Author Archives: rusty

A lovely garden fence can be the perfect finishing touch for your landscape design.

Whether placed in a specific area of the yard or around the entire perimeter, fencing enhances your home’s visual appeal. It’s not just about appearance, however. Fences define property boundaries and provide both privacy and security for you and your family.

Read these helpful pro tips for selecting the right fence to enhance your home and garden.

Choosing a Garden Fence

Before exploring your options, take the time to research local zoning ordinances and any applicable homeowners association regulations regarding fence heights, materials and placement. This way, you can obtain any necessary building permits or HOA approval ahead of time.

Next, you’ll need to decide on a material and style for your fencing. You may, for example, prefer cedar, as it is a natural repellent for mosquitos and other insects, and because it offers added insulation for delicate plants.

Or you could choose ornamental iron, low-maintenance vinyl or a chain-link style.

When selecting your garden fence, consider how to best complement the look of your home and the surrounding landscape, as well as durability, privacy and the cost of installation and materials. Ultimately, the right choice for you will be the one that best accomplishes all of your goals.

Create Distinct Spaces in the Garden

Many homeowners use fencing around their property as a means of providing security and protecting their home. However, the property perimeter is not the only possible location for your new garden fence. Fencing can be used to create distinct areas within the yard, placed to define a sitting area with a fountain and benches, for instance, or to separate your children’s play area from the vegetable garden.

Take a look at the available space in your yard to determine how and where fencing might be placed to delineate outside living areas or to enhance specific landscaping elements.

Get Creative with Fencing

Although you can already select from a host of different fencing materials and styles, you can customize your garden fencing even further with just a bit of creativity. For example, you might alternate solid panels with trellis panels to add visual interest. Or you might consider varying panel heights, using taller sections along the perimeter and shorter panels within the interior to define specific spaces.

Hedges, vines and flowering plants also can be strategically planted along the interior fence line to help to create a more organic and attractive space, or along the exterior to increase curb appeal.

Outback Fencing, serving Wyoming and Utah, specializes in the sales, installation and maintenance of wood, vinyl and ornamental metal fencing. Contact us today and let our experienced team help you select the perfect garden fence for your home.

Your new wood fence is a beauty to behold, but neglect can take away much of its warmth and appeal. One of the best ways to care for your wood fence is through regular cleaning. Read on to learn the most effective ways to clean your fence and keep it beautiful as well as functional.

Why Clean Your Fence?

Over time, you may notice that dirt, mold and algae can dull the luster of your fence. Wood is a porous surface, even when properly coated, so dirt can work its way deep into the crevices. Fortunately, cleaning your fence is easy and will keep it looking like new.

Step One: Remove Mold and Mildew

This is one of those opportunities you look forward to: a chance to get out your power washer. Begin by spraying your fence down at a pressure of between 1,500 and 2,000 pounds per square inch. This should be sufficient to remove dirt and mildew, but not brutal enough to damage the wood or loosen the posts.

It’s important to hold the power washer nozzle about 18 inches from the wood surface and not to linger on one area for too long. Once you’re done, you will notice that the mildew and dirt have washed away, revealing the true beauty of the wood underneath.

Step Two: Bleach

After power washing, it’s time to apply a bleach solution. In a bucket, combine three quarts of warm water to one quart of standard chlorine bleach. Use a garden sprayer to spray down the fence with the solution and let it sit for at least 10 minutes. Next, take a scrub brush and scrub the fence down to remove any lingering dirt or mildew, then rinse with water.

Complete this process in sections, because you don’t want your bleach solution to dry before you start to scrub it. Also, make sure you wear rubber gloves and protective eyewear for this step. If you want to paint or stain your fence, wait at least two days after washing so that it can dry thoroughly.

If you repeat these simple steps each year, you will not only keep your fence looking great year after year, but you can extend the life of the wood as well.

If you aren’t inclined to handle this task yourself every year, or if you don’t have the proper equipment for power washing, give Outback Fence a call. Throughout Utah, Idaho and Wyoming, we provide sales, installation and maintenance of all types of fencing as well as gates and accessories. Contact us for all the help you need with maintaining your wood fence.

Vinyl fencing is incredibly versatile and perfect for use in your yard or garden. Advances in plastics technology have made this sturdy, cost-effective and attractive fencing option possible. In fact, no other product can compare with vinyl in today’s market.

Read on for some basic information about this popular fencing option and why you should consider it for your garden!

