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What Are the Applications of Temporary Fencing?

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 07:56:50 GMT

Temporary fencing is an excellent alternative to its permanent counterpart for short-term use. It is popular due to its cost, flexibility, ease of installation, and versatility. Also, a temporary fence is multipurpose and useful in various settings, both residential and commercial. Learn the common applications of temporary fences.

Construction Sites

Construction sites can be dangerous and pose safety risks to the public. They may have uneven grounds, falling objects, large foundations, and moving machinery. A temporary fence is helpful in these sites to serve as a boundary for safety purposes and public restriction. It ensures that unauthorized people do not access the site and harm themselves.

Also, a temporary fence increases the security of construction sites. It fosters workers' safety while protecting costly construction equipment from theft and vandalism. Using temporary fences in construction is referred to as construction hoarding.

Outdoor Events

Temporary fences can be used in a broad range of outdoor events such as weddings, festivals, concerts, government events, movie sets, and disaster relief sites. In these cases, the fences help with crowd control and security. In weddings, for instance, temporary fences promote safety, contain guests in one place and keep out unwanted guests.

Similarly, in a concert, the fence keeps people who haven't paid away and ensures the security of the performers, especially celebrities and public figures. These fences are also great for events requiring step-by-step procedures.

Remodeling Projects

Whether you are remodeling your garage, home's exterior, or kitchen, a temporary fence can be helpful. It promotes your worksite's integrity, keeps your family safe, and maintains the security of tools and equipment. Also, a temporary gate ensures that critters do not enter your house through any exposed areas.

In-House Fences

A temporary fence can be handy for people with kids and pets. Baby gates are versatile and portable. You can move them easily for use around the house as needed. For example, you can set up the fence in the living room to contain your toddlers and guarantee their safety. Also, a temporary gate can be used at the top and bottom of the stairs to prevent falling accidents.

Temporary gates are perfect for confining pets. Whether you settle for a circle, square or rectangular fence, you can protect pets and keep them from running off. You can also use a temporary fence around your pool to deter pets and kids from the area and prevent drowning.

Landscaping Projects

A temporary fence can benefit any landscaping project, whether commercial or residential. If you are re-sodding your yard, for instance, a temporary fence can improve outcomes. It can keep people and pets away from the yard until it is ready to withstand traffic.

Also, a fence prevents critters like squirrels and skunks from wreaking havoc on your yard. Squirrels, for example, can dig holes in your lawn, affecting its aesthetics and health. A temporary fence can protect a vegetable garden from the detrimental effects of critters like rabbits and deer.

Sporting Activities

In sporting activities such as ball games, temporary fences serve as blank walls for balls. They shield loose balls so that they don't go too far from the field or hit people. This is particularly true when the ball games take place in public areas. In tennis, the fencing is placed around the playing court, while in cricket, it is positioned behind the catcher.

A temporary fence is a good option for a short-term project. It is economical, easy to install and tear down, versatile compared to a permanent fence, and requires virtually no maintenance. Contact Alta Fence Co. for all your temporary fencing needs. We can help you secure your short-term projects without the costly and extensive process of installing a permanent fence.

3 Wooden Fences for Your San Francisco Bay Area Home

Fri, 07 May 2021 15:40:32 GMT

If you plan to upgrade the outdoor space for your home in San Francisco Bay Area, a wooden fence is a great idea to consider. A beautiful wooden fence improves security, enhances curb appeal, and positively impacts your home's value. Wood oozes natural beauty which adds a unique personality to your property.

Below are some wood fence options to revolutionize the appearance of your home and make it more secure.

1. Cedar Wood Fence

Cedar wood has a combination of strong qualities which make it an ideal material for fence making in California. The softwood is durable and comes in a beautiful vivid color.

Another major attraction of cedar is the material's natural resistance to decay and insects. With an insect-repellant cedar wood fence, you don't have to worry about constant repairs because of pest damage.

The oil in cedar has a pleasant smell which you'll love, especially with a new fence installation. If you want to give your home that distinct look, a cedar fence is a perfect choice. The fence material is low maintenance, which reduces the overall cost of home maintenance.

The biggest drawback of a cedar fence is the high cost of the material. The benefits, however, far outweigh the cost downside.

2. Redwood Fence

If you do a quick search for the best wood fences in San Francisco, one of the top options you find is a Redwood fence. Redwood is an expensive wooden fencing option but also a popular one for several reasons.

Redwood's eye-catching reddish-brown hue is hard to miss and can make your home the talking point of the neighborhood. Other factors that make Redwood fences a great choice include the insect-resistance quality because of the tannin content in the wood. Termites, for instance, can cause damage to untreated wooden structures such as fences. With a Redwood fence, you don't have to worry about such damage.

If you're after an aesthetically appealing, durable, insect-repellant, and low-maintenance wooden fence, talk to your fence contractor about the installation of a Redwood fence.

3. Pine Wood Fence

Wooden fences don't come cheap with the average cost range from $1,674 and $4,032 . Many homeowners who would like to leverage the benefits of wooden fences have to compromise and get cheaper options such as vinyl.

If you're on a low budget, you can still install a beautiful wooden fence if you go for pressure-treated pine wood. Pine is the least expensive wood material for fence construction and yet it offers some incredible benefits.

Pressure-treated pine wood is more resistant to pests and fungus and lasts long. The synthetic chemicals used in the wood treatment improve your fence's weather resistance qualities.

Pinewood has a beautiful appearance with light color tones and a creamy white shade with prominent grains and darker notes. The softwood is easy to work with and contractors find the lightweight fence material easy to install or replace.

While pinewood is more affordable compared to Redwood and cedar, the material is more prone to damage such as scratches and dents. A fence contractor can restore the pinewood fence through minor repairs or you can opt to re-stain the entire fence for a fresh look.

Natural wood fences have a distinct character that is hard to miss. The fence transforms your home with a dash of classical touch and warmth. You can choose from the common wood fence types after you assess your home's fencing needs.

For the best fence solutions in the wider San Francisco Bay Area, we're here to help. Alta Fence Co. is a premier fence contractor in the region and we bring over 60 years of fencing experience to your project. Contact us today for all your fencing needs around here.

5 Benefits of an Automatic Gate Upgrade for Your Driveway

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 15:23:21 GMT

If you want to spruce up your home, consider an upgrade for your driveway gate. An electric gate perfectly blends aesthetics and functionality and is one of the most versatile home improvements. With the more innovative automatic gate designs on the market, you get more than just protection. A well-designed gate becomes the focal point of your outdoor area and adds value to the property .

