For Las Vegas home owners, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to fencing. Having a lot of choice is a usually a good thing. But too many options can make it a little tough to know where to start. When you start to tackle your backyard fence installation, try to narrow your focus on how you’re going to use your yard, and who is going to be using it.
For our purposes, we’re going to limit our fence discussion to three categories:
- Choice of fencing materials – Will it be wood? Considering composite? How about aluminum?
- How you plan to use your yard – Are you out for privacy or keeping kids contained in the yard?
- Who’s going to put up your fence? – It can be tough to find a crew you can trust. Going it alone can be even trickier.
Let’s weigh your options. Then you’ll know what kind of fence you’ll need, which material is right and what to ask when having it installed.
One big caveat, though. The first step in any fencing project is to check your local statutes and guidelines. Save yourself some pain with your Home Owner’s Association. Make sure whatever you’re installing is compliant.
Fence Installation Question #1: What Material?
Most big box home improvement stores have a fencing display out front. Here you’ll see a few different options for fence installation materials that run the gamut from vinyl, composite, chain link, to iron.
Each kind of fencing material has its own advantages.
Wood Fencing
When you’re looking for a versatile material that can be used in pretty much any way you want, you can’t go wrong with wood.
Wood fencing comes in all shapes and sizes, and when you can’t find a configuration you want, you can build your own. Wood fencing can come pre-manufactured. These come in six- or eight-foot sections. They’re excellent for kid containment or privacy from nosy neighbors.
The true beauty of wood fencing is that it can be painted to create any look you want. Paint plays much nicer with wood than with aluminum or vinyl.
The downside of wood, is the maintenance. Wood is organic and it breaks down over time. Even if you have treated lumber, it will still rot one day. Wood also expands and contracts with changes in the weather. Fasteners can become loose over time, requiring inexpensive spot fixes. Treatments such as stain or sealant can prolong the life of a wood fence and its parts.
Vinyl Fencing
Vinyl fencing is a great option for a high-end look at an affordable price. It’s a low-maintenance option and it’s available in designs that look like wood.
Most vinyl fencing comes in white, lending a nice contrast when black hardware is used. Versatility of design isn’t an issue, either. Vinyl fencing comes in several options from pickets to closed-slat designs. There is a vinyl look that will work no matter what you prefer.
One downside to vinyl is that it can become brittle over time. Especially in the Nevada sun. But finding replacement parts and making repairs is usually not that hard.
Chain Link Fencing
When it comes to durability and containment, you can’t beat good, old fashioned chain link fencing. Chain link fences are very practical when you need a fence, but your working with a smaller budget. Chain link fences are inexpensive and very durable.
If privacy is what you’re after, however, chain link fencing is not your best option. There are ways to shut out the outside world with the use of plastic inserts and fabric coverings. But they’re not the ideal route if you’re also concerned about appearance.
Aluminum/Steel
Aluminum or steel fencing is sturdy, durable and long-lasting. It’s powder coated, which is a method of painting, and coats the metal for a nice, clean and even look.
The thickness of the metal determines the strength of each piece. The thicker the metal, the harder it’ll be to bend or damage.
Like vinyl fencing, aluminum fencing comes in pretty standard sizes. Upgrading and customizing is a breeze. And with so many ornamental choices, you can make your fence as modest or outlandish as you please.
Fence Installation Question #2: How Do You Plan to Use Your Yard?
There’s no shortage of reasons why someone might need a fence. Whether it’s to keep kids in or neighbors out, each kind of fencing has benefits for each need.
Kids
Fencing is more than just a way to keep kids penned in, it’s a way to keep them safe. Take pool fencing for example. In most areas, pool fencing is the law. There are very specific specifications for height, length and distance between pickets.
If you’re considering a fence for backyard shenanigans, nearly every fence will do. Wooden fencing invtes splinters and wood-related injuries. Consider buying finished, sanded wood. Or sand it yourself to avoid slivers of wood under the skin.
Pets
When you’re looking to keep your pets penned in, consider a few key things. The first is height. If you’ve got a six-year-old basset hound, chances are, he won’t be hopping any four-foot fences any time soon. But, he might try to dig his way underneath anything you put up. The right depth and the best height of the fence over all will keep Rover right where he needs to be.
Privacy
If privacy is your number one priority, you’ve got plenty of options. Wood and vinyl are the most traditional choices. Metal, on the other hand, isn’t the first option that comes to mind when privacy is the goal.
The biggest thing to remember with privacy fencing is height and an obstructive view. Slats can be staggered, or butt right up against each other to give you a fortified feel to your privacy.
Staggered slats tend to allow for more airflow, but at the right angle, won’t stop prying eyes. As with all fencing, it’s a matter of personal preference.
Fence Installation Question #3: Go It Alone or Get Some Help
The age-old question of any home improvement project. Hire out the installation and construction, or go it alone. If you’re like most homeowners, you’re handy up to a point. Hanging pictures is one thing, but we’re talking fences. You need to consider grade, level, post distance, closures, and countless other details. Chances are your best option is to get help a little help to do it right.
If you do go it alone, you may want to lend a hand to a friend first. If they know what they’re doing, they can show you the ropes. If neither one of you have a clue, their yard can be the guinea pig. If you pull it off, great!
If you fail miserably, you’ll know it’s time to call your friendly neighborhood Las Vegas fencing contractor.
A Couple Reminders
Before you make the first call, check to be sure that you can have a fence in your neighborhood. Also call to have any buried lines flagged before you dig. There’s nothing worse than cutting the cable line to your house. Okay, the gas line would be worse.
And, of course, you should get several estimates. We compete very well with other Las Vegas Fencing companies. We don’t mind you checking around.
We just have a different philosophy about how to conduct business. We’re not the cheapest in town and we’re nowhere near the most expensive either. We’re open, honest and willing to work with your needs. The best way to find out for yourself is to view our work. Then check our reviews and talk to some folks who have used us.
So who’s needs a fence out there? Are you planning on going it alone or shopping around for a fencing contractor? If so, what traits do you find most important? We’d love to hear from you. Let us know in the comments below.
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