What a Vinyl Fence Can Offer

If you hope to add a unique flair to your garden, then look no further than vinyl. Your options are almost limitless, both in color and design. You can even select a product that mimics the beauty and warmth of natural wood. Best of all, it does not require painting or staining and it’s virtually maintenance-free.

Vinyl fence panels and posts are easy to clean as well. Typically you can keep your fence clean and looking like new by simply hosing it off now and again. Vinyl won’t split or crack, it won’t invite termites into your yard and it will never rot. It is also virtually weatherproof, as well as fire- and UV-resistant.

Decorative Fencing for the Garden

Since vinyl fencing is so versatile, it is easy to incorporate into your garden. Whether you want to add fencing purely for the aesthetics or to secure the boundaries of your property, vinyl is the perfect combination of functional and attractive.

When it’s time to select a design style, you have countless options to consider. You can choose a solid privacy fence, or a privacy fence with lattice or pickets at the top to add a decorative flair. You can opt for a classic ranch look by selecting a traditional rail fence design. If a picket fence (white or not!) is your dream, you again have many options, from the gentle slope of the concave and convex picket to a traditional flat picket.

Vinyl fence is the perfect choice for defining areas within the garden too, and for protecting your flowers and plants from hungry wildlife. With color choices and decorative post caps, you can easily personalize this fence to fit your home’s architecture and your garden’s design aesthetics.

If you live in Utah, Idaho or Wyoming and you would like to learn more about vinyl fencing options that can work for your property, give the experts at Outback Fencing a call today. We specialize in the installation and service of wood, vinyl, chain link and ornamental metal fencing, as well as gates and accessories.

People love wood fencing because it’s so versatile and beautiful no matter how you choose to finish it. It can be painted or stained, depending on your preferences, in virtually any shade you like. Determining whether to paint or stain depends on your goals for appearance and maintenance, and how much work you want to invest in the project. Whichever you choose, some prep work will be required, as well as some ongoing maintenance after the initial project is complete.

Preparation for Painting and Staining

Painting or staining a fence can be a fairly time-consuming and labor-intensive project. Before getting started, be sure to research the available paint and stain choices, and evaluate their durability and life span. This is especially important in order to be prepared for the wetter months of the year, since moisture is a natural enemy of wood. Additionally, if you are painting an older fence, be sure to make all the necessary repairs first, and then prime it for painting or staining to ensure an optimal finish. Finally, plan to complete this work during dry and sunny weather, if possible, preferably with a temperature between 40 and 90 degrees. This will help to avoid problems caused by ambient moisture that could affect your outcome.

Painting versus Staining

Painting a fence is more appealing to many people, thanks to the extensive selection of colors available. A painted finish also increases resistance to the elements, compared to stain. However, many experts recommend staining your wood fencing to avoid damage from chipping. For many people, stain is more appealing, especially if you prefer a rustic look. Stain also requires less work and time overall. Whichever finish you choose, work from top to bottom with even strokes for uniformity.

Maintenance for Wood Fencing

The biggest benefit to painting or staining wood fencing is the protection it provides the wood. Moisture can cause decay, and if you live in a wet region, additional coats will be necessary to maintain quality. Generally speaking, most experts recommend a refresher coat every three years. With paint, keep an eye out for chipping or cracking, which indicate that it’s time for maintenance. For a stained fence, watch for faded color and a dried-out appearance.

Whether you choose to paint or stain your fence, make sure to invest in the necessary preparation work to ensure the highest-quality finish possible. If you would rather not deal with the hassle yourself, give Outback Fencing a call. Serving all of Utah, Wyoming or Idaho, we specialize in the installation and maintenance of all types of fences, including wood, vinyl, chain link and ornamental metal. Call Outback Fencing today for all of your wood fencing needs.

Fence installation can be tricky to negotiate for the do-it-yourselfer. Many homeowners attempt to save some money by installing their own fencing, but instead fall victim to some common installation pitfalls. Any one of these mistakes can derail your potential savings and put your property’s security at risk. Read on for some pro tips for a successful fence installation.

Ensure Sufficient Post Depth

One of the most common fence installation mistakes is not setting the posts deeply enough into the ground. If you are in a rush and try to save time by not digging deeply enough, your fence may not be level. In addition, it may not last as long or stand up well to wind and other harsh weather conditions. Typically, posts need to be planted at least 2 feet deep, and in some cases, they need to be as deep as 4 feet. The depth depends on the kind of materials you are using, the span between posts and the desired height of your fence.