Here are more reasons to choose an automatic driveway gate over any other gate system.

1. Added Convenience
A traditional driveway gate is tedious to operate. It takes time out of your day, and the manual operation is also inconvenient in bad weather or at night. With an electric gate upgrade, you enjoy more convenience when you operate the appliance.

The most advanced gate systems come with remote control devices, card readers, keypads, and other electronic controls. Whichever control system you choose, your new gate will save you time and energy.

2. Versatile Gate Designs
For your automatic gate upgrade, you can choose from a wide range of gate styles. Here are some automatic gates you can pick:

Swing automatic gate
Bi-fold automated swing gate
Barrier electric gate
Sliding automatic gate
Overhead automatic gate

You can choose any of the automatic gate systems in different colors, sizes, styles and materials such as steel, PVC, wrought iron, aluminum or wood.

An experienced fence and gate contractor can customize any product to suit your property's unique driveway characteristics, available space, climate, architectural designs, and HOA requirements.

3. Safety and Security
Some driveway gates are prone to burglars due to design flaws such as easy-to-open or visible hardware, hinges, and other weak links. With an automated system, you can extend the height of the gate to make it harder for burglars to climb into your property. The gate remains easy for you to operate, but the lock system is tamper-proof.

A gate is likely a one of the largest moving appliances on your property, and it poses a big risk to kids and pets. For an automated gate system, kids can't push the appliance to go out unlike with the simpler traditional gates. With the conventional gates, children and pets can gain easy access and run out onto busy roads. The electric gate offers enhanced protection, as it prevents any accidents outside your home.

4. Improved Curb Appeal
Automatic gates are sleek and add a touch of beauty to your outdoor space. If you want to improve your home's exterior aesthetics, go for an electric gate that easily blends with the rest of your home.

For enhanced aesthetics, choose a color or material that matches or contrasts that of your fence or other outdoor additions such as decks and patios.

5. Cost Benefits
An automatic gate system leverages innovative technology to reduce breakdowns. You save money on maintenance because the gate opener system moves the bulky appliance. With added security features such as surveillance cameras and deadbolts on the electric driveway gate, you can save on the cost of home insurance .

An automatic gate upgrade is a versatile home improvement idea that keeps on giving. With the driveway installation, you boost security, increase safety, and add to your home's curb appeal.

If you want to upgrade your driveway gate for your home in Antioch or anywhere in San Francisco Bay Area, our team at Alta Fence Co. is here to help. Since 1953 we have continued to offer excellent fence and gate solutions to clients in the community. If you want fence or gate installation, repairs or replacement, in the region, contact us today for a free quote.

The Benefits of an Iron Fence for Your Swimming Pool

Tue, 05 Jan 2021 15:33:15 GMT

The main purpose of pool fencing is safety, especially for children and pets. But pool fencing can be much more than just a safety barrier to a swimming pool. With the right material, a pool fence can be an attractive and elegant addition to your property. Ornamental iron fencing is both safe and beautiful. This makes it a great fencing material for swimming pools.

If you are considering your pool fencing options now, iron fencing might have all the attributes that you're looking for.

Visibility

Some fencing materials, like wood or vinyl, have large pickets that obscure your view. This is a problem in terms of safety, security, and beauty. For instance, if you can't see your pool clearly from all angles, you might not notice if someone is in distress. Because iron fences are extremely strong, the pickets don't need to be thick. They can be thin, which allows for great visibility from all angles.

Customization

Iron fences are highly customizable. You can add a whole range of iron components to an iron fence to suit your personal tastes and requirements. This means that you can pick the features that best suit your pool area and its design. If, for instance, you're going for a modern look, you can opt for a flat-rail style with minimal ornamental components.

The ability to customize your iron fence allows you to tweak the design to cover various different aspects.

Beauty

If aesthetics are a priority for you, then you can add a variety of elegant components to an ornamental iron fence. For instance, you can add finials or decorative tips to the top of your iron fence. You can also add spirals, gothic shapes, and twisted columns.

The possibilities are endless. If you have decorated your pool area with flowers and plants, you can choose to add vines, daisies, and roses to your iron fence to help it blend into the environment.

Security

Iron fences are strong and sturdy already, much more so than wooden or vinyl fences. But you can make them more secure by adding speared finials to the top railing. This will deter intruders from climbing over your pool fence to get to the pool area. Speared finials are also attractive to look at.

Safety

If you have young children or pets in your household, then safety will be at the top of your list of priorities. Because your fence provider can customize your iron fence to your specifications, you can make your pool fence as safe as you need to.

One issue with young children is that they can squeeze between the pickets of a fence to get to the pool beyond. You can overcome this safety issue by having your iron pickets closer together. And to prevent children from climbing over your iron pool fence, you choose a taller fence with minimal components within reach of children. This will prevent children from climbing over into the pool area.

Sturdiness

Metal fences, especially iron fences, are very sturdy. This means they can take a lot of damage, unlike wooden or vinyl pool fences. This is important in terms of safety, security, and maintenance costs. As long as you repaint your iron fence and monitor it for rust damage, it will outlast most other materials.

Sturdiness is important for pool fences because a compromised fence leaves the way open for intruders, children, and pets to go into the pool area.

Iron fencing is ideal for swimming pools because it is both beautiful and durable. If you'd like to design and install an iron fence around your swimming pool, contact Alta Fence Co. today. Since 1953, we have served the San Francisco and Bay Area, so we have the knowledge and skill to design an iron fence that meets your specific needs.

What Could Damage Wood Fencing and How to Prevent It

Wed, 04 Nov 2020 16:03:47 GMT

An elegant wood fence is a credit to you and your landscape, and you'll want to keep it looking shiny and new as long as possible. But wood naturally tends to break down over time, and a wood fence faces a variety of threats, from weather to wildlife. Here are some of the things that can damage your wood fence and what you can do to prevent the damage.

Insects
Perhaps the most well-known insect that eats wood is termites, though other insects such as powderpost beetles can also do so. Fortunately, if you use pressure-treated wood, your fence should be protected against insects. However, this protection can wear off. So be sure to check with your fence contractor to see how long the treatment lasts.

You can always re-treat your wood fence with a termite-killing preservative, but keep in mind this requires refinishing the fence as well. However, since termite treatment may last up to a decade, this doesn't have to be a very frequent maintenance step.

