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You may be considering new fencing to keep your children and pets safe. Or, maybe you’re looking for more privacy. But, if you’re like most folks, you may not live in your current home forever.

And that’s why the fencing choices you make today could affect how your home sells in the future.

A nicely designed, professionally installed fence will boost your home’s curb appeal and increase your property value. How much (or how little) your property value is affected depends upon several factors.

How Will Your New Fencing Fit Your Neighborhood?

Take a look around your neighborhood. How many homes are fenced? What type of fencing materials have other homeowners chosen?

If your fence will be one of the first in the neighborhood, your home could be more attractive to buyers. However, if many other homes already have fencing installed, it’s important to consider their fence styles when selecting yours.

After all, you want your fence to be noticed because of its beauty – not because it is an eyesore. So, if most people have cedar fencing, for example, you won’t add much to your home value by installing a chain link fence. In fact, you may decrease its value if potential buyers wish to remove or replace your choice.

How Your HOA May Affect Your New Fencing Choices

You may not have total control over what type of new fencing you can install.

If you live in a planned neighborhood development be sure to check with your homeowners association (HOA). In many cases, the materials and heights for fencing are regulated by the CC&Rs or Design Guidelines. This is common for HOAs to do, to help standardize the community’s appearance and to help maintain property values.

Whatever types of fences are allowed, you may have some leeway in your choices to more closely match your home’s architectural style and color scheme.

Other Considerations for Your New Fencing

The fence material you choose can make a big difference in how appealing it is to future home buyers. Wood fences are often among the most aesthetically pleasing. This type of fencing requires the most maintenance, but it can be easily repaired.

Vinyl fencing, which has many of the same aesthetics as wood, can last a lifetime with very little upkeep.

Well-constructed fencing can attract home buyers, but the opposite is also true.

Professional fence installation will give you the quality you want. Going the DIY route can be iffy and, if the results aren’t up to par, potential buyers may turn away. You also run the risk of spending more money on a do-it-yourself project.

Nothing beats the finished look, safety and privacy that new fence can offer. Not only will your new fencing improve your family’s life and enjoyment at home, but it will serve you well when the time comes to sell your home to the next family.

The experienced team at Outback Fencing designs and builds customized fencing of all types for customers throughout Idaho, Utah and Wyoming. Call us today to schedule a site visit and complimentary estimate for your new fencing.

The natural warmth of a wood fence can certainly enhance the beauty of any home. Traditional stains and finishes provide a gorgeous background for your yard and garden.

But, while plain fencing can be quite attractive, it doesn’t necessarily reflect your personality.

Decorating your fence is a great way to add color, creativity and life to your back yard. Our easy and fun tips can help you turn your ordinary fencing into a unique work of art.

Get Creative by Painting Your Wood Fence

Paint is a great way to add dimension to your backyard. And it gives you the option of showing the understated elegance of a solid color fence to the outside world, while creating a colorful wonderland inside.

Instead of choosing one stain or paint color for your wood fencing, try using a few different shades. You can go for a striped look or randomly alternate colors every few fence posts for an effortless artistic effect. Choose tonal colors for a subtle look or bright primary hues if you prefer to be bold.

A mural — such as a painted sunflower garden, forest scenery or an abstract design — can also give your fence a stylish, one-of-a-kind appearance.

Not that skilled at wielding a paintbrush? Hire a local artist to draw and paint your mural. Or, use stencils or painter’s tape to create a pattern on your wood fencing. Later, if you decide you want a new look, wood fence is easy to repaint.

Add Shadow Boxes for Wood Fence Shelf Space

Why not use the vertical space of your wood fencing for storage or decor?

Shadow boxes, or simple open boxes that can be mounted to your fence posts, add shelf space to your fence. You can use the shelves to display small flower pots, garden sculptures or other decorative objects. Or use them as a handy and accessible way to hold your garden tools.

Shadow boxes can be a decorative element by themselves.

They can be painted to match the fencing or in contrasting shades to provide a touch of color. The boxes can also be made out of materials other than wood, including metal sheeting or plastic. And, to add interest, you can hang boxes in different sizes and shapes.

Make a Statement with Sculptural Art on Your Wood Fence

You probably display framed pictures and other artwork on the walls inside your home. Think of your fencing as outside walls that can also be decorated to express your personality.

Consider adding metal sculptural art to your wood fencing. Garden centers and local artists sell a variety of designs, such as flowers, butterflies, stars and animals. Or, compose your own metal art using recycled items like hubcaps, pipes and hardware.

