SURE, fences make for good neighbors but they also are the first thing people see when approaching your home. That's why, said Randy Stevens, regional manager for the state's largest fence retailer, American Fence Company, "a fence is more than just a fence."
"It's an investment," he said. "People on average buy a fence only once in their lifetime for their home. So price definitely should not be the only consideration. If it is, the consumer may be buying a new fence every four years."
Fences provide privacy, are a weather barrier, can be used to enclose children or pets, provide protection, or simply serve as decoration. Deciding which is most important to you leads the buyer to what type of fence he wants, Stevens said.
Several types of fencing are available, including chain-link, wood, "ornamental" iron -- aluminum and steel -- and vinyl. The most popular residential fencing material is chain link, which, Stevens said makes up about 35 percent of his company's annual residential sales.Before deciding on a fence, Stevens suggests the consumer ask himself these questions: What will the function of the fence be? What style will best accomplish this function? And what style and material will blend with the landscaping and the architectural feel of the home?
The new vinyl fencing is most popular with townhomes and condominium projects, Stevens said. Aluminum and steel is popular with home owners looking for a more up-to-date style and strength. And wood is still a favorite.
It's nearly impossible to accurately estimate how much a professionally installed fence -- regardless of type -- will cost because there are so many construction variables and potential "challenges," Stevens said. But you can safely figure that it will cost at least twice as much as doing it yourself, Stevens said.
If you are a die hard DIY'er, Stevens emphasized that the most common mistakes when building a fence is measuring inaccurately, not building the fence level, misjudging how long the project will take, and how difficult digging 18- to 30-inch deep post holes can be."Building a fence requires patience, concentration and strength," Stevens said. "It can be done but make no mistake it isn't easy. I recommend that you think how valuable your time is."
He also suggests being honest in accessing whether you are capable of getting it done right. "A fence is something you, your family and friends will look at every day," he said.
American Fence Company -- there are also stores in Kona, Wailuku, Maui besides Pearl City -- provides free estimates for the do-it-yourselfer and free delivery, as well as being available for assistance during construction, Stevens said.
"Ornamental" iron fencing -- aluminum and steel -- is becoming increasingly popular with home owners for its up-to-date styling but also its resistance to rot and decay, and ease of care. Numerous styles and colors are available unlike with chain link.
Ornamental iron is far lighter than it looks since new technology has allowed manufacturers to make it hollow with negligible loss of strength, Stevens said.
Wood remains popular but also is the most susceptible to rot and other weather related damage.
Treated lumber is preferable for "ground contact," especially for posts, but also for above-ground use, Stevens said. With pressure treatment, less expensive woods such as pine and spruce can last as long as cedar and redwood.
A wood fence isn't as durable as other fencing materials. So you've got to treat it with a protective finish, even pressure treated wood, Stevens said. The finish coat will be determined by the look you want to achieve as well as the type of wood you use.
There are three options in finishing treatments: paint, stain and waterproofing sealer.
Paint seals and protects the surface and can add a splash of color or coordinate with your home. Before painting, wood should be clean, dry and primed with oil-based primer. Use a durable exterior latex paint.
Stain provides a durable finish coat while still allowing the look and texture of the wood to come through. Semi-transparent stains are best on new wood and give an even appearance and hint of color while allowing the grain to show through. Heavy or solid-color stains cover the grain but keep the texture. They're ideal for older wood that needs a face-lift.
Waterproofing sealer or repellent is the choice for woods such as spruce, birch, hickory, red oak and poplar that are not resistant to decay and exposure to weather. The sealer/repellent will help prevent rain and moisture from soaking into the wood. These need to be applied annually to preserve the natural wood color.
Once your fence is up, there are a number of things you can do to keep it looking good. First remove all debris, piles of leaves, sticks or lumber stacked against it.
Water collecting under the base of the fence can eventually cause damage. The best way to prevent this is by making a drainage path under the fence. Dig a shallow trench under the fence and fill it with gravel or crushed stone.
Water can also penetrate into the tops of wood fence posts where the end grain is exposed. This will cause them to rot or crack prematurely. Make sure that all the post ends are cut to a slant or else topped with wooden or metal caps to repel water.
So you may want to stain or paint your fence often -- especially after repairs -- to keep it looking good and protect it from the elements.
Following are some of the basic fencing materials with pros and cons: Fencing ideas
Chain Link: It's not pretty, but it's a practical solution where fencing is needed. It is also the most common and least expensive of fence materials. Available in various heights, lengths, "diamond" mesh (puka) sizes, and gauges.
The most common coating is zinc (galvanized), but also can be coated with vinyl, aluminum, and polyester. Chain link fences provide security without obstructing views and are graffiti resistant.
Vinyl: Vinyl fencing is a low maintenance alternative to wood, requiring no painting or staining and it does not rot.
Colors usually include white, tan, gray, or black. Prices are higher than chain link and generally higher than wood, but vinyl does not need to be stained or treated in any way. There are several styles, with almost all the traditional wood styles and ornamental iron styles available in vinyl as well.
Aluminum: Lightweight yet strong; available in several styles and colors -- black, white and bronze; can be purchased in 8-foot spans without sacrificing strength. Ideal for use around swimming pools or when maximum view is a consideration.
Wood: Cedar and redwood are the common choices, but with pressure treatment, less expensive woods like pine and spruce last as long.
Vinyl Privacy Slats: Vinyl Slats are used to add privacy to existing bare chain link fences. More durable than aluminum type diagonal slats, and are easy to install -- no special tools or experience required.
Vinyl slats are available in several colors and sizes. They also are easy to wash, if necessary at all since they are pretty self-cleaning with the rain. And they don't dent like aluminum or rust.
