat look. It won’t rot or warp like wood does — but it does have its drawbacks. Vinyl can fade over time due to UV exposure and isn’t as strong as some other materials.
Aluminum (chain link) fencing provides strength and security at a relatively affordable price point. Aluminum is rust-resistant so you don’t have to worry about corrosion from exposure to the elements like you would with other metals such as steel. However, aluminum isn’t always visually appealing — some people prefer the look of wooden or vinyl fences over metal ones.
A wrought iron fence is a great choice for providing both security and aesthetics to your home. It offers a classic, timeless look that can add value to your property. Wrought iron fence styles are incredibly strong and resistant to corrosion due to their galvanized coating. But they can be quite costly due to their complex construction and sturdy materials.
Fence Direction
Yes, when designing a fence plan, you should consider the direction of the fence in order to create the most effective design. This can mean considering wind direction when deciding the orientation of your fence panels or adding gaps to let the wind through.
You’ll also want to ensure that posts are spaced at even intervals for additional strength if you do deal with a lot of wind. When installing the posts, make sure they are at the recommended depth and use the proper amount of cement for the most strength.
Consider the Size for Your Fence Design Plan
When designing a fence plan, size considerations are of utmost importance. The height, width, and length of the fence must be carefully considered to ensure that the desired security and aesthetic results are achieved. Additionally, certain zoning regulations may limit the size of a fence that can be installed in a given area.
The most common types of fences come in standard sizes such as 6ft or 8ft tall. Larger heights may also be available if extra security is needed or desired. The width of a fence should also be taken into account, as this will determine the overall coverage of the fencing material and whether any gaps exist between panels, rails, or boards.
In addition to these basic size considerations, additional factors may need to be taken into account depending on the specific location and intended purpose of a particular fence design. It is important to consider any local regulations which might stipulate maximum heights or other restrictions pertaining to fences in certain areas.
Gates and Entry Points for Your Fence Design Plan
It is an important factor to consider when designing a plan for a fence as it can affect both security and convenience. Residential fences are usually limited to gates no wider than 5 ft., whereas commercial fences may have gates up to 20 ft. wide to accommodate larger traffic flows.
You may also opt for double gates with two separate panels that open outward instead of just one single-panel gate. This allows for easy access through either side of the gate when needed. Generally speaking, double gates offer a wider width variation than single-panel gates. For instance, they range from 6 ft. up to 20 ft., depending on the height and width required.
When creating a fence design plan it is important to factor in all potential uses and users. Even small differences can have big impacts on overall usability and convenience levels as well as security risks associated with your property or premises.
Taking the extra time upfront in planning the fence design will pay off when it comes to installing the fence: it will save you time, money, and headaches down the road. Investing in quality materials is also an important step when creating your fence plan. Once you have taken all of these elements into consideration, you can begin to build your fence with confidence!
Develop Your Fence Design Plans With a Pro
If building a DIY fence seems like too much of a job for you, call the experts at Pacific Fence & Wire to do the heavy lifting. With more than 100 years of experience building all manner of fences in the Portland area and beyond, rest assured your fence will look great, stand the test of time, and will meet all jurisdictional codes.
We can also help you with your fence design plan and our parts inventory is sure to have all of the fencing materials, posts, brackets, nails, or screws you need to build the perfect fence for your property. We also design-build commercial fencing for security, including extremely large openings for truck traffic if needed. Reach out to Pacific Fence & Wire–we can’t wait to see what your plans are!