Found objects can also give your wood fence a sense of life. Old wagon wheels, window frames, shutters, birdhouses and lanterns are fun ideas, but the possibilities are endless. So grab the kids and get creative this summer, and decorate your fence in whatever way you like!

Outback Fencing, serving customers throughout Idaho, Utah and Wyoming, sells, installs and repairs all types of residential and commercial fencing and gates. As a locally owned and operated fencing contractor, we guarantee you’ll be delighted with our work and our pricing. Contact us today for an estimate on your new metal, vinyl or wood fence.

Vinyl fence is not only beautiful but extremely durable and easy to maintain.

In fact, this versatile type of fencing will keep its color and pristine beauty for years, even with exposure to adverse weather, never fading, rotting, rusting or looking dated.

However, vinyl fencing typically costs a bit more than wood fencing.

It can be tempting to save a bit of money and take the do-it-yourself route, especially if you have previous experience installing wood fencing material. But, a professionally installed vinyl fence is more practical and can actually save you money. Here’s why.

The Truth abut “Big Box” Store Vinyl Fence Sales

Sales flyers from the big box home improvement stores frequently advertise discounts on vinyl fencing. These appear to be good deals, but many are misleading.

What you typically see in the sales ads are price discounts on the vinyl fencing panels themselves. But that’s not all you need to install a fence. You also need fence posts, caps and concrete (for anchoring the posts). And, if you want to have an entry point along the fence, you must also purchase a gate kit.

In most cases, big box store sales do not include discounts on these other materials, and the costs can add up to more than you might expect because the panels are the least expensive components.

With a professional installation, all materials and expenses are included.

Consider the Quality of DIY Vinyl Fence Materials

Not all vinyl fencing is created equal.

To avoid denting and premature sagging or yellowing, you need a high-grade vinyl material that is accompanied by a comprehensive manufacturer’s warranty.

Unfortunately, many consumer-grade fencing systems are made of recycled plastics, which can make them less durable. Home improvement stores do not always offer the strongest, professional grade materials. Or, if they do, they aren’t the ones on sale.

DIYers may not have the skills to judge vinyl quality. Consequently, you may end up a low-grade material that won’t stand the test of time.

Professional fence contractors use commercial-grade vinyl, which is heavier and tougher than most fencing available to consumers. It may cost a little more initially, but it is designed to last.

Vinyl Fence DIY Installation Considerations

Have you thought about building permits and local ordinances? Do you know the exact location of your property line? What about submitting to your homeowners’ association design review committee for approval?

Without the proper design, permits and approvals, you may end up with a costly mistake on your hands. You may even be forced to more – or remove – your fence, if you violate building codes or HOA design guidelines.

It is the responsibility of a professional fence contractor handles these issues for you, making your installation headache-free.

Another consideration for DIYers: Do you really want to put in all the labor, transportation and heavy lifting that a vinyl fence installation requires? The process can take hours or days for a professional contractor, so you can imagine how long the job can take for someone without experience. Even the smallest mistakes can result in damaged materials that cost money to replace.

A licensed fence contractor can also provide a custom design, giving your yard a stylish, professional look.

The experienced professionals at Outback Fencing offer free estimates to consumers throughout Idaho, Utah and Wyoming. We handle every aspect of your project and all of our labor and materials are fully guaranteed. Call us to schedule your vinyl fence estimate today.

Fence installation can become a challenge when trees interfere with the desired location.

You could, of course, remove those trees that interfere with the placement of your fence. But, if you’d like to save your trees, you’ll need to plan carefully. Otherwise, you may eventually end up with a dead tree or a broken fence – or both.

Let’s explore some professional fence contractor tips for working around those precious trees.

Working Around Trees in Your Fence Installation

If a tree is growing in or near where you’d like to place your fence, the simplest design option is to angle the installation path to avoid the tree.

But what if the tree is situated squarely on the property line?

You could leave the tree outside of the fence, in which case you lose a bit of property to the neighboring yard. Or you could enclose the tree, which means encroaching on the neighbor’s property. For many of our customers, neither option is ideal.

If the trees are located on a property line that you share with a neighbor, we recommend inviting the neighbors over for a barbecue or a cold glass of lemonade to discuss the situation. You might be amazed at how easy the decision can become when you brainstorm with your neighbors.

After all, they will benefit from your new fence almost as much as you will!

Remember also to consider the future growth of your trees as you make your decision. Building too close to trees can result in damage to the fencing materials, if trunks, roots or branches grow into them.

