Fence Types and Styles

Page 1 of 2 ( 1 2 )

The classic white picket fence comes in a wide variety of styles. Posts, boards, and caps define the style of each fence. Fences serve a wide variety of functions, depending on the size of the property, the goal of the homeowners, and the style of the architecture. Fences may feature spaced boards or solid faces, depending on the desire for privacy and the look homeowners wish to achieve. Fences can be concave or convex, scalloped along the top or straight edged. Fence styles vary widely from the standard to the custom, and often reflect regional and architectural preferences. The key to any fence project is to determine the need and the budget, then work with the available components to create the style. Fence Components Fence styles are determined by four key factors: height, board width, spacing of the boards, and board profiles. Picket fences are shorter, usually four feet or less, with narrow boards, typically 3-1/2-inches wide. In contrast, a true privacy fence will be at least seven feet tall, with tongue and groove boards that completely block the view. Other fence styles use board width and spacing, height, and number of rails to define the style. Woven fences, like lattice and basket weaves, use the style of weave as their defining element. Boards Boards come in a variety of styles and widths. Their shapes and tops define them. A classic picket fence features a Gothic, or pointed, top. Stockades come to a point at the top of the board, as well. A more ornate picket might feature the French Gothic with a nip at the neck. Flat-topped boards and dog-ear styles are more commonly featured in modern pickets, shadow box, and tongue-and-groove fencing. Board Styles (left to right): Dog ear, flat top, French Gothic, Gothic Posts Posts may be used simply as structural members or to enhance the design of the fence. With tongue-and-groove fencing, posts may be constructed of contrasting woods or painted an accent color to create a bold statement. Posts may terminate at the height of the boards or extend above them, often with ornamental caps. Sections can be attached to the face of the post, the back, or along the sides allowing the post to stand out in relief from the sections along the face. Posts may be rounded, squares, beveled, or rough-hewn, depending on the style.

...Continued - Page 1 of 2 ( 1 2 )
Next Page >