density degree fences

Degree of Density for Fences

Should your fence be solid, partially opaque, or open?

This question is usually answered by understanding the function you want your fence to perform:

Solid Fences

Believe it or not, a fence will actually make your space seem larger. A solid fence will increase the feeling of intimacy and enclosure.

Choose a fence with a more solid style if you want:

• To contain small children or animals



• To hide your property



• To have a sense of security



• To hide an unattractive view



• To have complete privacy



• To temper wind, sun or noise (for large areas, solid fences, like any solid barrier, will be relatively ineffective in blocking wind)



• To make a strong statement of where your boundaries are



• In some cases, to delineate areas for work, recreation, relaxation and storage

To achieve more visual interest with a solid fence, you should consider:

• The plantings you’ll put on either side of your fence (it’s best to plan these at the same time you design the fence)
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• A decorative top treatment



• Shelves or a grid to display plants or garden art

Partially Opaque Fences

An example of this type of fence is one with louvers or lattice-work.

A fence idea that can provide some screening, but not total screening might be your choice if:

• You would like semi-privacy – a screen, without an enclosed feeling.



• The children or animals you would like to contain are too large to fit through any slats or openings, but not strong enough to break through the building material.



• You want to maintain a feeling of openness, but want to hide an unattractive view.



• You want a more subtle boundary marker.



• You want to mark a boundary, yet still see through to what is beyond.

Open Fences

Choose this style when:

• You want a symbolic barrier (not really much of a barrier) that shows a boundary. The more open the fence is the more symbolic it is. As it becomes more dense, it becomes more of a physical barrier and a visual separation between the two sides.



• You want to mark a boundary, but have a clear view of what is beyond. This is demonstrated by the use of the white picket fence surrounding the front yard of a home.

Home Garden Tip: We always plan the types of plantings we will use while we’re developing a fence idea for a client, so that the total effect can be understood.

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