Picket Fences
Written by Elizabeth Wood
Editor In Chief, United Home Improvement

Are you looking for a classic and practical way to create a sense of privacy for your property, while still being welcoming to the outside world? Picket fences are not only one of the easiest types of fences to construct, but they also do a wonderful job of revealing your landscape, while creating a comforting sense of seclusion. In addition, they offer wonderful security, boundary lines, and entryways.

There are four main species of wood to construct a picket fence from. They include western red cedar, northern white cedar, whitewoods and treated wood. Wood picket fences are traditionally painted and for this reason they require continuous maintenance work. Many homeowners are skeptical of picket fences for this reason. However, if the fence is maintained properly and you keep touch-up paint on hand, it will last a long time before the paint chips or peels and needs to be scraped and repainted.

Alternatives to wood picket fences include staining and vinyl or PVC. Staining offers the same look as a painted wood fence, except maintenance is much easier and it will not peel. However, stained fences will eventually fade over time. The good part is that it is much simpler to reapply a coat of stain because it doesn't require any particular preparation.

Vinyl or PVC fencing offers a maintenance free picket fence. With vinyl fencing there's no need to scrape, paint, or stain ever again. A simple spray down with the hose will clear away any dirt and debris. From an outside appearance, differences between a wood and vinyl fence can only be depicted at close range. Also, vinyl offers an array of colors and styles to choose from to create a unique setting.

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