Rot
Rot is a process of decay caused by microorganisms in the wood. Pressure treatments that infuse chemicals into the wood should help prevent rot as well as termites (or at least slow it down). However, you can further protect against rot with common sense measures, such as:

Keeping the wood well off the ground
Making sure the fence is well sealed at all times
Repairing any damage to the fence promptly
Keeping mulch and vegetation away from the fence
Making sure your sprinklers don't sprinkle your fence

Moisture intrusion into the fence can hasten the decay process, which is why these measures can help avoid or reduce rot.

Wind
Wind damage can be direct, as when your fence starts to visibly lean after a storm. Or, the damage can be caused by wind blowing debris into the fence or dropping a tree limb or an entire tree on it. Either of these types of damage can be difficult to prevent, but you can try a few things to make the damage less likely.

For instance, you can make trees and branches less likely to fall by keeping trees well-pruned so they're more structurally stable. You can also tie down large objects in the yard (such as trash cans) or bring them under cover so the wind won't hurl them at the fence. And of course, a strong, well-built fence will be able to withstand damage better.

Woodpeckers
You may see a woodpecker drilling away at your fence posts and feel personally attacked, but the woodpecker is actually just looking for food. And it eats bugs and larvae, so if it's attacking your fence, you may have bigger problems, such as termites living in your fence.

To prevent woodpecker attacks, have your fence inspected and re-sealed frequently against bugs and rot.

Unstable Posts
Your fence's structural stability depends on the fence posts, so tilted fence posts or any instability can cause warped, tilted, and sagging in your fence. To keep your fence from tilting more or even falling down, you may have to brace or even replace a fence post that's become unstable. Talk to your fencing contractor about any fence posts that seem to be destabilizing.

These are just a few of the common threats that could damage your wood fence. As you care for your fence over the years, you may find other threats and issues that could cause damage.

Contact Alta Fence Co . for expert fence care and repairs anytime you detect a fence problem. We offer a variety of services for both new and existing fences, and we'd be glad to help save your fence from damaging influences.

3 Reasons to Add Temporary Fencing to Your Construction Site

Thu, 27 Aug 2020 16:17:50 GMT

Security is important on a construction site. Adding some fencing is one of the easiest ways to boost security within a construction zone.

Unfortunately, permanent fencing typically isn't an option. Excavation and permits could be required to construct a permanent fence around your work site.

Temporary fencing can offer many of the same security benefits provided by a permanent fence, but you can forego the hassle of installation and removal when you opt for temporary fencing around your construction site. Here are the top three reasons why you should add temporary fencing to your construction site.

1. Protect Valuable Equipment
A wide range of equipment is needed to complete any construction project. Most contractors will leave equipment on the job site each evening. It takes too much time and effort to load and unload valuable equipment each day.

The equipment that you leave on your construction site each evening could be stolen if you don't have a fence in place to protect these items.

National crime statistics show that construction equipment theft results in nationwide losses of up to $1 billion . The recovery rate for stolen construction equipment is less than 20%.

A temporary fence around your construction site can deter criminal activity and help you avoid the financial hardship created by equipment theft. Opt for a freestanding temporary fence that is held securely in place with concrete blocks to maximize the security of your valuable equipment.

2. Avoid Lawsuits
Construction companies have a legal obligation to maintain the safety of any work zone. This obligation is meant for the protection of both employees and any pedestrians passing by a construction site.

A passerby that sustains a serious injury on your construction site could file a personal injury lawsuit against your construction company. Temporary fencing can help you avoid these types of lawsuits.

If a personal injury case is filed against your company, the presence of a temporary fence around your work site could save you from being found legally liable for the plaintiff's injuries.

A fence acts as a visual barrier that lets people know an area is off limits. You can place signage on your temporary fence warning pedestrians of possible dangers and instructing them to keep their distance.

The money you invest in temporary fencing will help you avoid the greater financial loss that you may sustain in a personal injury lawsuit.

3. Maintain Accessibility
Accessibility is critical on a construction site. Heavy machinery, trucks loaded with materials, and tool trailers must all be able to enter the work zone with ease if you want your project to run efficiently.

Temporary fencing offers maximum accessibility to your work area without compromising the safety and security of your construction site.

Individual fence panels can be reconfigured as your construction project progresses and access points change. A temporary gate can be relocated to a different section of fencing to accommodate access point updates.

The flexibility a temporary fence offers in terms of setup and mobility allows you to ensure your equipment, vendors, subcontractors, and others can always access your construction site with ease.

Construction sites are a prime example of areas where temporary fencing solutions can be more beneficial than permanent fence installation.

A temporary fence gives you the privacy, security, and protection you need without interfering with the day-to-day operations of your work site.

Temporary fencing can be made from a variety of materials and comes in varying heights. You can customize your temporary fencing to meet the unique needs of your construction site.

Contact Alta Fence Co. today to discuss your temporary fencing options. We can help you secure temporary fencing that will enhance the safety and security of your construction sites in the future.

Everything You Need to Know About Lattice Fences

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 16:28:31 GMT

Fencing entirely of lattice panels is uncommon, which makes the style eye-catching. Contractors use the standard posts and typically frame the lattice panels with top and bottom rails. Though lattice fences can be sturdy, they're typically decorative. That said, such fences can keep pets and children in the yard if built high enough.

Find out everything you should know about lattice fences to decide if they're right for your project.

Lattice Fencing Advantages and Disadvantages

The main disadvantage of lattice fencing is it usually offers no privacy. A true lattice fence is as see-through as a chain link fence. Some homeowners combat that fact by installing solid privacy panels below, but that's essentially a privacy fence with lattice accents. Lattice fences also aren't as durable as, say, a privacy or palisades fence.

The main advantage of lattice fencing is its aesthetic value. The style is highly decorative. What's more, a lattice's purpose is as a support for climbing plants, so such a fence can complement your landscaping. Lattice fencing is also highly versatile.

Lattice Fence Materials

The traditional material for lattice fencing is wood. Cedar is a high-end choice, but you can also choose natural whitewood or pressure-treated pine. Contractors can stain, paint, or whitewash the surface. Wood offers the most customization options.

Vinyl is a standard alternative to wood in most fence styles, including lattice. The quality of vinyl fencing varies, which relates to its durability and longevity. However, vinyl typically makes for low-maintenance fencing. You see plastic lattice panels, but contractors rarely use them for an entire fence.

Lattice Panel Styles

Because lattice fencing is a decorative fence to begin with, it offers many modifications for decorative elements. At minimum, you can choose how weighty and elaborate you want the rails and posts to be. You can even omit the top rails for a rustic finish.

