Picket fences, with their iconic white vertical boards and evenly spaced gaps, have long been a symbol of suburban life and the American Dream. They evoke images of peaceful neighborhoods, friendly communities, and charming homes. Despite their storied history and aesthetic appeal, picket fences come with a set of advantages and disadvantages that homeowners should consider. This article will explore both sides, providing a comprehensive look at the pros and cons of picket fences.
History and Aesthetic Appeal
Before delving into the specific pros and cons, it’s worth noting the historical and cultural significance of picket fences. Originating in colonial America, these fences were initially used for practical purposes: to keep livestock out of gardens and to mark property boundaries. Over time, they evolved into a symbol of middle-class prosperity and domestic tranquility. The clean, orderly appearance of a picket fence complements various architectural styles, from Colonial and Victorian to contemporary designs, making it a versatile choice for many homeowners.
What is a Picket Fence?
Picket fences are constructed by attaching vertical slats called pickets to horizontal rails. The rails are connected to posts. The top of the picket usually ends at a sharp point. The pickets are spaced evenly apart, so a traditional fence is not considered a full privacy fence. Picket privacy fences are an option, but they’re not considered standard picket fences.
Picket fences are found everywhere but are most commonly located in the front yard. Traditionally, they’re painted white and built from wood or vinyl. However, there are abundant building materials, paint, stain, and design options.
Picket comes from the French word “piquet”, which means “pointed stick or board.” The picket design stems from old-world defenders protecting against cavalry. Over time, it developed into a 20th-century cultural symbol of success. But the white picket fence symbolism continues to evolve. Nowadays, it’s associated with friendly neighborhoods, beaches, and gardens.
Pros of Picket Fencing
Picket fencing offers much more than just a clean and simple aesthetic. Homeowners appreciate it for its durability, ease of installation, affordability, and customizability.
Durable
The design of picket fences, with their spaced-out slats, ensures resilience against unpredictable weather conditions. Strong winds can pass through the gaps, minimizing pressure on the fence. Concerns about snow accumulation are also alleviated, as snow can pass through the gaps, reducing the formation of heavy drifts that might otherwise weigh down the fence.
Fences made from treated wood or vinyl/PVC are protected from wind-borne debris (within limits), rain, and sun. With proper maintenance, wooden picket fences can last up to 20 years, while vinyl picket fences can endure for up to 30 years.
Customizable
Wooden picket fences are especially customizable, offering various ways to create a unique look:
Color: You can paint or stain your fence in virtually any color, subject to HOA regulations. Always check community rules before starting.
Picket Tops: From traditional colonial styles to nontraditional shapes, there are many options for picket tops to personalize your fence.
Fence Post Caps: Options range from simple flat squares to LED lanterns or even birdhouses.
Gates: Customize your gate’s color, style, or design to match and enhance your fence.
Explore more picket fence ideas to add distinctive touches to your exterior.
Provides Some Security
Picket fences help keep loved ones in and deter unwanted visitors. Here are some security benefits:
Property Delineation: Clearly marks property boundaries, preventing passersby from trampling your lawn, eliminating the need to shout, “Stay off my lawn!”
Animal Deterrent: Helps keep larger stray pets and animals off your property.
Peace of Mind: Creates a boundary that keeps pets and children safely within the yard.
While picket fences provide a welcoming look to your home, they are not designed for high security, as their height and openness allow intruders to bypass them easily.
Inexpensive
Picket fences are among the most cost-effective fencing options due to their typical construction from wood or vinyl, which are more affordable than other materials.
Wood Fences: Cost between $1,996 to $4,448, or $14 to $31 per linear foot.
Vinyl Fences: Average between $2,181 to $6,089, or $17 to $38 per linear foot.
For comparison, here are costs for other fencing materials:
Chain-Link Fence: $12 to $33 per linear foot
Composite Fence: $26 to $57 per linear foot
Aluminum Fence: $27 to $55 per linear foot
Wrought Iron Fence: $28 to $56 per linear foot
Picket fences offer a budget-friendly option, with a variety of materials available for those who prefer different aesthetics or durability.
Easy to Install
The straightforward design of picket fences, especially compared to more complex styles like shadowbox or basket weave, makes installation easier. The gaps in a picket fence mean less material and labor are required. Constructed in smaller sections known as panels, picket fences are simpler to erect, making installation quicker and more manageable.
