What is a good way to make a fence for our front yard?

Question

We have a crummy old fence in the front yard and we'd like to put in something that's nicer to look at and that actually works, unlike the existing one.

Any ideas for making a new fence? It doesn't need to be particularly tall or fancy.

Answer 1

Without knowing your thoughts on aesthetics, certainly in the FRONT yard it should have some curb appeal. Also without knowing what "CRUMMY" is at the moment, or a budget; certainly you should shop in those ranges of Type and Price. I've been in the trades a long time and don't do links here, but certainly they are valid, as suggested by others.

You might also check local zoning/code issues for replacement.

I notice another gave you links and styles. I'll just elaborate a bit after installing MILES of fencing in my life.

Privacy: Usually 6 ft tall, often "Stockade" and board on board. PVC White Vinyl , used so often today in tract housing developments, looks great initially, but is subject to staining and degrading due to the environmant, just as stockade is. Also with regard to Privacy you may not be able, or want to block out all views to and from the street.

Certainly if it's just a deco fence, then Picket would work, and is sold often in pre made sections in sizes ranging from 2 to 4 feet usually. It can be Wood or PVC.

Split rail,,, an older style of fencing is also pleasing to look at initially.

Chain Link works well for animal intrusion or escape, as well as with small children. It's usually sold in 4 or 6 ft, heights and 50 ft rolls. It can be a bit commercial looking initially, but makes a great hold for climbing/trailing/vining plants that will hide it.

Any or all that you do obviously will take a fair amount of labor as a DIY. Again, without knowing where you are,,,posts may have to be set below frost lines?

Removal of the old should be considered.

With all due respect, we can't know how you define nicer; or how that equates to tall or fancy. The good news is that you have dozens of options, each with it's own characteristics and install issues.

Fencing will always need maintenace or replacement at some point. In your case I'd go with a combination of easy/ decently priced/ and pleasing to look at.

Steven Wolf

Answer 2

It is mostly dependent on your particular city or municipality codes, but if the fence was on their property, they are likely allowed to do with it as they please. On the other hand, if the fence was on your property, then they have no right to remove it without notice. Concerning the mud, you should probably contact city or county building inspectors if it is becoming a problem, as your neighbors may be required to contain the runoff before continuing with construction. Call your local zoning or building authority and see what they have to say. Also, learn where your property lines are exactly. The best way would be to have a survey done.

Answer 3

Click the categories at the top for different types of fencing at this site:

1.
http://www.futurefence.com/

2. PVC fences:

http://www.academyfence.com/vinylprivacyscreening/portabledecorativefencing.html

3. Other:

http://www.aaafence.biz/

4. Bamboo fence:

http://www.bamboofencer.com/

5. Chain Link:

http://www.fenceonline.com/productlineschainlink.html

Answer 4

Actualy if on a budget..go to most large stores that have wooden pallets out back that they must get rid of...They are like premade fence panels when you stand them on thier end..and alot of places have to pay to have them hauled off..drive around back of these malls etc..and see if you see plenty..then go ask the management of that if it is okay for you have them..many stores willl be happpy to have you haul them off..them space them in your yard..add a few posts and screw the panels together..They will need painted for some will be old enough to have faded..

Answer 5

picket fences , install new wooden flats of 4 inch by 6 feet by one inch or less thick and fix 3 number of runners equally and paint white looks nice

Answer 6

http://images.google.com/images?svnum=10&um=1&hl=en&rls=com.microsoft%3Aen-us&q=split+rail+fence

and the zigzag doesn't even need posts!....