Best Fence Types for Family & Kids & Pets

Why do you need a fence? Some people install a fence for security or privacy. For many families, though, the need for a fence has more to do with containing and protecting kids and pets. Which are the best fence types to handle that responsibility? You have a variety of options.

• Wooden fences are versatile. There are many different sizes and styles of wood fencing, so it’s easy to find a fence that complements your house and landscaping. Wooden fences work well for kids and pets because they block the view in and out of the yard. This keeps your children and fur babies safe from prying eyes, but it also prevents them from being distracted by things outside your own yard. The downside of wooden fencing is that it does require maintenance. Because wood is an organic material, it’s susceptible to rot, and it will probably require some repairs over the course of its lifespan. If not well-maintained, it can also pose the danger of splinters.
• Vinyl fencing is affordable and low–maintenance. It’s durable and lightweight and can be found in a variety of designs. In fact, it can even be made to mimic wooden fencing. Although vinyl fences are durable, they can become brittle over time, and can easily be damaged by lawn mowers or string trimmers. However, because vinyl fencing Is modular and prefabricated, it’s easy to replace parts and make repairs.
• Chain link is inexpensive and durable. There’s a reason chain link fences have been a popular option for so long: they’re very practical. They’re great for keeping kids and pets contained, and they’re practically indestructible. The drawbacks? They’re not hard to climb, many people don’t find them aesthetically pleasing, and they don’t offer much privacy. There are plastic inserts and other coverings designed to make up for this deficit, but they still won’t offer the privacy of wood or vinyl fences.
• Aluminum and steel fences can be made to look like wrought iron. They’re less expensive than wrought iron, and are durable and long-lasting. Decorative metal fences come in many different styles and are easy to repair because they’re typically modular. If you’re using this type of fence to contain children and animals, it’s important to make sure it meets safety standards for minimum distance between pickets, height, and the length between the bottom and top rails.

No matter what kind of fence you choose to protect your kids and pets, you can trust A-1 Fence to install it and stand behind our work. We’re a locally owned and operated company with more than 40 years of experience, committed to providing fast and efficient work with a personalized feel. We’re fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and are proud of our reputation for quality work. For more information or a free estimate, contact us through our website or call 408-824-1693.

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Pet Fences: How to Find the Right One for Your Dog

According to a recent study, people in the United States spend more money on their pets than people in any other nation on earth. We’ll do just about anything to keep our furry friends healthy, happy, and safe, and that includes fencing in the yard to give our dogs a great place to play. How can you be sure the fence you choose will be the right choice for your dog? Read on for some helpful tips.

• Size matters. Do you have a big dog or a little dog? If your dog is small enough to squeeze through, a fence with widely spaced pickets is not going to keep him safe. Likewise, a big, tall dog is not going to be deterred by a small fence. Think about the size of your pooch before you ever go shopping for fences.
• What’s your dog’s special talent? Is it digging? Jumping? Climbing? Find a fence that’s designed to handle these acts of mischief, in order to keep your dog safe. If digging Is the problem, concrete blocks buried just under the fence line can help. If he’s a jumper, make sure the fence is high enough to safely contain him. It’s also smart to have your dog spayed or neutered so that the urge to escape is not as strong.
• Fences are not just about keeping dogs in. They’re also for keeping other creatures out. Depending on where you live, your dog might face threats from accidental shooting or theft, or might be at risk from coyotes snakes, as well as rabid skunks, foxes, raccoons, and bats. Make sure you’re installing a fence that will keep things out, rather than shutting your dog in with them. What’s more, it’s a bad idea to ever leave your dog unattended in a fenced yard.
• Consider the boredom factor. Dogs who are bored and restless tend to be more inclined to find ways to escape from the yard. Spend some quality time outside with your dog, getting some exercise, and leave some toys outside to keep your dog busy.
• There are factors to consider beyond your dog’s needs. Before you put up a fence, consider how it will look next to your home. Think about the neighbors, too, and look for a fence that complements the rest of the fences in your neighborhood. You’ll also need to consider your own budget, as well as your aesthetic sensibilities.

Once you’ve decided on your new fence, you can trust A-1 Fence to install it and stand behind our work. We’re a locally owned and operated company with more than 40 years of experience, committed to providing fast and efficient work with a personalized feel. We’re fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and are proud of our reputation for quality work. For more information or a free estimate, contact us through our website or call 408-824-1693.

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Keeping your Pets Contained

One of the biggest reasons for getting a fence is to keep your pets safe. So what do you do when your pets would rather not be contained? Whether you’ve got diggers, jumpers, or fence walkers, there are solutions for keeping them safely within the bounds of your yard.

• Chain link fence is a tried and true containment system. It’s great for keeping animals out of a garden or keeping pets safely secured within the yard. It works better to contain animals that can’t climb, and unfortunately, pets can see through it. If you are concerned that your dog will be too interested in what’s on the other side of the fence, you can use PVC, woven through the chain link, to create an illusion of solid fencing.
• Iron fences provide great security, as long as they’re tall enough. If you’ve got a dog who can jump a fence, you will need to make sure the fence is taller than the height he can jump. The beauty of iron fences is that they are often designed in such a way that there’s no place for animals (or people) to get a foothold and propel themselves over the fence. As with chain link fencing, the drawback is that dogs can see through iron fencing. If your dog is getting too excited by what he sees on the other side of the fence, you might want to plant a hedge strategically to block his view.
• If you’ve got a digger, there are several different ways to keep him within the fence. You can bury chicken wire at the base of the fence, taking care to point the sharp edges away from the yard. You can also place large rocks, partially buried, along the bottom of the fence line. Another thought is to work on behavior modification, to keep your dog from digging.
• What in the world can you do about cats? First, remove any trees that your cat can climb away from the fence. If removing trees is not an option, buy tree guards to keep the kitties off. If you’ve got chain link fence, get some fence extensions that attach to the top of your fence horizontally, and prevent cats from climbing over. If you’ve got an iron fence without horizontal bars, it may be enough to keep the cat contained.

No matter why you need a fence, you can trust A-1 Fence to get the job done right and stand behind our work. We’re a locally owned and operated company with more than 40 years of experience, committed to providing fast and efficient work with a personalized feel. We’re fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and are proud of our reputation for quality work. For more information or a free estimate, contact us through our website or call 408-824-1693.

Creating a Pet Fence

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