The top of the fence offers other opportunities for decorative elements. The tops of the lattice panels can be concave or convex. You can also extend the posts up and join them with a floating top rail.

Lattice Fence Decorative Elements

Lattice Fence Cost Considerations

A couple considerations go into the cost per foot of a lattice fence. The main consideration is material. You can choose a low-cost vinyl or wood, which are about the same price as each other. As a material, quality wood comes in at a good midrange price. Quality vinyl is the most expensive option.

The other major cost consideration is fencing style. If you choose a prefabricated wood fence, it will usually lower the installation cost. Any customizations that require the contractors to put the fence together on-site add to the cost. With prefabricated vinyl, more elaborate fences cost more at the outset, but they're all about the same for installation.

Lattice Fence Maintenance

The maintenance for lattice fencing also relates to the material. With wood, both cedar and pressure-treated pine are resistant to rot and warping. However, you do need to inspect the fence regularly for signs of either issue. You can also detect breaks that way. Likewise, you must refinish or repaint the fence every few years.

Vinyl fencing requires little maintenance. You can power wash it once or twice a year. Otherwise, give it an inspection to detect breaks. If part of a panel breaks, you typically have to replace the whole panel to maintain the fence's structural integrity.

If you think a lattice fence will work for your project, contact Alta Fence Co.

Wood Rot and Fencing | Alta Fence Co.

Sun, 26 Apr 2020 16:39:32 GMT

Wood is a common material for all kinds of fencing. Installers can use wood for privacy, decorative, and perimeter fences. Many homeowners prize wood because of its natural beauty. They naturally want to keep the wood beautiful. Needless to say, rotted wood isn't beautiful. Find out everything you need to know about rot and your wooden fence.

Brown Rot

Brown rot affects structural wood products. Decay fungi find a way to penetrate the wood's surface. They use both non-enzymatic and enzymatic methods to break down the cellulose in the wood. As a result, the wood's strength is severely compromised.

Signs of Brown Rot

As the decay fungi consume the cellulose, the wood will start to shrink and turn dark brown. You may also see a flat, skin-like growth on the wood's surface. When its structural integrity completely succumbs to the destruction, it will break into small, square pieces, which is called cubical fracture. Before the fungus has taken hold, it appears white and puffy.

Conditions for Brown Rot

The decay fungi are able to thrive in the wood under certain conditions. They need oxygen, warmth, and moisture to survive in the wood. Their spores travel in the air and land everywhere, including your wooden fence. If they can make their way into the wood with the above three necessities, they will thrive. The fungi in brown rot need temperatures between 65 to 90 degrees .

Solutions for Brown Rot

The decay fungi rapidly affect the wood's strength. Once the wood's structural integrity is gone, you can no longer treat or repair it. Your only option is to replace the affected fence parts.

If you've caught the rot soon enough, you may be able to save the affected fence parts. You must first dry out the area. You can then use commercial antifreeze to kill the fungus and halt the growth of the dry rot. Fill in the channels with epoxy, and either stain or paint your fence.

White Rot

White rot affects primarily hardwoods. With white rot, the decay fungi use enzymatic methods to consume the lignin in the wood. Lignin is the polymer that makes wood rigid and woody. The wood's strength will become compromised, though not as severely or as rapidly as with dry rot.

Signs of White Rot

As the decay fungi break the lignin, the white cellulose is left behind. The wood appears white or yellow. You may see an overall bleached appearance or only in a few areas. It can look and feel spongy or stringy. The fungus itself looks similar to the one that causes dry rot.

Conditions for White Rot

The fungi thrive in the same kind of conditions with oxygen, warmth, and moisture. They do prefer wetter conditions than with dry rot.

Solutions for White Rot

As with dry rot, once the rot has destroyed the structure of the wood, replacement is the only option.

If the fence is still structurally intact, you can dry it out and treat it with a strong preservative. First, dig out the areas of rot. You can use a wood filler to repair the holes. If a larger area needs fixing, you can splice in new wood to replace the damaged piece.

Resistance to Wood Rot

Some woods are naturally resistant to both kinds of rot. For purposes of fencing, red cedar, redwood, and cypress are ideal because their heartwood features a naturally occurring preservative. The preservative makes the wood undesirable to the decay fungi. That said, only the heartwood, not the sapwood, is rot-resistant.

Fabricators can treat other woods with chemical preservatives to make it inedible to the decay fungi. The common chemical compound is an alkaline copper quat. They can also pressure treat the wood so a preservative sinks deep into the wood fiber.

Finally, both naturally preserved and chemically preserved woods need an additional barrier for full rot prevention. Have your fence installers seal your fence. If you're in a humid area, you should reseal your fence periodically.

If you catch the wood rot soon enough, you can save most of the fence. Call Alta Fence Co. if you need the fence itself.

Benefits of Using Cedar for Your Privacy Fence

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 16:52:27 GMT

When you're looking to have a privacy fence built, you'll have some different options for the wood. Pine is a common budget item, while cedar has the look of an upgrade. You'll have a beautiful, durable fence no matter which material you choose. However, cedar does convey some natural benefits that might sway you into choosing it as your privacy fence material.

Cedar Displays Unique Beauty

One of the main reasons homeowners choose cedar for their privacy fencing is because of the wood's natural beauty. Most woods display attractive graining patterns. However, the Western Red Cedar many fencing companies use features a uniform grain that's rare in the wood world. This straight-grained lumber provides a high-end material for your fence.

Cedar also provides its characteristic color. The heartwood that most fencing contractors use is reddish to pinkish brown. You often get a few streaks and bands of darker graining. Some cedar pickets also feature knots, which many homeowners value aesthetically.

Cedar Requires Little Maintenance

Some homeowners shy away from wood fencing because they don't want to have to maintain it. Cedar fencing does require some maintenance. However, the required maintenance is a lot less than other fencing woods.

The main maintenance that you'd incur with a cedar fence is the initial application of a protective coating. Indeed, your fencing contractors can provide that service for you. After that, you may choose to reapply the protective coating every few years. You may also want to practice standard fencing maintenance tasks, such as inspecting it for breaks or splinters.

Cedar Is Durable

Cedar is known for its durability. It features natural oils that help the wood be resistant to rotting. Indeed, Western Red Cedar has been rated as durable to very durable in its resistance to decay. Therefore, a cedar privacy fence maintains its structural integrity for a long time - often longer than pressure-treated wood.