Fence Installation Between Trees

If you prefer not to angle the fence or box around the trees, you can choose to allow the trees to interrupt the fence. With this option, you’ll have a straight line installation, but you may also have gaps between the fencing and the tree trunks.

In some cases, depending on the size and shape of the trees, fencing between them can be a bit complicated.

We must stop the fencing as close as possible to the trunks, while still allowing for future trunk and root growth. We must also ensure that posts or stakes don’t damage the root system, as this can impair healthy growth or otherwise harm the tree.

Experts warn against attaching anything directly to the tree, as screws and nails can injure the bark. This may make your trees more vulnerable to pests and diseases.

Accommodating Trees in Your Fence Installation

We have found that the best answer often involves a little creativity.

In this case, rather than letting trees get in the way of your fencing materials, we simply incorporate them into the design.

For example, we can create an interesting effect by creating a window (of sorts) in the fence to allow for future growth of trees and branches. Later, when the tree outgrows the space, you can enlarge or move the window.

Depending on the type of fencing you select, we can also assist you in designing other creative solutions, customized for your needs – and your trees.

Outback Fencing, serving residential and commercial customers throughout Idaho, Utah and Wyoming, understands the importance of tailoring every job to the site and the customer’s needs. As a locally owned and operated fence contractor, we are committed to providing individualized attention and an exceptional level of customer service.

Contact us today to learn more, or for a customized quote for your fence installation.

Adding a vinyl picket fence is one of the most worthwhile investments you can make in your home.

The stately beauty of a picket fence has long been a favorite of homeowners and, in fact, this fencing style has come to symbolize the “Great American Dream.” For decades, wood was the only option available for creating this iconic fencing style.

Today, vinyl picket fencing offers the same visual appeal with none of the labor-intensive upkeep.

The Many Benefits of Vinyl Fencing

When compared to other options, vinyl picket fence is the material of choice for today’s savvy homeowner.

Composite vinyl fence features all the beauty and rich texture of natural wood, but requires very little maintenance or upkeep. Vinyl also withstands the weather and climate challenges of the Intermountain West. Impervious to moisture and intense sunlight, it will never rot, fade or peel.

Vinyl picket fencing is available in classic white, of course. But if you prefer another color to coordinate with your home’s existing design palette, you can choose from a variety of shades.

Even better, you’ll never have to scrape, patch or paint vinyl fencing. Its integral color remains vivid and true for many years. You can even select color options that mimic stained wood.

Choosing a Vinyl Fence Style

Wood picket fencing offers few variations in design. Vinyl fence, on the other hand, offers a countless array of options to suit your style.

For the individual pickets, you can select from the traditional pointed style as well as straight, rounded or dog-eared versions. You can choose to have the pickets spaced close together – perfect for keeping pets in and pests out – or wide apart for better views and more open feel. As for the vinyl fence panels themselves, you can select from straight or concave designs, such as you might see in the Cape Code architectural style.

To accessorize your vinyl picket fence, you can select from a variety of post cap styles and gate configurations. And as for height, you can choose a low or tall fence, or somewhere in between.

Choose a Local Fence Contractor for Maximum Value

Although many homeowners attempt to purchase and set their own vinyl picket fence, consider the benefits of using a professional contractor to design and install your fencing.

Fencing contractors have the specialized tools and equipment to create a professional installation that looks great and lasts for decades. Even handy homeowners with tons of DIY experience can struggle to create the level and plumb perfection that a professional fencing contractor can achieve.

Plus, when you use a local, licensed contractor, you have the peace of mind that comes with a full labor and materials warranty.

In Utah and Wyoming, Outback Fencing offers a full range of fence sales, service and installation for commercial and residential customers. We offer a variety of options, from wood and chainlink to ornamental metal fencing, as well as gates and automatic gate openers.

Contact us today to learn more about adding a vinyl picket fence to your home.

Did you know that a fence contractor can help you create the outdoor living spaces you crave, for much less money than other alternatives?

The demand for outdoor living space is growing by leaps and bounds. The friendly climate and beautiful scenery of the Intermountain West are especially perfect for enjoying life outdoors.

With summer right around the corner, wouldn’t you like to enjoy life outdoors a little more often?

The Growing Demand for Outdoor Living Space

Today’s homeowner is spending a lot of time at home. Whether it’s cooking out with the family or having friends over for game night, entertaining space is what we all want right now.

And the more of that entertaining space we can take outside, the happier we are.

