Individuals are no longer limited to standard fence designs or the gates that go with them. Fencing companies offer decorative fences and unique gates to accommodate an extensive range of tastes.

Fence Options

Fencing can be erected in vertical and horizontal designs and multiple types of materials can be combined. Different types of complementary fencing can be used on the same property and at different heights. Wood is being combined with metal and even frosted aluminum panels to create a unique appearance.

Post caps for fencing come in an extensive array of designs. Lighted elements are becoming more popular in fence design, especially those that operate with solar power, to save money and create ambiance for outdoor gatherings.

Individuals can select from materials ranging from wood, aluminum, PVC and SimTek®. Archways are an elegant way to highlight fencing entryways. Bamboo is a sustainably sourced material that’s gaining traction as a fencing material and it’s offered in multiple colors. For those that want a fence, but want the light to shine in, can choose lattice work. It’s aesthetically pleasing and enables individuals to plant vines or other types of plants for privacy and beauty.

Wood or metal fencing can be paired with stone pillars for a truly unique look. An increasing number of people are choosing to dress up their fencing with wood or metal decorations that can be changed according to the season if desired. Flower boxes are an easy way to add interest to a fence, but make sure the fence is properly designed to hold the weight.

Gate Choices

No fence is complete without a gate and individuals can choose from gates with scalloped edges and lightweight aluminum with filigreed elements. Gates are available in single and double styles. Dressing up gates with hand-carved elements are increasing in popularity, depicting everything from animals and woodland scenes to elaborate geometric designs and the owner’s initials.

Aluminum gates emulating wrought iron are highly durable and can be customized in many ways. The gates are being adorned with inlays of faux jewels and carved fantasy items such as unicorns and dragons, along with butterflies, exotic animals and birds, and even dinosaurs.

There’s never a one-size-fits-all solution for fencing when it comes to animals. Some will try to climb a fence, others will try to dig under it, and some will try to jump over a fence. There are some animals that require a fence they can’t see through. Be aware that a fence should also keep out a variety of wildlife.

Dogs

The most common type of fencing for dogs is chain link. It can be equipped with underground guards that prevent canines from digging under it to escape. Chain link is available in multiple heights to prevent dogs from jumping over it.

For dogs that are easily excitable, a wood fence or one of PVC prevents them from seeing outside and can be built to multiple heights. The fencing should be at least 3 times the height of the dog for those that jump or even climb.

Horses

Wood fences are attractive for properties with horses, but they must be high enough to prevent equines from jumping over them, typically 6 ft. in height. The bottom rail must be low enough to deter a horse from crawling under them. Rails should be close enough together to prevent horses from getting their head, feet or legs between them.

A frightened horse may not see a metal fence. PVC fencing is a good option that can be easily seen by equines. It’s durable and can be constructed to meet a wide range of requirements. Wire fencing is often selected due to its low cost, but is difficult for horses to see without some type of highly visible top rail or markers along the fence line.

The squares in woven wire fencing should be small to prevent horses from getting heads, hooves and legs trapped. Mesh fencing is another option that provides springiness should a horse run into it.

Chickens

Chain link is a good choice for backyard chickens, but must have small enough spacing in the mesh to prevent small animals from squeezing through to gain access. Extensions at the top with a 90-degree outward angle prevents wildlife from crawling up and over. Rollers can also be placed at the top to accomplish the same goal.

In its purest form, a living fence uses hedge plants placed close enough together to form a living barrier. It functions in much the same way as a manufactured fence. However, the concept of a living fence has evolved over the years to include non-traditional hedge plants. Some people are now choosing to use taller growing plants such as bamboo to create privacy and non-traditional flowering varieties.

Living fences have been used around the world for centuries. They marked off property lines, kept out wildlife, and separated crops or animals. Today, living fences have gained in popularity as an eco-friendly option and an alternative to manufactured fencing. They have a variety of advantages besides adding beauty and value to properties.

Less Expensive

A living fence is less expensive than traditional manufactured fencing to install. Individuals can purchase and plant the hedge fence themselves and those that don’t feel confident in their skills can have a landscaping company do the work. The initial expenditure for the plants is the primary expense.

