Fence Types – JRH Construction | Central Mississippi

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Wood Fencing

Premium Treated Privacy

Pressure treated pine is the most popular wood used in residential fence. It is affordable but typically less durable than other woods so it needs to be maintained regularly.
It consists of mostly southern yellow pine and is often considered the least expensive wood to use for a fence (usually half the price of most other woods).
Most pressure treated wood is treated with a chemical to preserve the wood and protect it from rot and insects.
The most common chemicals used to treat pressure treated wood include: Alkaline Copper Quaternary (ACQ), Copper Azole (CA), and, the most recent, Micronized Copper Quaternary (MCQ).

Pressure treated wood will consist of a green color that will often turn gray over the years. Above ground graded timber can be used for everything except posts and must be sealed with a repellant to protect it from the rain and other elements.

Another important aspect of pressure treated wood is how it is dried. Check to see if the pressure treated wood is kiln dried or air dried. Kiln dried wood is more stable and will warp less.
KDAT stamp will indicate kiln dried wood.

Cedar Privacy

Cedar is a naturally durable fencing material that provides exceptional character and can be used for both residential and commercial projects. It is a truly sustainable fence material with an extremely low environmental impact (compared to vinyl and other wood species). Western Red Cedar requires no chemical treatment or kiln drying, so it has a much lower carbon footprint and environmental impact than other fence materials like pine, spruce and fir. Western Red Cedar is also one of the world's most durable woods as it is naturally resistance to warping, moisture, decay and insect damage. The fibers in cedar heartwood contain natural preservatives that are toxic to decay-causing fungi.

Ranch Style

Are you considering a fence for your property and want something that enhances the beauty of your yard or field? The perfect fence for any open area is a ranch style fence. Sometimes called a paddock fence, this is the perfect solution for any type of terrain. Ranch or paddock fencing is typically constructed out of wood (pressure treated pine, western red cedar, or rough cut oak board) or out of top of the line quality vinyl.

A ranch style fence can also offer security and peace of mind, especially when wire mesh is added to it. The wire mesh can help contain animals and will also allow a ranch style fence to meet the standards of BOCA (Building Officials and Code Administrators) for pool safety compliance.

With the endless options of style, height, color, and material, there is a solution for every need.

Good Neighbor

Certain kinds of fences have a finished side or a "good" side that looks smoother and more polished than the side with the rails and posts showing. In particular, the solid panel fences often used for privacy are generally constructed like this. The finished side should face toward your neighbor. Not only is this more polite, but it's the standard. Your property will look a lot nicer with the "good" side facing the outside world. Otherwise, your fence will look like it was installed backward.

However, many other types of fences look identical on both sides, and they're often called "good neighbor fences" for this reason. You can install a double-sided privacy fence if you don't like the way the inside of a fence looks. Double-sided fences are created with "sandwich construction," which also makes them stronger.

Split Rail

Wood Grade and Fence Quality

Wood is the most popular material choice for building a fence. It's affordable and can be cut to uniform sizes and shapes. The quality and maintenance of your fence will ultimately depend on the materials and installation method that were used in its construction. The quality of the fence posts are very important because they are often the first part of your fence to fail. So now let's talk about the quality of wood and how it's graded.

Lumber is graded based on how it will be used. The fewer knots and defects, the higher the grade and the more expensive it is. Since the price can often double from one grade to the next, it's important not to buy a better grade of lumber than needed. The grading of lumber will differ depending on the type of wood.

With hardwood, grading designation depends on the number of defects in a board. A lower grade can be perfectly acceptable, depending on placement and usage. Hardwoods are graded by the National Hardwood Lumber Association. Grades are listed from highest to lowest.

Types of Wood Fence Panel Styles

Many residential fence companies market their fence panels with unique names and monikers but they all offer pretty much the same types of fence panels. Some of the most popular fence panel styles include:

Board on Board Fence Panels

A third picket is placed on top of every two pickets nailed together (the boards overlap by an inch or more) creating full privacy and providing extra strength to the fence. Of course this means more wood (up to 20%-30% more), so it is often more expensive than a run of the mill privacy fence. Board on Board is similar to the stockade fence design, but a larger gap is left between the pickets and another picket is placed over the gap. This type of fencing gives you true privacy.

Privacy Fence Panels

Privacy fence is the most popular style of residential wood fencing. If full privacy is your goal, this is the fence you want. A full privacy fence panel offers close fitting boards that are fit together via tongue and groove or nailed tight against each other (styles include stockade, dog ear, french gothic, and more). There are no natural spaces between the boards. One side of the panel shows the faces of the pickets while the other side shows the rails. Most homeowners will typically position the panels with the picket or board side facing toward the outside.