Cedar withstands inclement weather conditions well. The natural oils in the wood also make it resistant to warping and shrinkage. So, the cedar pickets are less likely to buckle or splinter. The cedar privacy fence will hold its shape for a long time. What's more, you can extend its life with sealants or other protective coatings. A well-maintained cedar fence can last 30 years or longer.

Another feature that's unique to cedar is its insect repellence. Many people use cedar wood chips to deter moths in their clothing or pests in their planting beds. More important to your fence, though, is cedar's natural resistance to termites. The pests don't like the taste of cedar oil.

Cedar Controls Temperature and Sound

Cedar wood features air pockets inside its structure. These pockets help the wood control the temperature in its environs. They work a little like insulation, so the surrounding area is warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. If you have a privacy fence built of cedar, it can help make your yard's temperature more comfortable.

A privacy fence already helps dampen noise by its very structure. However, those air pockets in cedar serve a second service - they help dampen sound even further. Indeed, a cedar privacy fence can decrease noise pollution in your yard by up to 70 percent .

Cedar Weathers Well

Cedar, like any wood, deteriorates over time. However, cedar wood features that abundance of natural oils. Well, not only do the oils make it naturally resistant to pests, they help cedar deteriorate more slowly. If you have the fence stained or otherwise treated, you further slow down this process.

That said, even an untreated cedar fence weathers well. The process starts right away, but then those natural oils preserve the wood. You can go years without having to replace the fence because of structural issues. What's more, many homeowners prize the silvery appearance cedar takes on as it weathers.

Consider choosing cedar for your wooden privacy fence. When you're ready to explore your fence options, contact Alta Fence Co.

Options for Fencing a Sloped Yard

Thu, 02 Jan 2020 17:11:15 GMT

Homeowners with sloped yards already know the challenges the hill presents. Landscaping can be difficult, while drainage and general safety are problematic considerations. Another challenge is how to fence a sloped yard. Luckily, while the slope does present a difficulty, fencing experts can easily overcome the challenge.

Chain Link Fence

Perhaps the easiest and most cost-effective method for fencing a sloped yard is with chain link. Chain link is essentially woven metal mesh, so the contractors can shape how the panels fall. Therefore, they mostly just have to place the posts along the slope and unroll the chain link to follow the angle. They'll fasten the chain link to the posts along the way.

Naturally, even with a relatively malleable material such as chain link, the slope still presents some problems. For one, the contractors have to manage the terminal connections to the fence because the mesh is at an angle. They usually bias cut the ends of the mesh. The top and bottom rails can also be difficult. Contractors usually have to cut the ends at an angle so they align with the posts.

Wooden Picket Fence

Many homeowners desire picket fences for their aesthetic value. Wooden picket fences are possible even with the challenges a sloped yard presents. A common method for installing a picket fence on a sloped yard is the racked approach.

With a racked picket fence, the contractors start with the posts the same way they do with the chain link fence. They then attach the upper and lower rails - they typically have to bias-cut both rails so they're parallel to the ground. From there, contractors have to install every picket individually. By installing each picket individually, they can stagger the pickets to follow the slope.

Needless to say, building a fence picket-by-picket is a time-intensive process. Therefore, such a fence is bound to be one of the costlier options. However, if you have a sloped yard and appreciate the look of a picket fence, the methodology does exist. What's more, racked fences feature minimal gapping at the bottom of the fence.

Privacy Fence

Another popular fencing style is the privacy fence. Your contractors can construct the privacy with the racked method, too. The racked method is popular for the "good neighbors" fence because this style consists of pickets placed individually anyway so that the pickets are fastened on both sides with an attractive shadowbox in between.

For other privacy fence styles, many contractors favor the stepped approach. With this method, contractors use preassembled panels instead of individual pickets. They erect the posts as always. However, they then install the preassembled panels in steps to follow the slope so the top of the fence literally looks like steps.

Unfortunately, the bottom of the fence also looks like steps, which usually leaves a gap. You'll probably want to fill the gap. You can do so with built-in planters. Another option is to install an L-footer at the bottom. The L-footer is wire mesh bent to resemble an L that you affix to the posts. The L-footer is ideal for keeping dogs from digging or squeezing under the fence.

Vinyl or Metal Fence

A vinyl fence is budget-friendly and relatively maintenance free, so many homeowners look to vinyl for their fencing. When you're dealing with a slope, vinyl is tricky because it's preassembled and rigid. It's not ideal for slopes. That said, some manufacturers do make diagonal panels specifically for slopes. Contractors can also use the stepped method for installation.

You have similar considerations with metal fencing. However, in some cases, contractors can use the racked method to install a metal fence. More commonly, you see the panels installed in steps. You can also have a hybrid fence that consists of wooden posts and rails with vinyl-coated mesh within the frame.

Tame your sloped yard with a fence that follows the angle of the hill. Contact Alta Fence Co . for all your fencing needs.

5 Indicators That a Fence Will Benefit Your Front Yard

Wed, 27 Nov 2019 18:31:40 GMT

For many homeowners, installing a fence in the backyard is the natural thing to do. However, front-yard fences convey the same benefits as their backyard counterparts, particularly privacy and security. They can also add beauty to your property.

Below are five indicators that a front-yard fence will benefit your property.

1. You Have Children or Pets Entering Your Life

When you have children or adopt pets, you naturally want to keep them safe. If the possibility exists that they will get outside via the front door, you may want to consider a front-yard fence. You may also want to consider a front-yard fence if you regularly have visitors who have children or pets.

The level of protective fencing you need depends on your house's locale. If you live in a quiet neighborhood, a picket fence with pointed finals and thick slats may be sufficient. For homes near busy streets, iron or privacy fencing may be more appropriate.

2. Your Neighborhood Has Busy Streets Nearby

In that vein, another good indicator that your house could benefit from a front-yard fence is the presence of a busy street in the vicinity. This street could be the one that runs in front of your house or the one that connects to your street. Either way, nearby streets will create both auto and foot traffic. A fence will keep your front yard secure.

If you don't have children or pets to worry about, you may choose a decorative fence for this situation. Indeed, picket and wrought-iron fences come in a variety of styles that can enhance the beauty of your yard without making it feel closed off. Yet they will still keep foot traffic off your property.

3. Neighborhood Animals Dirty Your Lawn

Depending on the location of your house, you may be more worried about animal visitors. These animals might be wild creatures from a neighboring field or pets that have been let off the leash. Either way, if they get into your landscaping, they can cause damage.