Little Maintenance

The fencing doesn’t require painting, staining, repairs or periodic replacement. When hedge plants are used for a living fence, they will need to be trimmed to control size, shape and to encourage new growth. As long as their moisture and soil requirements are met, the plants will live for many years.

Control the Flow

A living fence is an easy way to control the movements of people and pets on a property. While they won’t deny access to the most determined of people or animals, it will deter the vast majority of domestic animals, wildlife, unwanted visitors, and nosy neighbors.

Edge Habitat

One of the benefits of a living fence is the ecological diversity it supports. They’re an excellent source of shade for multiple types of bird species, along with squirrels. It gives them a place to rest and hide from predators. Some smaller species may even nest in a living fence. If a flowering form of hedge is planted, it can function as a source of food for bees, birds and butterflies.

Noise, Wind and Cooling

Plants are a natural windbreak and helps reduce noise from outside sources. A living fence helps enrich soil retain moisture, resulting in less watering and lower water bills. Plants of any kind contribute to the environment and can help keep properties cooler.

Some domestic animals have a penchant for climbing and it can be extremely difficult to keep them safely within bounds. However, pets aren’t the only animals that individuals have to worry about. A range of wildlife can, and will, climb a fence to get to something they want. That includes alligators, bears, bobcats, coyotes, opossums, raccoons and skunks.

The solution to keeping wild animals out of yards, gardens and away from backyard chickens is a fence of at least 6 ft. tall. Chain link works best, but the spacing in the mesh must be small enough to prevent smaller animals from simply squeezing through.

At the top of the fence will be an extension that bends 90 degrees toward the outside of the fence. Wildlife may attempt to climb the fence, but when they reach the 90-degree angle they’re unable to make the physical “flip” necessary to push themselves up and over.

Rollers can also be placed at the top. The rollers prevent an animal from gaining purchase to pull themselves up. They spin, deny the animal traction, and dumps them back on the ground. Installing rollers can be a bit expensive, but they have an attractive appearance. They’re highly effective and provide a non-lethal way of dealing with unwanted wildlife. They’re commonly called coyote rollers.

One area that people typically forget when establishing a no-climb fence is the gate. Wild animals can be far cleverer than people think. They can learn to manipulate latches and closures on fence gates. It’s equally important to ensure that there are no gaps between the gate and fence where animals can wiggle through.

Florida is home to a wealth of wildlife and many species have learned to co-exist in urban environments. Many view dogs, cats and backyard chickens as an easy food source. No-climb fences provide an effective barrier against many species of wildlife, while providing a safe space for pets to play.

An increasing number of people are installing privacy fencing and the rationale for doing so has changed significantly from previous years. Individuals still want privacy from prying eyes, but they’re are now installing privacy fences as a means of having more control over their environment. The movement has been attributed to modern devices that track and surveil their every move.

While a phone can still be tracked in the backyard, a privacy fence provides individuals with a greater sense of control, security, and freedom from surveillance. People are associating fencing with values and rights that include freedom of speech, independence, a lack of pressure to perform, and a non-judgmental environment.

Appearance

The top choice for privacy fencing is now SimTek®. One of the most popular features is that the fencing emulates the appearance and texture of real stone or wood. It’s available in multiple colors, enabling individuals to match their fencing to their home’s exterior.

Durability

Living in South Florida means being subjected to conditions encompassing harsh sun rays, saltwater, plentiful rain and humidity, and hurricane force winds. SimTek® fencing is able to withstand sustained winds up to 110 mph and gusts up to 130 mph.

SimTek® fencing is resistant to fading, warping and shrinking. It doesn’t attract insect pests and it’s resistant to mild impacts. Individuals don’t have to worry about their fence being the target of a street artist or vandals with spray paint. The material is resistant to graffiti from commercial spray paint.

Low-Maintenance

No one wants to spend their time checking fences for chips, cracks, loose fittings, mold or mildew. Neither do they want the yearly maintenance of priming, painting or staining. SimTek® eliminates those tasks and it only needs an occasional wash down.