Semi-Privacy Fence Panels

Semi-privacy fence is a style that allows for small gaps between the pickets (boards). The picket spacing determines the ratio of privacy, airflow, and light that's inherent in each style. Some semi-privacy fencing styles afford almost full privacy depending on the angle. The gaps can be apparent or only viewed at certain angles. The shadowbox design (pictured) is a semi-privacy style where pickets are placed on either side of the rails, one on the front and one on the back. It also gives a nice finished side to both neighbors. It's a very nice alternative for those who would prefer to not have a solid wall, full privacy fence. Semi-privacy fence helps keep a property secure while allowing a more open-air feeling.

Picket Fence Panels

Before any of the fancy styles or designs of fencing were thought about, wooden picket fences existed. There are several types of picket fence styles including classic, contemporary, and traditional. Wood Picket fences have always been relatively inexpensive and easily repaired, and modern wood treatments & finishes make today's' wood picket fences a durable and relatively low maintenance fencing choice.

Picket fencing adds a decorative element and may also work for pet containment. These fences have spaced pickets running along one side of the fence rail and are generally a maximum of 4 feet tall. They are usually available in pre-assembled panels from 6 to 8 feet in length.

Post and Rail

Vinyl Fencing

Advantages

Vinyl (PVC) fencing has become a popular alternative to traditional wood picket fencing and aluminum. Here are a few of the most widely accepted advantages of installing a vinyl fence on your property.

Vinyl fence requires much less maintenance compared to other fence materials. A vinyl fence will not split, rot, warp or blister like a traditional wood fence. It will also not rust, corrode, chip or peel like an aluminum fence. Vinyl fence can easily be cleaned using basic household cleaning materials like bleach or mildew remover.
It is a safer choice for consumers with families and pet owners because it is non-toxic (in its finished state). Wood fencing is often treated with chemicals to safeguard the fence from weathering (pressure treated, southern yellow pine is often treated with chemicals).
Vinyl fence will maintain it's look over time and doesn't require painting. Vinyl is typically manufactured with the same color throughout the entire depth of the profile so it doesn't ever need to be refinished. Depending on the level of care you give it, vinyl fencing should last between 20 and 30 years with regular maintenance.

Most vinyl fence companies offer limited lifetime warranties. Warranties will vary from company to company. A limited lifetime warranty covers the fence until the sale of the property or death of the last of the original owners of the property at the time of installation. A transferable limited lifetime warranty is a little better. With the transferable version, the fence warranty can be transferred up to one time to the next home owner if or when you decide to move. A warranty like this makes your fence a true asset and a part of your property.

Vinyl Fence Panel Types

These are the most popular vinyl fence panel types. The type you choose will ultimately depend on your individual needs. Is your fence for privacy or security? Aesthetics? The fence panel styles below are the most popular in the industry. They typically come in either 6′ or 8′ panels.

Vinyl Privacy Fence Panels

Vinyl privacy fence is designed to provide privacy to your property from your neighbors or people that happen to be walking by your property. In addition to privacy they also provide a decorative element to your landscape. Vinyl privacy fence is the most popular fence type and one of the lest expensive. They are available in a variety of styles and colors and usually are purchased in panels 8ft W x 6ft H. Most vinyl fence manufacturers offer a number of decorative styled tops to add a touch of style to your fence. These styles can be purchased with added lattice or pickets.

Vinyl Semi-Privacy Fence Panels

Semi-privacy vinyl fence can utilize several designs. Most are created with alternating panels across the back and front (also called board on board or shadowbox) to give the fence the same look on both sides. Another style is similar to a full privacy fence but with 1″ to 2″ gaps in between the boards. They are ideal for neighboring properties (also called good neighbor fencing) since both sides look exactly alike. Since they don't provide full privacy (slight openings) they allow airflow, while offering some privacy. Semi-privacy fence offers some privacy while still affording for good screening characteristics between neighbors or as a transition from a private space to a public space.

Vinyl Picket Fence Panels

Picket fence is one of the most popular fence types. The vinyl picket style was created specifically to replicate the classic painted (white) wooden picket fence. Vinyl picket fencing is made up of posts (in 6ft to 8ft intervals), two horizontal rails, and pickets in varying widths. It is a bit different from privacy fencing in that it is more for aesthetics and defining boundaries. Vinyl picket fence is a functional and classic addition to any yard. Landscapers and home owners love the look and appeal of a clean white vinyl picket fence. Most vinyl picket fencing is offered in 3ft to 5ft heights.