Smaller animals won't be deterred by picket fences. Therefore, many homeowners opt for chain-link fencing, perhaps with wooden or iron posts to add beauty. You can also use metal fencing with narrow spaces between pickets to keep animals at bay.

4. You Have a Front Porch or Patio

Fences don't just create a delineation between spaces. Depending on the style you choose, a fence can also afford you privacy. This privacy is ideal if you want to use a front-yard porch or patio. You're unlikely to feel secure if passersby can ogle you while you're enjoying your outdoor space.

Privacy fences were designed for this exact eventuality. However, privacy fences do completely close off your front yard. You can solve this problem by incorporating lattice screens. However, you might also want to devise a system of fencing and landscaping that produces beauty as well as privacy. For instance, you can have a shorter fence installed and use dense foliage to add height.

5. You Want More Curb Appeal

Fencing can also bestow beauty on your property as its main function. If this is your goal, you'll likely want your fence to be lower and more open than one used for security or privacy. Likewise, you'll want to incorporate your fence with the landscaping.

Picket fences are a natural for this style of fence. Picket fencing comes in a variety of styles and tops, so you can customize the look to your preferences. Likewise, wrought-iron fencing is an upscale addition that adds value to your home as well as curb appeal. Wrought iron is especially appropriate for historical styles of houses. It also carries almost infinite customization options.

Before starting any front-yard fencing project, take a walk around your neighborhood and talk to your neighbors about the shared community of your block. After all, you want to make sure that your neighbors will be all right with your new installation. When you do decide to fence in your front yard, let Alta Fence Co. construct an attractive and useful installation. Contact us today.

Privacy Options for Your Chain Link Fence

Thu, 17 Oct 2019 17:30:53 GMT

A chain link fence is perfect option for many homeowners. These fences are durable and they require little to no maintenance. The only real drawback to chain link fencing is that the design does not allow for a lot of privacy.

Fortunately, you have options that will allow you to have a chain link fence as well as the privacy you desire. All of these methods can be implemented either at the fence installation or on an existing chain link fence.

Vinyl Slats

Vinyl slats are perhaps the most versatile option for upgrading the privacy of a chain link fence. The vinyl is durable enough to last the lifetime of the fence, and it requires no care beyond an occasional rinsing off to remove dust. Another benefit is that a single slat can be replaced if damaged, as opposed to having to replace the entire privacy cover.

Options

You can choose slats to fit almost any aesthetic. Slats are available in a range of colors and you can even combine slats of different colors to create a design. For more creative designs, you can find slats made to resemble foliage so that the fence resembles a hedge after installation.

Installation Basics

Two installation methods are available. For both new and existing fences, hand-weaving is the most common option. Slats are woven through the chain mesh vertically, horizontally, or on the diagonal. If you are having a new chain link fence installed, the more durable option is to have the slats inserted into the fence as the chain link is being machine woven.

Screens

Screens are often used for privacy and wind reduction around tennis courts or swimming pools, but they also provide an attractive option for your yard. Just keep in mind that privacy screens only have an expected lifespan of three to five years, so periodic replacement will be necessary.

Options

Much like vinyl slats, screens are available in a range of colors. You can also have screens custom printed with the design or colors of your choice. Privacy screens only cover one side of the fence, though, so the chain link will be visible on the opposite side.

Installation Basics

Screens are simply clipped into place, making them quick and easy to install once they have been fitted to your fence dimensions. Although you can install them on your own, professional installation is usually recommended to ensure that the screens are taut and secure. Any slack in the screens can lead to flapping, which weakens the material and can shorten the life of the screen.

Panels

If your home came with a chain link fence and you prefer wood or wood-look vinyl fencing, you have the option to upgrade to the desired fencing panels using the chain link fence as the support.

Options

Panels can be made from natural bamboo, panels, or boards in the wood of your choice, or from prefabricated vinyl panels. In addition to the wide choice of materials, you also can choose the color and the design of the panels, particularly if you opt for custom-made wood panels.

Installation Basics

Bamboo or reed panels are simply fastened over the existing chain link much in the way of a privacy screen. There are also custom options that require the construction of the wood fence panels on the existing supports of the chain link fencing. This second option can be done using only the support posts from the chain link fencing, or the fencing may be left in place so that the panels are affixed to both the chain and posts.

Important Steps for Designing a Mixed-Media Fence

Tue, 23 Jul 2019 17:42:41 GMT

Fences can be strictly utilitarian in nature, especially for businesses. However, most homeowners want their fencing to complement their house and even add curb appeal. You can get such benefits from a singlematerial fence. However, consider mixing the materials. A mixed-media fence allows you to showcase the beauty of both materials you choose, which also gives your home a unique appearance.

If you decide to try a mixed-media fence, here are some considerations you must think about.

Settle on the Fenced-In Portion

The layout is the first planning step for any fence. Your first task is to decide on whether the fence is primarily functional or decorative. The fence's primary purpose will help determine the dimensions and materials, as well as which area of your yard needs to be fenced in. For example, if you're looking at a decorative fence, the enclosed space might be smaller than if you wanted a security fence.

Indeed, fences can have multiple purposes. Beyond adding beauty or keeping passersby out of your yard, fencing can drive foot traffic from one area of your yard to another. It can also help delineate spaces or screen areas for privacy. Think about how you'd like to use your yard, and then brainstorm how a fence can augment those uses. That information helps you decide on the enclosed space.

Before you go too far in the planning stage, make sure you check with your local municipality or home owners' association. Your property may be subject to specific rules and regulations regarding height, style, and materials of fences.

Select Your Materials

Your designated purpose will help you settle on materials for your mixed-media fence. Generally speaking, more utilitarian tasks call for more utilitarian materials. So, you'll often use chain link or tubular aluminum for enclosure and security. Wood, composite, and vinyl work well for privacy. Wood and wrought iron are common for decoration.

Likewise, the area to enclose might dictate which materials stay within your budget. High-end materials such as wrought iron and stone might be pricey for a long fence. You can still use them, but you might have to relegate them to specific portions of a long fence.

Finally, since you're choosing to build a mixed-media fence, you'll need to choose two materials that complement each other. Generally speaking, you usually mix metal with either wood or stone. Some examples of common two-material combinations include:

Chain link with wooden framing
Wooden privacy fencing with metal framing
Wrought iron fencing with stone posts
Stone fencing with wrought iron toppers
Cable rail with wooden posts

If you want a unique fence, you can also mix up the combinations. For example, a privacy fence can be constructed of corrugated metal with wooden framing. Such a fence offers a modern appeal by creating an industrial backdrop.

