Increasing security is one major reason people add a fence, often because they're in an area with high traffic. If this is your main concern, talk to your contractor. They'll help you choose a fence that's tall enough so no one can see over and that doesn't have too many horizontal rails that could be climbed.
The classic white picket fence, made famous by Mark Twain's Tom Sawyer, is still hugely popular. This fencing is available in different styles to fit the design of almost any house. They can be used to outline the yard or space, delineate property lines, and keep kids and pets contained.
It's important to consider your climate when choosing a fence. Your contractor will tell you if any special precautions need to be taken. For example, if you live in an area that gets very cold, fence posts need to be secured more deeply. Warm, damp areas do better with materials like PVC that aren't affected by water damage.
In residential areas, the responsibility for fence repair depends on which fence wall needs work. In most communities, the back wall and one of the sidewalls is a shared expense of the owners on each side.
A fence is a great way to establish boundaries for a dog. You may not want a chain link fence in case your dog is the type to bark whenever he sees a stranger. Without a fence, your dog has access to as many as three different neighbors.
There are four parts to a standard picket fence, regardless of the material from which it is made. In no particular order, there is the post, which supports not only the rails, but the entire structure; the rails that attach to the posts to support the pickets; the pickets that are attached perpendicularly to the rails; and a cap, which is put on top of the posts to protect the end grain from water intrusion.