Choose the Location Carefully

Experts recommend that, when installing a fence, you leave a buffer zone of about 1-2 feet from neighboring structures or obstacles, so that the fence can be accessed from the outside of your property. Most people forget to do this or reject the idea in order to create more space inside the yard. Even if no obstacles are present, it’s better not to install the fence exactly on your property line, but just inside it instead. If you have entered into an agreement with a neighbor to share the cost and care of the fence, however, it is usually preferable to install directly on the property line.

Provide Adequate Spacing

If you are installing a wooden fence, take care not to attach the boards too closely to each other, to allow for swelling and expansion. When the weather is wet or overly humid in your area, the boards will expand. If they are installed too closely together, this may cause the boards to warp. Leave at least half an inch between each board for best results.

Planning Your Project

Amateur fence installers often forget the most critical part of putting in a new fence — the planning stage. If you don’t take the time to plan properly, you may end up spending more money to fix mistakes than you save on installation. Plan to space the vertical posts at least 6-8 feet apart, although the exact distance will depend on the type of materials you have chosen. Don’t forget to use sealer for the bottoms of the fence posts, if you’re installing wood, or they will quickly begin to rot.

Maintenance

Once your fence is installed, you must maintain it properly if you want it to last. Water damage, mold and rust are the most common problems that result from improper maintenance. Regular cleaning is one of the best maintenance steps you can take. Periodically, your fence should be sanded and repainted, too, if it’s wood. Keep a lookout for deterioration of boards and posts, and replace them as needed.

Installing a new fence is not as easy as it may appear, and many homeowners in the Salt Lake City area have made these common fence installation mistakes. Instead of wasting your time and money on a DIY project, consider letting a professional handle it for you. You’ll be left with a perfect installation that’s guaranteed to last, and the time you save is better spent with your family or on a quiet afternoon relaxating. In Utah, Wyoming or Idaho, contact Outback Fencing for sales and fence installation services.

An ornamental fence, taken only on the virtue of its name, indicates a purely decorative element. However, these types of fences do far more than just adorn your home. They have many uses, adapting for installation around many different house types and design styles. Ornamental fencing can be crafted from a variety of materials and will, in almost every case, add value to your home.

The Many Roles of Ornamental Fence

One great thing about investing in an ornamental fence is its versatility. Virtually any home can benefit from its addition, but some specific home types benefit more than others. First, older homes, particularly those in older neighborhoods, have a chance to stand out with the installation of an ornamental fence. Second, homes that are lacking in security measures can benefit immensely from a perimeter fence of this kind, since they act as a deterrent to would-be intruders. Finally, these fences can be immensely beneficial for families with children. Parents can feel more at ease knowing their house and yard are enclosed and safe to play in.

Material Choices

The choices of materials are vast for decorative fences. For many locations, the best design options blend with your home. For example, if you have a modern house, choose a contemporary fence. An older home, on the other hand, would look nice with wrought iron, due to its vintage qualities. Iron fences also complement homes with luscious green yards or gardens. For long-lasting and durable fences, steel and aluminum are popular choices. If you like the traditional white picket style, wood is also an option for an ornamental fence, though less popular today, due to its maintenance requirements.

Value Added to Your Home

Perhaps the best reason to invest is the increase in value an ornamental design can add to your home. These fences draw the eyes of potential buyers and present several benefits that can make your house stand out, compared to others on the market. Even if you are not planning to sell, the fence will serve as a visually appealing and value-rich accessory to your home. To maximize value, looks for a fence that won’t clash with the home in terms of design. Avoiding this pitfall is easy by consulting a professional fencing contractor in your area. Professional installers are familiar with the design challenges you face, and can help you select the style and material that best suits your needs and the style of your home.

The reasons to invest in an ornamental fence are good and many. A home is one of the best investments you can make, and a return on your investment is high on this type of home improvement. If you live in Idaho, Wyoming or Utah, contact Outback Fencing for high-quality and professional assistance with all your ornamental fence needs.

Ornamental iron fencing is a timeless classic. It adds charm and grace to both residential and commercial properties. This appeal is further enhanced by its durability and strength. Iron fences can be simply decorative, provide security or both. They are an excellent investment and their versatility means it’s easy to find a style to suit your needs. With proper care, iron fences remain beautiful as well as sturdy for many years. Although rust was a concern in the past, modern wrought-iron fences are available with a factory finish containing an anti-rust seal that also protects against UV rays and minimizes fading. Even without a rust-resistant finish, effective maintenance will prevent any major problems.