Home buyers want a seamless transition from indoors to outside. Where once stood a solitary barbecue grill, they want full outdoor kitchens. No more patio tables from the home warehouse. Instead, they want the full dining room experience, but outside. Courtyards, Zen gardens and reading nooks are also on everybody’s wish list this year.

Aren’t they on yours?

How Wood and Vinyl Fencing Can Create Outdoor Living Space

You could spend a ton of money with a contractor to build pavilions, pergolas or structures to create these outdoor living areas. Or, for a fraction of the cost, time and hassle, you could call on your local fence contractor to create those spaces for you.

Both wood and vinyl fencing can help you achieve your goals. Vinyl fencing is especially versatile for this purpose, as you have dozens of styles and configurations to choose from. From tall privacy fences to half-height view fence, you can create dazzling visual interest while defining your outdoor spaces.

If wood is your preference – as it is for many customers – your fence contractor can create custom wood fence options to achieve the same goals.

Ornamental Iron Fence Enhances the Beauty of Your Yard

Once you have defined the various living spaces, why not allow your fence contractor to add a few decorative elements?

Ornamental iron fencing provides the perfect option for accenting your outdoor living spaces without blocking the view. For example, you can use an ornamental fence to define and separate your outdoor kitchen from the dining area without losing the open-concept feel that you love.

For peaceful seating areas or reading nooks, iron fence can help you distance yourself from the world while still allowing you to see and enjoy it!

You can also use ornamental iron fences and gates to create off-limits areas. This can help you keep pets out of your garden or children within reach of your watchful eyes and ears.

Outback Fencing has all the ideas and options you need for creating your outdoor paradise this summer. We are located in West Jordan, but we serve commercial and residential customers throughout Utah and Wyoming.

Remember Outback Fencing whenever you need a premier, locally owned and operated fence contractor.

Whether it’s wood fencing, vinyl, chainlink or ornamental iron, the old adage holds that good fences make good neighbors.

While that may still be true today, modern society has added a few rules to the game.

If you plan to add or replace the wood fencing along a property line you share with a neighbor, we offer a few helpful tips and tricks to keeping things neighborly.

Have a Conversation, Even If It Kills You

There’s nothing quite like going out for the morning paper only to discover your neighbor has torn down your shared wood fencing.

If you want to make an enemy of the folks next door, that’s how you do it. If you want to keep things a little friendlier, ask your neighbors over for a glass of lemonade in the back yard. It’s a perfect segue to a discussion about installing a new fence.

And, as hard as it may be for you, have the conversation about price if you expect them to contribute. Be prepared for a little pushback, as they may not have an interest in splitting the cost (or the ability to).

Whether or not your neighbors are willing to contribute financially, be sure to discuss the type of vinyl or wood fencing you plan to build. Full disclosure and agreement from both sides will prevent misunderstandings and bad feelings in the future.

Verify the Property Line and Other Relevant Details

Before you build any kind of shared fencing, hire a surveyor to locate the property line.

This is especially important if your home is older, or if it has had multiple owners over time. Property lines tend to shift over the years and failure to verify the exact location can lead to disputes and unexpected expenses.

If a new neighbor moves in later, only to find you’ve built your fence too far to their side, they may have legal grounds to make you relocate it. By the same token, you don’t want to give up any of your lot either.

Before you make any final decisions, determine whether you will need building permits or homeowners’ association approval for your fencing project. Failure to obtain the necessary permits or approvals can potentially get you and your neighbor into trouble.

If you do live in an HOA, consult the Association’s design guidelines and CC&Rs to be sure you understand what you are permitted to build.

Consider the Type of New Fencing You Plan to Use

Neighborly fence etiquette dictates that you replace existing wood fencing with new wood or a more preferable product, such as vinyl.

Likewise, if the existing shared fencing is a privacy fence, your neighbor probably won’t appreciate it if you replace it with chainlink or an ornamental iron view fence. And, as much as it may hurt, be considerate of your neighbor’s architectural style and exterior décor when making your selection.

Finally, let’s talk about quality. You may be an avid do-it-yourselfer, but a shared fence project is best left to the professionals. A poor quality wood fencing installation will not only look bad, but it may pose a security or safety risk for you and your neighbor.

Here at Outback Fencing, we consider all of our customers to be our neighbors. As a locally owned and operated fencing contractor, we serve commercial and residential customers throughout Utah and Wyoming.

Contact us today for assistance with all your fencing needs. We have lots of experience in helping neighbors with shared fence projects, and we can help guide you through the process of adding a new iron, vinyl or wood fence.