Choose a Design that Complements the House and Yard

As part of the materials-selection stage, you'll want to consider design. Different materials, or different forms of materials, carry different design connotations. A panel of corrugated metal is very modern, but a panel of wrought iron is classical.

You'll want to take your inspiration from different areas. For one, no matter the purpose of the fence, you want it to complement your house. Therefore, it should be in a similar style. Don't install an ultramodern fence in front of an historical-style house because the result will be incongruous.

Other areas of inspiration are the structures near your fence and the neighborhood in general. For instance, you may have a detached garage or a designed patio. If your fence will have any visual relation with those areas, ensure it complements the structure. Likewise, peruse the fences around your neighborhood. Again, you don't want to erect a fence that strongly clashes with local designs.

Your local fencing experts can help you with the design phase of your mixed-material fence. Create unique fencing that adds curb appeal by having a two-material fence installed. Alta Fence Co. can help you from the design to implementation stage.

4 Types of Gates to Consider for Your Home

Wed, 29 May 2019 17:51:49 GMT

Installing a fence around your property has many perks. It can offer privacy and protection, but a fence isn't always useful if you don't have a gate to easily access the fenced area. There are many types of gates from which to choose, and some are better than others in certain situations. If you want to know more about the different types of gates, keep reading.

1. Standard Gate

Standard gates come in many styles, but they share one common theme: easy accessibility. Some standard gates don't even have locks. They may simply have latches to keep the gate from opening on its own. You can add a padlock or chain to offer additional protection, but that could affect the aesthetics of the gate and fence.

Standard gates are a great choice if you don't really have much to protect. For example, if don't have expensive appliances outside, you probably don't have to worry about too many people trespassing to steal. On the other hand, if you do, a standard gate may not be enough protection.

2. Self-Latching Gates

Self-latching gates are another option to consider, and they may be a better choice if you have trouble remembering to close the gate. Usually, if left open, these gates will close on their own and the gate will self-latch once closed (like shutting a regular door). Once latched, the gate can't be pushed open by pets or small children.

These types of fence are important if you have children, pets, or a pool. Children may often forget to close the gate, and pets can easily escape. If you have a pool, a self-latching gate can be the difference between life and death if a child wanders too close.

3. One-Way Gate

One-way gates, as the name suggests, only open one way. They are more common in commercial settings to help keep people out of places they don't belong. However, they can also be used at home to offer better protection. They are particularly good if you want multiple exists from the fenced in area. One-way gates offer plenty of exits without offering criminals more points of entry.

While standard and self-latching gates can come in many styles, one-way gates are usually vinyl or ornamental because they require strong hinges to properly secure them. One-way gates are also good if you have livestock. They allow you to move the livestock through different pens and gates without them animals backtracking.

4. Automatic Gate

Automatic gates allow access without making you manually unlock the gate. You can simply enter a code or push a button, and the gate will open. These types of gates are great if you frequently pass through the gate. For example, if there is a gate at the end of your driveway, you probably don't want to get in and out of the car every time you leave to open and close the gate.

These types of gates are expensive to install, but they are also durable, so you may not need to replacement as often. Plus, a good automatic gate may be an attractive selling point in the future. You will need to maintain your gate to prevent breakdowns and potential injury. Last, if you experience a power outage, you may need to have a backup gate or way to open the gate.

Every homeowners should consider installing a fence for additional protection. However, choosing the right gate can be just as important as choosing the right fence. With so many options from which to choose, it may seem overwhelming, but you can find the gate perfect for your needs. For more information about fences and gates, contact us at Alta Fence Co. today.

Decorative Gate Upgrades for a Wooden Privacy Fence

Wed, 27 Mar 2019 18:02:42 GMT

Wooden privacy fences shield your yard from view. Naturally, in addition to your fence, you need an opening for entering the yard itself. Typically, most homeowners opt for a wooden privacy gate.

The gate is an area where you can add ornamentation in the name of beauty, which also increases the curb appeal of your home. Below are some decorative upgrades for a wooden privacy gate.

Wooden Header

If you opt for a standard wooden privacy gate, one of the most common decorative upgrades is the header, which is a beam that spans between the gateposts. Typically constructed of wood, headers can have scrolled ends, curves, or wooden finials at the top. As a bonus, the header adds strength to your gate.

Lattice Screen

Another common décor element for wooden privacy gates is the lattice screen, which is usually at the top of the gate. The top rail of the screen can be straight, concave, or convex. You can also choose from different lattice patterning. The lattice boards can be straight or slanted. The wood boards can also have more ornamental designs.

A close relative to the lattice screen is the gate fan. This fan can consist of a half-circle or semicircle with other decorative elements filling in between its sides and the top of the gate. The fan is taller than a convex lattice screen, and the boards flare out in the classic fan pattern. You can also choose a lattice screen that resembles the fan but that dips into the top of the gate.

Peek-a-Boo Insert

Lattice screens reduce some of the closed-off look of your wooden fence and gate. Another method for opening up the façade is with a peek-a-boo insert. This insert functions a little like a window in your gate. However, instead of glass, the frame holds decorative iron or wood. Peek-a-boo inserts can be round, square, or rectangular. You also have a lot of adaptability in the design of the inside.

Ornamental Iron Framework

Adding another medium to your gate can also add visual interest. One common decorative upgrade is choosing a wooden gate framed in iron, which makes an attractive complement. The iron can be simple, or you can choose scrolls and other ornamentation. The decorative iron can also extend above the gate in the manner of a lattice panel.

Archway or Arbor

The header isn't the only way to draw the eye up with your gate design. Many homeowners add an archway around the gate. Unlike the header, an archway is a separate element from the gate, consisting of its own posts that curve up to the arch itself. You can choose from different designs of archways.

Climbing Plants

Though not a structural element, one of the most common suggestions for decorating a garden gate is to plant climbers at the base and train them up lattice screens and either headers or arches. The overall effect is welcoming and adds a touch of color to your gate. If you choose a lush plant, you can even add some privacy.

A caveat to this decoration is the plants can damage certain materials. They can trap moisture between their leaves or blooms and the structure of the gate. Therefore, you'll want to consult with your fencing experts about the best way to approach this decorative idea. They may suggest a coating or a different material altogether for the decorative element.

Don't choose a simple wooden privacy gate. Instead, consider some of the above ornamentation options. Alta Fence Co. can provide for all your fence and gate needs.

