Picket fences are one of the most common types of fences for homeowners. Not only do they look great, but they also come in a variety of materials so you can choose the best one according to your needs. However, vinyl and wood continue to be the most popular materials for picket fences.
Here are a few things to know if you are looking forward to installing a picket fence.
ZONING LAWS
Before you choose the best design for your fence, you must ensure that your zoning laws allow you to build a picket fence. The best way is to contact your local authority to know if you can install a decorative or protective fence. Get in touch with your local building and zoning department to get all the information you need so you don’t end up violating any laws.
MAP OUT THE LAYOUT
Measure the area where you want to build the fence. Once you get a fair idea of your property lines, draw the fence layout using a graph paper. Write all measurements which will help you determine the number of pickets you need. If you are unsure how to build a picket fence, hire a professional fence company.
CHOOSE AN APPROPRIATE STYLE
Picture a lush green front yard lined with an appealing white picket fence. For most homeowners, a picket fence is all they need to add finishing touches to their ideal suburban home. But make sure the overall design of your fence blends in with the look and feel of your house. If you own a colonial house, you can choose a standard white design. However, go for a contemporary design to complement modern architecture.
There are various designs available so you can choose the best one from traditional varieties such as pointed or rounded tops. However, other styles, including French gothic pickets, flat-top pickets, and dog eared pickets, are also popular.
SIZE
Choose from a wide range of widths, according to your needs. You can get the widest pickets for five and a half inches while the smallest ones are usually available in a width of one and a half inches. If you are looking for a standard size, you can go for three and a half inches.
There are various designs available so you can choose the best one from traditional varieties such as pointed or rounded tops. However, other styles, including French gothic pickets, flat-top pickets, and dog eared pickets, are also popular.
SEALERS, PAINT, AND STAIN
When you finish assembling your new picket fence, it is also important that you choose a good quality paint or sealant for adding finishing touches to your fence. You can also stain it to add more richness to the wood. It is a great idea to pre-treat the wood as much as possible before building the fence, or you may have issues when you apply the finish.