A fence can function in a variety of capacities, from minimizing street noise to containing children and pets. It’s important to ensure the chosen fencing contractor is qualified, cognizant of local fence rules and ordinances, and that individuals have some idea of what type of fence they want.

It’s never a good idea for a fence to become a DIY project. It can conceivably require the better part of the summer to complete, while a qualified fencing company can perform the required work in a day or so, depending upon the area to be fenced. There are a myriad of steps individuals can take to facilitate the process.

1. Reason for Fencing

Clients should know why they want a fence. It could be for privacy, security, beautification, to minimize road noise, establish boundaries, or safety. Those factors will impact the type of fencing and materials selected.

2. Type of Fencing

Individuals have a wide range of fencing options and innovative materials from which to choose. Some are better for specific uses, while others are multi-functional. The fencing should blend with existing architecture, features, and aesthetic concerns.

3. Multiple Estimates

Don’t agree to the first estimate received. Optimally, individuals should obtain three estimates. It will allow clients to select the combination of pricing, quality, materials, and installation that best fits their individual needs.

4. Estimators

Even with an online estimate, at some point an estimator will make an on-site visit to view the area to be fenced. Make the estimator aware of any slopes, obstructions, adjoining fences, and access to the work site that could affect cost and installation time.

5. Pertinent Questions

It’s essential that clients ask if the company will obtain needed permits, knows local zoning regulations, and any setback requirements. The company should also be responsible for contacting utility companies to identify underground lines.

If the area has a slope, clients need to know if the fencing will be uniformly the same height or if it will vary according to the slope. Make sure any hardware is included in the price, the installation timeline, and the fine details of warranties and guarantees.

6. Red Flags

Once individuals have performed their research and narrowed their contractor choices to three, there are some red flags of which individuals should be aware. Pass on a contractor that:

• Refuses to provide a written estimate
• Utilizes pressure tactics for clients to make an immediate decision
• Requires cash payments only

Commercial fencing is an ideal way to protect businesses and their assets. Depending on the environment, a fence controls the flow of people and/or vehicles and provides a protective barrier. Fencing can take many forms and is equally applicable for businesses that include stores and housing complexes to production facilities, warehouses, and construction sites.

Aluminum

This fencing is offered in multiple styles, colors, is highly durable, and low-maintenance. Aluminum resists corrosion and damage by the elements. It’s lightweight yet strong and can be a more cost effective solution than steel, wrought iron and similar materials. Aluminum fencing offers a myriad of opportunities for customization to accommodate specific needs. It’s also a decorative option that blends seamlessly with security systems and requirements.

Iron and Steel

Metal commercial fencing encompasses a wide variety of styles and designs, blending those attributes with timeless elegance, strength and durability. Commercial metal fencing of iron and steel can be combined with an extensive range of gates and other security measures. Business owners can choose from chain link styles, along with those that emulate wrought iron.

PVC Vinyl

It’s a highly popular option and is being used in multiple venues encompassing hospitals and restaurants to community centers and swimming pools. One of the reasons for its rise in popularity is its low-maintenance qualities, combined with decorative options.

It can be manufactured from synthetic materials or recycled plastics and is able to withstand Florida’s changing weather without cracking, chipping or peeling. PVC vinyl fencing can be installed in multiple heights and offers a security solution that’s available in multiple colors and styles.

SimTek®

One of the newest materials on the market is SimTek® and it’s quickly becoming a primary choice for businesses due to its unique capabilities. It can withstand hurricane force winds of 110 mph and gusts up to 130 mph, making it particularly applicable in Florida. Through a specialty molding process, it can be created to emulate stone and wood grain finishes.

It also provides superior sound absorption abilities, is very low-maintenance, and it’s impact resistant. SimTek® is a stylish solution that provides safety, security and beauty in a wide range of business environments.

Fencing no longer conforms to strictly utilitarian constructs. The barriers are being embellished and decorated in a myriad of ways. Fence art encompasses a variety of items and is only limited to what the imagination can envision.

Lighting

Individuals can choose from an extensive array of solar lighting solutions that utilize decorative post caps to add beauty and distinction to any fence. There are also wired options, along with rope and LED lights to consider.

Plants

Potted plants and hanging baskets are easy ways to satisfy a desire for greenery. Planters and hanging baskets on fencing offers the advantage of vertical planting, allowing individuals to expand their growing options while beautifying their fence. Popular planters include decorative metal buckets, recycled tires, and those in the shape of picture frames.

Outdoor Décor

The market for outdoor fence décor has blossomed across the nation. Individuals can purchase metal décor featuring birds, butterflies, fanciful insects, and fantastical creatures to hang on the fence, along with small statues of everything from animals to angels that are designed to peek over fence tops.

Silhouettes

These are known by various names, but essentially they’re wooden or metal cutouts in the shape of people, plants or animals that can be painted and hung on fences.

Birdhouses

A single decorative birdhouse – or several – can be attached to a fence in multiple ways. They also provide nesting places for birds that help keep down insect populations.

Shelving

Hanging a decorative shelf on a fence offers a wealth of options. They can be used to hold and display anything from plants and statues to other favorite items that individuals want to show off. It’s an especially creative way to display smaller items and keep them off the ground.

Trivets

A trivet isn’t just for protecting tabletops from hot pots. They make excellent decorations and offer an ideal way to exhibit similar types of artistic elements.