A wooden privacy fence surrounds almost every home in California. In fact, that's one of the things that differentiates a California home from a home in any other state.

Without a fence, homeowners risk attracting uninvited guests (dogs, cats, etc.) and should the homeowners have children, they risk wandering curiosities.

As a prevention measure, some people attempt to make a 'natural' fence - that is, a fence made of bushes, flowers, rocks or trees. Although they can be creative, they just don't offer the privacy or the security of an actual fence.

A fence - in particular, a wood fence - encloses a piece of property and provides both the security and privacy that alternative solutions try to provide. Because wood fences can be built to reach four to six feet (typical size of a human) and because their individual slats are jutted up against each other, it becomes a chore for nosey neighbors to see what's on the other side of them. It's also a chore for small animals and children to get past them!

Definition

There are many different kinds of fences - each offering the homeowner a unique look for the property that it surrounds. We're all familiar with the chain-link fence, but there are also wood Fences, wrought iron fences, and even some stone or brick fences. Generally, all fences are constructed with a main material and supporting posts (usually made of the same material).

Current Usage

Fences aren't exclusive to homeowners however. Almost any type of building can use a fence and make a strong statement with both beauty and strictness. As a homeowner, you may appreciate one that surrounds your entire property (front and back yard), or just a specific portion of your yard (the back yard for children as an example). Others opt to build a fence around a particular object on the property. For example, to prevent unnecessary drowning, some state laws require a fence around in-ground swimming pools.

Application
If you're interested in a fence, first decide what kind you want. Don't pick the first that you think of unless it's one that you've been thinking about and have wanted for some time. Take the time to see the many options available so that you can select a fence that fits in with the decor of your exterior and with the atmosphere of the neighborhood. You can discuss the options with your contractor who should be well aquatinted with the many styles on the market.

After you've selected a favorite, it's then time to discuss the property that you want enclosed and how much that's going to cost. Being an expert, your contractor will offer suggestions regarding entry points and reLandscaping (if necessary). You'll also get a rough idea of how long it will take for your fence to be completed.

Maintenance

Like everything else of any value, fences require a bit of maintenance as well. And depending upon the material that your fence is made with, you may need to treat it annually (as with a wood fence), make a few minor repairs (with gates for example), or have its post re-secured (weakened from strong winds).