Proactive Maintenance Procedures

The first tool in any maintenance program is a strong defense. To prevent the deep scratches and dents that can lead to rust, avoid using a weed trimmer close to the fence. Keep vegetation well away from the fence to prevent the need for trimming close to the iron. Overgrown vegetation can also hide problem areas, making it more difficult to spot rust before it spreads. Keeping sprinklers clear of the fencing is also important, as moisture is part of the rust-making formula.

Handle Problems Quickly

To catch iron fencing problems quickly and prevent any serious damage or degradation, it’s best to inspect it thoroughly every six months. Newer fencing, especially coated iron, will only require repairs to deep cuts and grooves. In the years between repainting, if you find no evidence of rust, simply wash the fence with soap and water and apply a thin layer of metal-grade wax to protect the paint. Wax is especially useful in the areas that do happen to be near vegetation and sprinklers.

If you find any rust, it’s a quick fix to arrest its expansion. First remove the rust with a fine wire brush. Avoid using anything too abrasive, as this can actually deepen the crevices and make it harder to seal. Rinse the area and allow it to dry. When the area has dried thoroughly, apply a rust converter. Phosphoric acid-based or tannic acid-based converters work well, but be sure to follow all manufacturer’s safety instructions. Next, apply a thin coat of oil-based primer specifically formulated for metal applications. Spray-on primers are easy to apply and work well to fill in crevices. Follow up the primer with an oil-based metal paint.

Don’t Forget the Gate Care

Be sure to grease the hinges annually on your ornamental iron gate. If a gate squeaks, it has already gotten too dry. Lubricating the joints and hinges works best if done before squeaking begins. If they are lubricated before they start to complain, little degradation will occur and they will last for a long time. Apply a general grade lubricant liberally and regularly, for best results.

The beauty of ornamental iron fences is timeless, and protecting your investment is well worth the time and energy. With a proper maintenance routine, your iron fence can become an heirloom, providing beauty and security for years to come. In Idaho, Wyoming and Utah, Outback Fencing is the premier fencing contractor. Contact Outback today for installation, repair and maintenance of your ornamental iron fence.

Decorative fencing can add visual interest and dimension to any outdoor space. When incorporated into your garden design, however, it can serve several important purposes. Different types of fencing will help you create the style you seek. Whether you prefer the look of a classic English garden or a sleek modern or contemporary vibe, the right fencing products will add the perfect finishing touch.

White Picket Fence for a Classic Garden

Lush with colorful plants and whimsical accessories, a classic English garden is the ideal place to spend a quiet afternoon with a good book. Traditional white picket fencing helps break up the space, creating zones and protection without disrupting your views or creating a choppy feel. Vinyl picket fencing is the perfect material for this purpose, as it requires virtually no maintenance. Vinyl fencing will stand up to the rigors of vining plants and weather extremes for years while still maintaining its crisp and bright appearance. Add an arched arbor gate and vary the height of fence panels for even more visual interest. For additional accents or to protect flower beds, use low-profile decorative iron scrollwork fence as a border. For extra whimsy, paint the iron fence in bright spring colors or dusty pastels.

Creative Uses of Block Wall for a Contemporary Garden

The mid-century modern design style is back with a vengeance, especially for the yard and garden. This timeless look is characterized by clean lines and a minimalist approach to plantings and accessories. Geometric lines and sharp angles pair with brightly colored garden spheres and topiary trees. Block retaining walls and low borders help define the space. Screen block privacy walls provide a perfect way to define a patio or sitting area. Add a wrought iron gate for security or to keep pets and predators from reaching your plants. For a more cost-effective approach and increased privacy, alternate solid concrete block with decorative block.

Prairie Style Using Pillar and Rail Fence Designs

The prairie style fence is perfect if you have a large, open lot with expansive views. Designed to be low and unobtrusive, rail fencing allows you to create definition and scale without interfering with sight lines. Capture the Frank Lloyd Wright prairie feel with short but substantial brick pillars, topped with a single slate tile. Use natural wood rails finished to have a weathered look that blends with the landscaping. A combination of decomposed granite landscape beds and water-wise xeriscape plantings complete this clean, fresh look.

If you’re a resident of Idaho, Wyoming or Utah, Outback Fencing can help you with all of your fencing needs. Their experienced professionals are committed to the highest quality customer service and a fair price. Contact them today to discuss your decorative fencing needs.

