The Fence Post

Pull it Tight

Ever wondered how to stretch a fence to get it tight? This video shows you how to make and use a homemade fence stretcher you can use to pull your fence tight. In the video, chicken wire is being installed; however, this type of stretcher can be used for all styles of woven wire fence as well. Steel stretcher bars are also available to buy if you don't want to make your own. Be sure to check out the helpful tip at the end of the video.

But Not Too Tight

It is important to have a level pull uniformly across the height of the fence to avoid distorting the mesh. The amount of tension is determined by the type of mesh. Welded wire fencing material cannot be tightened as much as woven wire meshes, such as field fence, horse fence, deer and wildlife fence.

Are you working on a grade? Check out another helpful video: Fence Stretching Basics.

Repair? Replace?

Sadly, during a major storm, your fence can be easily damaged. Strong winds can blow down large branches. Entire trees can be uprooted, landing on your fence. Often the damage can only be repaired by replacing what was there with new fencing materials. Hopefully, these storms will pass you and your family by and cause no damage to your home and property. If your home is spared but your property and yard were not so fortunate, you will have to take down the damaged fence and replace it.

Rethinking Your Fence

If wood post and rail with attached wire were damaged, you can replace the wire with perhaps a vinyl-coated wire for long life. You will find that 2" x 3" or 2" x 4" and smaller meshes are available that will keep your pets and children securely in the yard. Many people prefer black vinyl-coated wire as it blends in very well with the background. It does not stand out as galvanized wire tends to do.

Did your pool wire get damaged? Your pet fencing? Your garden fence? Fencing materials protecting your flowers and shrubs, especially from deer? There are many different types of welded and woven wire meshes available in both galvanized and vinyl-coated finishes. And there is a wide variety of plastic meshes from which to choose.

Big-box stores--offering a limited selection and spotty service

If you decide to do these repairs yourself, remember that there are many types of fencing materials available that you will never find in your local big-box store. Beware of the limited selection: it really does pay off to broaden your search. Why not go for something different, with better construction, and readily available?

Are you having difficulty finding the type of fence you want?

Are you frustrated by the absence of knowledge about fencing materials encountered in most retail stores? This is when you turn to Louis Page, who knows fencing. As you consider your replacement, here's a helpful blog to get you started.

As you look around...

Fencing materials can be galvanized or vinyl-coated, small or larger openings, and a variety of heights. For long life and appearance consider vinyl coated wire. We can't stress enough that black (not green) blends extremely well into the background and almost disappears rather than boldly stands out.

Terrain Issues

Consider the terrain you will be fencing - is it level or uneven? You will want to use a fence that conforms or "racks" if the ground is uneven. On level ground, a welded wire fence is perfectly suitable as there is no give to it. Welded wire is not "rackable." Farm and Field fence adapts beautifully to the topography of your property.

Remember, with vinyl coated wire you avoid costly replacement because it lasts and lasts; plus it has a very pleasing appearance. And! Don't forget fence panels--they can really streamline installation and are perfect for remodeling decks.

Which type of fence material works best for you?

Choices

With so many different types of fencing materials available, how do you know which one to choose? Are you overwhelmed when it comes time to make a decision? How do you know which one is the right choice?

Defining the Purpose of Your Fence

Most often, fences are used to either keep something in or keep something out of an area. But sometimes fences are used for decorative purposes or to define a boundary line or construction area. There are seasonal fences such as snow fences. And there are fences used to control drifting sand. The fencing materials you choose should be defined by the fence's purpose.

Fencing materials made from wire are the most common type available. The wire can be either woven or welded into a wide variety of mesh opening sizes.

Strong but Flexible--Woven Wire Mesh

There are woven meshes strong enough to contain livestock with different styles for specific types of animals. And there are deer and wildlife fences tall enough to keep out deer. Lighter gauge woven hex netting chicken wire meshes with black PVC coating can protect your poultry and fowl as well as your garden.

Welded Wire Meshes that Last

Use welded wire fencing materials to keep your pets and children in the yard. Vinyl-coated welded meshes make an attractive and long-lasting garden fence. There are many different wire gauges and mesh sizes from which to choose. Smaller meshes are ideal for animal cages and wildlife exclusion barriers.

Do you have any preference in fencing materials, woven or welded?  Which type has worked best for you?

Same Song, Four Versions

Have a listen to a few golden oldies. Well, two more golden than the others. Here are four renditions of the song "Don't Fence Me In." The first, written by Cole Porter and Robert Fletcher in 1934 and sung by Gene Autry, the second is sung by Bing Crosby with the Andrews Sisters, the third is performed by David Byrne and the Talking Heads, and the last is performed by Willie Nelson and Leon Russell.

And now, a bit of an update--

Any preferences of one version over the others? Are there other interpretations that you like better?