Cons of Picket Fencing
While homeowners appreciate the design of picket fences for various reasons, the same characteristics can also make them less appealing compared to other types of fencing. Picket fences require specific maintenance and do not offer the best privacy or security.
Requires Maintenance
To ensure the longevity of picket fences, regular maintenance is essential. Here are some key maintenance tasks:
Check for Damage: Although picket fences are sturdy, they are not indestructible. Regularly walking along your fence line helps you spot any issues early.
Make Repairs Quickly: Address any cracks or breaks immediately to prevent further damage.
Regular Cleaning: Clean your picket fence annually to prevent buildup. Use a power washer, pressure washer, or a brush with soapy water. Remove dead leaves and vegetation near the base as well.
Different materials have specific maintenance requirements:
Wooden Picket Fences:
Monitor for termites and other wood-destroying insects.
Check for mold and fungus.
Watch out for splinters.
Restain every one to eight years.
Repaint approximately every ten years.
Vinyl Picket Fences:
Check for color fading or warping, especially in high-heat areas.
Watch for mildew, which can cause staining.
Look out for algae, which can turn your fence green.
Note that vinyl is not easily replaceable if damaged.
All fencing materials require maintenance, and regular upkeep will help ensure your fence lasts a long time.
Doesn't Provide Privacy
If privacy is a priority, the picket fence design may not be suitable. The spacing between slats and the shorter height do not provide the seclusion that other fence types offer. Most fences designed to withstand harsh weather and strong winds are not ideal for privacy.
Won't Stop Small Pets or Animals
While picket fences are effective at keeping larger pets and people out, they are not suitable for containing small animals. If you need to keep a small dog like a chihuahua in your yard or prevent rabbits from accessing your garden, a picket fence may not be effective. Small animals can easily squeeze through the gaps.
If you like the aesthetic of a picket fence but require a solid base, consider a picket top fence. This style provides a customizable picket design while offering more security for small pets and additional privacy for your family.
Best Picket Fencing Materials
So you’ve decided on a picket fence and must choose your building material. While we’ve seen that wood is one of the most common options, you still have to decide on the type of wood. Or not. There are a plethora of building material options available.
Wood
Wood is a common choice for fences. Overall, it’s inexpensive, easy to install, and highly customizable. But what type of wood should you choose? The possibilities are endless, but here are some superb wooden picket fence options.
Redwood
Redwood is an excellent option for fences because of its durability. Due to the warm, humid climate where redwood grows, it’s more resistant to sun and moisture than other types of wood. It’s also known to be exceptionally resistant to insects. The drawback is it’s more expensive than different wood types.
Cost: $4 to $7 per linear foot
Cypress
Cypress is an excellent option due to its natural insect repellent, cypretine. It’s also rot-resistant and gives off a natural, pleasant scent. You’ll want to keep up with staining to prevent sun damage. Cypress wood can be costly, depending on availability in your area.
Cost: $8.50 per linear foot
Cedar
For a less expensive wood, cedar is perfect. This insect-resistant wood is a go-to for inside and outside building projects. But you’ll need to clean and stain it regularly.
Cost: $4 to $8 linear foot
Vinyl
Vinyl is another common material for picket fencing, and good reason.
Cost: Although not the cheapest material, it’s affordable.
Durability: Vinyl isn’t affected by insects, moisture, rot, and weather – except for very high heat.
Low-maintenance: Vinyl doesn’t need paint or stain and only needs washing for aesthetic purposes.
Customizability: Vinyl comes in most design styles and colors.
Cost: $17 to $38 per linear foot
Metal
Metal is the most sturdy choice for a picket fence. It’s a durable option that withstands all climates but is also the most expensive. If you decide to go with metal, you have a few options.
Aluminum
Aluminum is the most rust-resistant but the weakest of the three metals. It’s also recyclable or can be made from recycled aluminum. Aluminum is usually used for fences covering a large area.
Cost: $24 to $32 per linear foot
Steel
Regarding durability and cost, steel is a middle ground between aluminum and wrought iron. Be sure to use galvanized steel to avoid rust.