Sound Dampening

Those living in noisy neighborhoods will appreciate the sound dampening properties of SimTek®. While it won’t completely eliminate sounds, it will significantly reduce the amount and level of noise with which people are bombarded.

People place barriers around their balconies and decks, never really thinking about the fact that they’re essentially erecting a fence. It’s a critical safety measure to protect people and pets from injuries. Deck fencing can be designed to provide children and small dogs with an outdoor space to safely play.

Balconies

Individuals typically want a more elegant look for their balconies and aluminum is an excellent choice. The metal can be fashioned into a variety of forms with the same great look as wrought iron and its low maintenance. It can be installed vertically or horizontally and it’s a highly durable, versatile and affordable option. Aluminum is environmentally friendly and available in multiple colors.

A newer trend for balconies is tempered glass using steel framing. Tempered glass is about 4 times stronger than traditional glass, it’s heat and scratch-resistant, and provides UV protection. It also aids in sound reduction. If tempered glass sustains an impact, it doesn’t shatter like ordinary glass – it breaks into tiny granules. Tempered glass is available in multiple styles, designs and patterns.

Decks

The choices are almost unlimited when choosing a barrier for a deck. Fencing ranges from elegant to utilitarian and people are only limited by their imagination. Wood is popular but requires painting, staining, and considerable maintenance. It can be customized in multiple ways, but isn’t as durable as other materials.

For a beautiful deck fence that’s almost maintenance-free, consider a composite material like PVC. Another option is SimTek®, a polyethylene plastic. The materials are gaining traction as barriers on decks. Both are strong, and durable and won’t succumb to mold, rotting or insect predations. The materials are eco-friendly and sustainable. They can be customized in various ways and come in multiple colors.

Aluminum and tempered glass are great for balconies and they’re equally applicable for decks. Both materials can be combined with other materials in a myriad of ways for a show-stopping look.

One of the most overlooked accents is fence lighting. Illuminating your yard can be accomplished through underground wiring, but a quicker and more cost-effective method is solar lighting. The optimal method is to have the lighting included as part of the fence installation. However, you can still enjoy illumination, greater security, and enhanced safety with solar lighting.

Solar Lighting

There are so many different types of solar lighting available, it can be overwhelming. Solar units can be installed on fence caps and hung from brackets from fence posts. They’re offered in a myriad of styles from those that look like coach lights to futuristic designs. Solar lights have the advantage of being an environmentally-friendly choice, can be installed anywhere on any type of fencing, and are extremely low maintenance.

Solar lights add ambiance to outdoor environments. The initial cost will depend on the brand and style of lights chosen, but are less expensive than those that rely on underground wiring. Another advantage is that they work even in a power outage. Solar lights are available in different lumen measurements, depending on how much illumination you desire, and can come equipped with motion sensors. There are even models with rotating colors.

Wired Lighting

Best included in the design plan when the fence is installed, wired lighting is tied into a traditional electrical system and requires the installation of underground wiring. They can be installed with a switch that allows you to turn them on or off as desired.

The disadvantage is that they won’t work if a power outage occurs. Many models are also equipped with motion sensors that turn on and off, even if the lights have been doused. Low-voltage lights are typically utilized as accent lighting for plants and pathways and are equally applicable as fence lighting. You can also use strings of lights – full size or miniatures – as temporary lighting for events and gatherings.

People that want safety fencing for their pet without a visible structure often choose underground fencing. It uses a combination of what manufacturers call a static-like shock in combination with sound as a deterrent.

People have used what’s been called hidden fencing to keep their pets contained for years. Old-style fencing worked via a transmitter collar or a sensor attached to the dog’s regular collar. When the dog neared the boundary, the sensor or collar gave the dog a shock as a form of aversion training. Dogs trained this way with the old-fashioned shock fencing often displayed fear and behavioral problems.

The new evolution of hidden fencing emits an audible warning sound and a “static” shock as a deterrent. Manufacturers of the fencing indicate the shock portion of the collar is similar to a static shock a human receives after rubbing their feet across a carpet and then touching metal. It also has multiple shock levels.