5 Advantages of Mixed-Media Fencing

Mon, 28 Jan 2019 18:19:13 GMT

The perception sometimes is that you must choose a single fencing material, such as wood. However, when you're having a fence built around your property, you have many choices in material, including the option to mix materials. Mixing materials in fencing conveys many benefits.

1. Quality Materials Add Value to Budget Materials

Certain materials, such as chain-link, are considered budget options because they're easy on the wallet. However, such materials have their own value, such as being durable and low-maintenance. You can make such materials feel more upscale by blending them with luxurious materials.

For instance, contractors often recommend framing chain-link fences in wood. Instead of aluminum posts, they start with wooden posts and caps. Indeed, the caps are one area where you can add ornamentation. The contractors can also add top and bottom rails that frame the chain-link panels. You can also upgrade the rail styles for further beauty.

2. Sturdier Mediums Bolster Flexible Materials

Going along with the same example, chain-link is a flexible material. It's a metal weave that contractors unroll and fasten to posts. Over time, the top of the fence can sag while the bottom buckles. When you add the wooden framing, though, you get the sturdiness of the wood to help the chain-link hold its shape.

You can achieve a similar effect with vinyl. By itself, vinyl fencing can also buckle over time. However, you can combine vinyl with metal or stone. For instance, the contractors can lay stone posts with a half wall spanning in between and top the wall with vinyl fencing. They can also frame the vinyl in metal, similar to framing chain-link with wood. Both options make vinyl sturdier.

3. Separate Mediums Convey Their Own Advantages

Along the same lines, each fencing material has its own unique benefits. Below are some examples:

Wood: decorative, high-end, customizable
Wrought iron: high-end, highly customizable, durable
Brick: high-end, sturdy, private
Chain-link: low-maintenance, budget-friendly, customizable
Vinyl: low-maintenance, durable, attractive

When you mix materials, you get benefits from both.

For example, both brick and wrought iron are used to make luxury fences. Wrought iron is more customizable than straight brick because you have so many choices in ornamentation, pickets, and finials. However, brick conveys more privacy and sound buffering. With a brick-wrought iron fence, you get more customization along with better privacy and sound buffering.

4. Use of Mixed Materials Changes Profile Characteristics

Each material tends to lend itself to a certain fence style. For example, brick is often used for privacy. Wrought iron is used for security. Wood can be used for privacy or security, but it can also be mostly decorative, as with picket fences. Chain-link conveys security and property demarcation.

Mixing materials allows you to change the typical profile of that material. For example, if you have a brick privacy fence installed, you wall in your property. You can open up the wall with wrought iron panels. You can get a similar effect with wooden privacy fencing and laser-cut metal panels.

5. Mixed-Medium Fences Offer More Design Options

Beyond changing the characteristic profile of a given material, mixing mediums simply gives you more design options than sticking with a single material. Indeed, your imagination is your only limit.

Just deciding to mix brick with metal gives you numerous design options. You can keep it classic with red brick and black wrought iron. You can make the look more homespun with white wrought iron. Ornamented iron in bowed panels conveys a cottage appeal. Replacing wrought iron with laser-cut metal creates a modern profile.

When you mix fencing materials, you end up with a custom creation that lends a unique character to your property. Consider mixed-media fences to reap the benefits of both materials used. Alta Fence Co. can design and install the ideal mixed-media fence for your property.

Important Considerations for Planning Your Driveway Entrance

Thu, 04 Oct 2018 18:40:53 GMT

The driveway is one of the main transition spaces between your home and the rest of the world. The entrance to the driveway deserves its own design plan because it will impact not only the effect of your driveway but also your daily routines. Below are some important considerations for planning the entrance to your driveway.

Entrance Material and Style

The driveway apron, which is the area that widens to meet the road, doesn't necessarily have to be the same material and style as the driveway itself. This fact is especially true if you have a gated driveway. In fact, many people have a decorative apron and a plain driveway, which helps cut down on costs.

Upscale materials for a driveway apron include cobblestone, flagstone, and brick. You can also choose to construct the apron with a concrete slab that contractors stamp and stain to resemble one of those more expensive materials. Designers usually recommend choosing a material that complements the rest of the driveway to make the transitional area distinctive.

Gate Style in Relation to Fence Style

If you want to gate your driveway, obviously you'll have a fence. The material you choose, ranging from casual chain link to ornate wrought iron, will largely dictate your fence's style.

Your gate material doesn't necessarily have to match the fence. However, you want some connection between the two. For example, say you have a wooden fence for your front yard, but you'd like a decorative wrought iron gate for the driveway. You could choose a decorative gate with wooden panel inserts.

In addition to overall style, you'll need to choose whether your gate swings or slides open. A sliding gate is ideal if you don't want to take up much of the apron's room when opening the gate. With swinging gates, a single panel is ideal for narrower driveways. If you have a wide opening, you'll probably need a biparting gate, which consists of two panels.

Gate Opener

Naturally, the old-school style of manually opening the gate is an option. However, many homeowners opt for automatic gate openers. Within that style, you have a wide range of options. Some of the options will depend on whether you've chosen a swinging or sliding gate.

One of the main choices you'll make for an automatic gate opener is its trigger. You can configure it to open when a car approaches. More secure methods require keying in a code or using a key card. You can also choose a transmitter, which is similar to a garage door opener. The transmitter is likely the most convenient option.

Driveway Entrance Lighting

Another important safety consideration is how you illuminate your driveway entrance, which might be part of the lighting plan for the whole driveway area. Part of this illumination plan will depend on whether or not your entrance has a gate.

With a gated entrance, the illumination plan will probably be independent of the rest of the driveway. This may consist simply of installing lights in the gateposts or uplighting to illuminate them. If you need to interact with a keypad, this area needs lighting. You can choose decorative lighting, such as a post lantern, to give your entrance some distinction.

Such decorative lighting works well even if you don't have a gate. With an ungated entrance, though, you want to ensure the lighting complements the rest of the driveway illumination. You may choose some lowvoltage spreadlights to delineate the border of the apron. You can also highlight the area with downlighting from trees or the nearby fence.

Landscaping Around the Area

While the landscaping around your driveway entrance won't affect its functionality, the landscaping will impact the entrance's appearance. Many homeowners prepare planting beds at the base of the gateposts and plant low plants that don't impede the sightline. You can choose some low-maintenance plants or add color with pretty blooms.

Create a driveway entrance that facilitates your daily movements while also creating a favorable impression. Alta Fence Co. will help you design the best driveway entrance possible.