Vinyl Post & Rail/Ranch Fence

Post and rail fencing (or ranch fence) is typically found on farms, ranches, and larger estates. These types of fences are made with either 2, 3 or 4 rails along with the posts. Rail fencing will keep larger pets and animals contained while also allowing for views into the property. Post & Rail is the perfect solution for farm fences, housing developments, and larger businesses. Unlike traditional wood fencing (that may splinter or use sharp nails and fasteners) they are safe for horses, livestock, pets, and children.

Vinyl Privacy/Semi-Privacy Fence Accents + Customization

Most vinyl fence manufacturers offer a variety of accents that can be added to your vinyl privacy and semi-privacy fence to give it a little flair. Lattice, pickets, and rails can be added to the top of your fence to give it a distinct look. Here are a few of the most popular vinyl privacy fence styles and accents.

Diagonal Lattice Accents
Probably the most popular accent for vinyl privacy fence. This type of accent not only provides privacy but also gives your fence a classic look.
Square Lattice Accents
The square lattice vinyl privacy fence accents are similar to the diagonal but provide a slight change in style. Another popular choice for homeowners.
Framed Picket/Rail Accents
The framed Victorian top is another popular privacy fence accent. It's essentially pickets with the tips locked into a rail at the top. Provides max airflow.
Straight Picket Accents
Adding pickets to a privacy fence? It's possible. It provides full privacy while showcasing the classic picket fence design. Choose from a variety of colors.
Scalloped Picket Accents
Scalloped picket vinyl fence accents offer yet another way to customize your privacy fence. Manufacturers will even let you mix and match the picket colors.
Arched Picket Accents
The arched picket design is a great way to set your fence apart from the rest. This design features higher pickets in the middle that gradually lower in height.
Stepped Picket Accents
Stepped picket vinyl privacy fence accents look similar to the scalloped but offers a more dramatic picket height interval.

Vinyl Fence Color Options

The most common vinyl fence color is, of course, white but just recently some fence manufacturers have started extruding vinyl fence in beige, gray, green, blue, and even black. You can mix and match the colors of your posts, rails, pickets, and more. In addition to colors some manufacturers can emulate the look of traditional wood grain fencing with the UV resistant properties of a vinyl fence.

Titanium dioxide is a main component in inhibiting UV rays and is one of the more expensive ingredients in the manufacturing of vinyl. So adding color to your fence is possible but it's going to cost you.

Aluminum Fences

Advantages

Benefits of Aluminum Fence
In addition to their durability and low maintenance, aluminum fences are also versatile in design. They come in a wide range of styles, colors, and sizes to suit any property, allowing you to choose a fence that fits your personal style and the aesthetic of your home. Aluminum fences are also lightweight and easy to install, making them a convenient choice for busy homeowners.

While aluminum fences may have a higher upfront cost compared to some other types of fences, such as wood, the long-term savings on maintenance can make them a more economical choice. The combination of durability, low maintenance, and cost-effectiveness makes aluminum fences a popular choice for homeowners and businesses alike. Here are the advantages:

Long-lasting and low maintenance
Versatile in design and color options
Lightweight and easy to install
Cost-effective over the long term

Overall, aluminum fences offer a durable and low-maintenance fencing solution that is suitable for many applications. They are a popular choice for homeowners and businesses looking for an attractive and functional fencing option that requires minimal maintenance and has a long lifespan.

How tall is the actual fence?

Can fence bend or curve to make round turn?

If your fence line curves, even though the sections don't bend, the sections can easily be angled in the posts up to 10 degrees per side of the post or 20 degrees if you turn the post 10 degrees first. This will follow most curves.

For a very tight curve, we just cut the sections in half and put another post between the two sections.
The sections themselves cannot be bent without ruining their structural integrity.

Wood Fencing

Premium Treated Privacy

Cedar Privacy

Ranch Style

Good Neighbor

Split Rail

Wood Grade and Fence Quality

Types of Wood Fence Panel Styles

Board on Board Fence Panels

Privacy Fence Panels

Semi-Privacy Fence Panels

Picket Fence Panels

Post and Rail

Vinyl Fencing

Advantages

Vinyl Fence Panel Types

Vinyl Privacy Fence Panels

Vinyl Semi-Privacy Fence Panels

Vinyl Picket Fence Panels

Vinyl Post & Rail/Ranch Fence

Vinyl Privacy/Semi-Privacy Fence Accents + Customization

Vinyl Fence Color Options

Aluminum Fences

Advantages

How tall is the actual fence?

Can fence bend or curve to make round turn?

What size gate opening do I need for my gates?

Are aluminum fences good to use around pools?

Do you set your posts in concrete?

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