The process of teaching the dog his/her boundary begins with small flags that are placed in the ground along the underground cable as a visual clue to the canine. Once the dog has learned where the boundaries are, the flags can be removed.

The problems that people encounter with underground fencing is that it requires a time investment to train the dog rather than simply turning them loose and letting the collar shock them into submission. Depending upon the canine, that can take time that some people are unwilling to expend. However, some companies install the fencing and a pet trainer provides initial training.

Hidden fences are viewed as a convenient way to keep pets safe in their own yard. The downside is that it won’t prevent someone from coming into the yard and stealing the dog, a crime that happens far more often than people know. As a thief is taking the dog across the underground boundary, the canine will experience a significant amount of distress and pain.

Fencing for horses has advanced beyond being simply utilitarian. While barbed wire is still used in a variety of locations, it’s dangerous and causes serious injuries to horses every year. Modern technology has provided individuals with a wealth of options that provide essential safety for equines that’s also attractive and cost effective.

Mesh Wire

Strong and durable, wire mesh is available in diamond and square knot options. The fencing is made of steel and attached to wooden or metal uprights and top bars. The mesh is small enough that horses can’t get their hooves stuck in it and provides a resilient surface. It’s sometimes referred to as diamond mesh, chain wire and hurricane fencing. It requires little maintenance when constructed with metal uprights and top bars, and deters horses from climbing. The fencing can be installed in multiple heights that also acts as an intruder and predator deterrent.

Wood Rail

Some people still prefer the look of a painted wood fence, but it’s also a high maintenance option. It’s subject to insect predation, mold and weathering, will need periodic painting, and offers little protection against predators or intruders. Wood fences are also subject to cribbing from horses and both individual rails and posts can require replacing.

Vinyl

The material is strong, durable and attractive. It doesn’t require painting, offers good visibility and has the appearance of a rail fence. The fencing is constructed of steel wires encased in vinyl that will require periodic tightening.

PVC

The fencing provides beauty, safety, and a low maintenance solution. UV stabilizers in the PVC ensures no fading or discoloration. Impact and weather resistant, it will last for many years without cracking, peeling or chipping. It provides an attractive rail fence appearance, but without the upkeep. The fencing offers the same look as the stately fencing seen at premiere horse farms in Kentucky.

Installing a fence doesn’t mean that people have to give up on greenery. There are a variety of plantings that complement fences. The most common reason people want plants next to their fence is to camouflage it, particularly if it’s chain link fencing.

However, individuals may also want to hide fencing that has become weather worn, if they don’t want to paint or stain it, or if they don’t want to replace it. There are numerous plants that enable people to hide their fence and enjoy a wealth of blossoms using the fencing as a support.

Vines

When it comes to fences, vines are the most often selected solution, especially those that twine rather than lean. Bleeding heart vine is a fast grower with white or red flowers but it’s not a rampant grower. The Queen’s Wreath Vine produces cascading purple flowers, blooms off and on all summer, but needs trimming to keep in contained. Pandora vine has pale pink flowers with a rose-colored center, light scent, and can be trained to form a small bush.

Bushes and Hedges

A unique choice near fences are cycads. They’ve been around since the time of the dinosaurs, come in a multitude of sizes, shapes and heights, along with a distinctive appearance. They’re highly valued for their attractiveness, rarity and add value to properties. These descendants of ancient species are sure to cause a sensation.

Hibiscus, which includes Rose of Sharon, loves the South Florida climate. They’re tolerant of heat, humidity, poor soil, air pollution and drought. Flower colors include red, blue, lavender, pink, white and bi-colors. They’re available in single and double flowering varieties.

Small Trees

People that prefer small trees to hide their fence can choose from Jelly King Crab that grows to 13 ft., redbud that grows to 10 ft., wintersweet that can grow up to 15 ft., and dwarf chestnut oaks that grow to a maximum of 20 ft. Many varieties produce blossoms in colors ranging from red and pink to yellow and white, and provide a source of food for birds, bees and butterflies.