Cost: $23 to $45 per linear foot
Wrought Iron
Wrought iron is the strongest of the three metals but also the most expensive. Wrought iron is found in older homes in cities like New Orleans. These days, it’s not often used due to cost.
Keep in mind that metal pickets are thinner than other pickets. So, using metal pickets further reduces privacy.
Cost: $28 to $56 per linear foot
Composite
Composite fencing combines wood fibres and plastic polymers. The result is a finished wood look without the upkeep. Composite is becoming more popular, and here’s why.
Low-maintenance: Only requires occasional cleaning to keep it looking its best.
Durable: Holds up against weather conditions and isn’t affected by insects or rot.
Cost: In terms of price, composite is a middle ground. It’s less expensive than metal but not as cheap as wood or vinyl.
Keep in mind that not all composite is created equal. Research the quality of the manufacturer before making your final choice.
Cost: $11 to $46 per linear foot
Balancing Aesthetic and Practical Needs
When deciding whether a picket fence is the right choice, homeowners must balance their aesthetic preferences with practical considerations. The charming appearance and cultural significance of picket fences are strong selling points, but these must be weighed against factors like privacy, security, and maintenance.
Enhancing Privacy
For those who love the look of picket fences but need more privacy, there are several strategies to enhance privacy without sacrificing style. One option is to plant shrubs or tall plants along the fence line. This can create a natural barrier that adds to the aesthetic appeal while blocking the view into the yard. Another option is to install a lattice or trellis on top of the picket fence, allowing climbing plants to grow and create additional coverage.
Improving Security
To improve the security of a picket fence, homeowners might consider adding a locking gate and ensuring that the fence is well-maintained and sturdy. While a picket fence alone may not deter determined intruders, it can be part of a broader security strategy that includes lighting, surveillance cameras, and a neighborhood watch program.
Reducing Maintenance
Choosing durable materials like vinyl or composite wood can significantly reduce maintenance needs. These materials mimic the look of traditional wood but are much more resistant to weather, pests, and decay. For those who prefer wood, selecting high-quality, treated lumber and applying sealants can extend the life of the fence and reduce the frequency of maintenance.
Considering Alternatives
For some homeowners, alternative fencing options might better meet their needs. Solid wood or vinyl fences offer greater privacy and security, though they lack the iconic look of picket fences. Wrought iron fences provide a more secure barrier with a different kind of aesthetic appeal. For those primarily concerned with marking property boundaries and keeping pets contained, a split-rail or post-and-rail fence might be a practical and attractive alternative.
FAQ About Picket Fences
How tall are picket fences?
Picket fences are usually 3-4 feet tall. However, the height varies depending on the fence’s purpose. If you use your picket fence for a pool, the minimum size is 4 feet. On the other hand, a garden fence is typically 2-3 feet tall.
Does a picket fence add property value?
The short answer is yes. A picket fence adds curb appeal, making the house more attractive to buyers—usually, the more desirable a house, the higher the selling price. But before you pick up a hammer, there are some considerations.
Housing Market: A fence won’t make a difference, particularly if the housing market is unstable. Buyers don’t buy a house for the fence, but it is an added bonus.
Recouping costs: There’s no guarantee you’ll get back the money you invest. If you only add a fence to increase property value, there are cheaper ways to increase that selling price.
Subjective fence value: Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. While one person may hold picket fences in high regard, the next may prefer a different style.
While fences are an excellent addition to the exterior of your home, they won’t make or break your home sale.
How big are the spaces in a picket fence?
The spaces in picket fences are about 1.5-2.5 inches wide. This spacing measurement is typical. But you can space your pickets as close together or as far apart as you want.
The slats on picket fences are generally 3.5-5.5 inches wide. However, you can craft your pickets wide or narrow, depending on personal preference.
Conclusion
Picket fences, with their timeless charm and cultural significance, offer numerous benefits for homeowners who value aesthetics, community spirit, and a touch of nostalgia. However, they also come with certain drawbacks, particularly regarding privacy, security, and maintenance. By carefully considering these pros and cons, and by exploring ways to mitigate the disadvantages, homeowners can make an informed decision about whether a picket fence is the right choice for their property.
Whether you need advice or want to pass the DIY project to a qualified builder, your area has highly-rated fencing professionals ready to lend a helping hand. Get more information or a quick and easy quote.
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