The popularity of wood fencing has waned somewhat in the past few years, thanks to the increased availability of low-maintenance vinyl fence products. Nevertheless, wood remains a popular choice among those who appreciate its natural beauty and aesthetic design style. If properly cared for, a wooden fence can last for many years and retain its attractive appearance. Read on for some helpful tips on cleaning, repairing and maintaining wood fences.

How to Clean Your Wood Fence

It’s important to clean your fence periodically, typically every three to five years or whenever it requires a fresh coat of stain. In some cases, the wood can develop surface mold. In that case, it’s important to clean the mold before it can degrade the wood. Although you can purchase special cleaning products for this purpose at the home center or hardware store, you can also mix one part bleach to two parts water for a more cost-effective solution. Apply the mixture with a spray bottle or rag and allow it to sit until the mold begins to dissolve and the wood appears brighter. Rinse the bleach solution off with a hose, then allow it to dry. If some mold spots remain, repeat this procedure until it’s all gone.

How to Inspect and Repair a Wood Fence

Experts recommend inspecting your fencing at least once a year, or more often if you rely on it to keep kids, pets or livestock safely contained. Look carefully for missing nails or screws, retightening or replacing when necessary. Be sure to use galvanized or stainless fasteners to avoid rust. Look for any evidence of wood rot, cracking or warping, and depending on the severity, replace those pieces that are weakened. Test each support post and panel or section for security. If any posts are loose or leaning, you will need to remove that section and re-seat the post in concrete. Finally, keep an eye out for any damage that could be attributed to termites. Although most termite species aren’t a threat to exposed wood surfaces, finding evidence of termite damage can provide an early warning sign that your home needs to be inspected and treated.

Applying a Fresh Coat of Stain

Stain is the most effective way to protect your wood fence, to keep it looking great and extend its life. The frequency with which you must reapply stain depends on weather and exposure to sunlight and wind. In northern Utah, some people reapply stain every spring just to be safe, but you may find that every two or three years is sufficient. Select a stain with UV protection to slow the natural aging and color change that’s inherent with most wood species. Although you may prefer the look of paint, stain is more durable and provides a superior level of protection. After scraping and lightly sanding, apply the stain with a brush or sprayer. Be sure to coat every inch of exposed surface thoroughly. This means getting in between and underneath pickets, slats or panels.

Outback Fencing, serving customers in Utah, Wyoming or Idaho, understands how much a wood fence can enhance the look of your home or business, as well as provide the security you trust. Contact them today for all your wood fencing needs.

Recent developments in livestock fencing materials and installation methods have greatly expanded the options available today. Depending on the purpose of your project, its scope and your budget, several types of materials can be used to achieve your objectives. Careful planning, the right materials and best installation practices are the keys to a successful project.

Purposes of Livestock Fences

When adding fences to farms, ranches or other types of property, the best approach can vary depending on your purpose and objectives. Some examples include the containing livestock, the excluding predators or dividing property based on grazing or other specific goals. Other uses may include the delineating property lines, protecting gardens or crops, or directing or deflecting snow. In some cases, temporary barriers are necessary to divide pastures. For this application, portable options may be preferable.

Types of Livestock Fencing

In years past, rail and barbed wire were the typical choices for livestock fencing. Though still used by many producers, barbed wire is generally considered dangerous to livestock, people and wildlife. Fortunately, you have many safe alternatives today that are both effective and affordable. Although wood rails serve their purpose and are attractive to look at, the nature of wood requires frequent maintenance. Wood also has a limited life span. Vinyl rails have all the benefits of wood, but require almost no maintenance. Vinyl rail fencing will also last for decades. Although vinyl is more expensive to purchase in the beginning, the time and money saved over the course of its lifespan should more than offset the initial outlay.

Planning Your Livestock Fence Project

Before selecting a specific type of material, consider the safety of the animals that will be contained. Think about the desired functionality of your fence and the amount of maintenance each type of material requires. For most people, time is a valued commodity, and spending hours repairing less durable fencing may not be economically sound. How the fence will look may be important, but consider also the cost to purchase and install a specific product versus the amount of time and money it will require each year to maintain it. The final consideration is the terrain where the fence will be installed and the soil conditions in your area. These can impact installation cost and durability significantly.

For livestock fencing in Utah, Wyoming or Idaho, Outback Fencing has the experience to help you achieve your objectives. With knowledge of agricultural code and livestock laws, their experienced professionals are committed to providing an exceptional level of customer service. Outback Fencing is the locally owned and operated expert for all of your livestock fencing needs.