The Fence Post

Common Traps to Avoid When Putting Out Cash For a Fence

When it comes to enhancing your property, few improvements offer the versatility and functionality of a well-designed fence. Installing a fence can be a significant investment whether you want privacy, security, or simply want to delineate your boundaries. However, before you embark on this project, addressing some key questions is essential to ensure you make informed decisions that align with your needs and preferences.

Key Questions to Consider

1. What is the Purpose of the Fence? Before diving into fence options, consider why you want to install one. Are you primarily interested in enhancing privacy, securing your property, or adding aesthetic appeal? Identifying your primary objectives will guide your decision-making process and help you select the most suitable type of fence, avoiding waste and regrets.

2. What are the Local Regulations and Zoning Laws? Before installing a fence, it's crucial to research local regulations and zoning laws governing fencing in your area. These regulations may dictate fence height, material, and setback requirements. Failure to comply with these rules could result in costly fines or the need to remove and reinstall the fence, so it's essential to address this aspect early in the planning stages.

3. What Type of Material Should I Choose? Fences come in various materials, each offering distinct advantages in durability, aesthetics, and maintenance requirements. Standard options include wood, vinyl, metal (such as aluminum or steel), and composite materials. Consider factors such as climate, maintenance preferences, and budget when selecting the most suitable material for your fence. You will probably be looking at it for a long time!

4. How Much Maintenance is Required? Maintenance requirements vary depending on the type of material you choose for your fence. While some materials, such as vinyl, require minimal upkeep and are resistant to rot, insects, and fading, others, like wood, may need regular staining or sealing to maintain their appearance and structural integrity. Factor in the long-term maintenance commitments associated with different materials when deciding. Think about it: How do you want to spend your future weekends?

5. What Style and Design Will Complement My Property? Fences contribute significantly to your property's curb appeal, so choosing a style and design that complements your home's architecture and overall aesthetic is essential. Whether you prefer a traditional picket fence, a sleek modern design, or something in between, consider how the fence will integrate with existing landscaping and structures. Don’t set yourself up to be apologizing for the next 20 years.

6. How Much Will It Cost? Installing a fence can vary widely depending on materials, fence height, linear footage, and labor costs. Obtain multiple quotes from reputable contractors to compare prices and ensure a fair deal. Remember to factor in long-term maintenance costs when evaluating the overall affordability of different fencing options. The wisest man who ever lived once said, “Who of you that wants to build a tower does not first sit down and figure out the expense, to see if he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, he might lay its foundation but not have the funds to finish it, and all the onlookers might start to ridicule him.” Of course, exactly the same can be said of a fence.

7. Can I Install the Fence Myself, or Should I Hire a Professional? While some homeowners may have the skills and tools necessary to install a fence, others may prefer to enlist the help of professional contractors. Consider your DIY abilities, the project's complexity, and the time commitment before deciding whether to tackle the installation yourself or hire a professional. Remember that wire mesh rolls are tightly wound on machines and will retain their memory. A tight, rigid fence must have the correct tools to stretch the wire. No wobbles!

8. How Long Will the Installation Take? The timeline for installing a fence can vary depending on factors such as the size of the project, weather conditions, and contractor availability. Discuss the estimated timeline with your chosen contractor to ensure it aligns with your schedule and expectations.

9. What are the Environmental Impacts of Different Materials? Consider the environmental implications of the materials you choose for your fence. Opting for sustainable materials or those with minimal environmental impact can reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a more eco-friendly outdoor space. Or not.

10. Are There Any Additional Considerations? Before finalizing your fencing plans, consider any additional factors specific to your property or location. This may include easements, utility lines, or neighborhood covenants that could impact your fence installation. Addressing these considerations early will help streamline the process and avoid potential complications. Whew!

Conclusion

It’s easy to see that installing a fence is a significant investment that requires careful consideration and planning. Addressing these essential questions before embarking on your fencing project ensures that the result meets your needs, enhances your property, and provides years of enjoyment and functionality. Whether you want to add privacy, security, or curb appeal, a well-designed fence can transform your outdoor space and add value to your home.

Once you have it figured out, naturally I think you should get your fencing materials here.

Warm regards,

Debbie Page

CEO, Louis E. Page Inc – Woman-owned business and Family-owned since 1893. (Indubitably that is 131 years owned and run by our family!)

Under the Fence to Front-End Adventures

When I was just five years old, the land next door was being cleared to build a home for the Thompsons (later, I will tell you about their apple tree), a lovely elderly couple embarking on their retirement dream.

A Child's Adventure

Like any curious child, I couldn't resist the allure of exploration. Sneaking under the old wire farm fence while the construction workers took a lunch break at the edge of the woods, I found myself amidst the sand piles and machinery, oblivious to the potential dangers around me.

What followed could have been a harrowing incident, but fate intervened in the form of a compassionate soul – the operator of a front-end loader. Discovering me nestled and asleep in the bucket of his loader, he must have been startled, yet his reaction was one of kindness, humor, and concern.

First, he started the engine, which just about gave my little five-year-old heart a heart attack! After reassuring me and ensuring my safety, he not only offered me a ride in the bucket but also escorted me home to recount the adventure to my mother.

A Mother's Grace

My mother, filled with grace, didn’t lecture me or get angry. Perhaps she was so relieved. However, she got the last word when she proclaimed, “Debra Kay! Wait until your father hears about this!”

Reflecting on this incident now, I am reminded of the inherent goodness and grace in people and the importance of looking out for one another, especially in moments of vulnerability. It's a story I carry with me, imbued with gratitude for the care and compassion shown to me by a stranger who became a guardian angel that day.

Safety and Quality in Fencing

In my fencing business, safety is paramount. Just as that operator ensured my well-being all those years ago, we are committed to providing you with the highest quality products and resources to ensure your projects are completed safely and efficiently. Your trust in Louis E. Page Inc. is something I deeply value and never take for granted.

Partly as a “Thank You” for reading my emails, and partly because I need to make room in my warehouse, I am lowering the price on one special line this week, but only up to Friday March 1st, at 3 PM Eastern.

Special Offer on Belgian Hexagonal Netting

Let me tell you about it: We have around three dozen rolls of beautifully-made Belgian hexagonal netting. It’s 22 gauge with ½ “ openings and is just under three feet wide. Each roll is 164 inches long. What can you do with it? It’s often called Sparrow Netting, so of course you can use it to block small birds and vermin from getting under your eaves. Here are some other ways to support your garden and/or farming plot:

• Chicken house and run
• As a top netting for your chicken run
• Canary cages (Martha Stewart has ordered this from us for this very purpose, and I can help you get the plans to build your canary cage.)
• A balcony or deck safety or animal barrier netting
• Use as floral wire (one of our customers makes astonishing flower structures for weddings, etc.)

OK, here’s the deal: order before Friday, March 1st, at 3 PM Eastern, mention this email and I’ll give you 20% off. Order the whole lot of what’s left and save 25%. Check it out on our website under Sparrow Netting now!

Building Community and Connections

As we navigate the seasons ahead, let's continue to build fences and bridges of understanding and support within our community. Together, we can create spaces that are not only secure but also filled with warmth and camaraderie.

Thank you for being a part of our journey and allowing us to serve you. We look forward to continuing to meet your fencing needs and forging lasting connections for years to come.

Warm regards,

Debbie Page

CEO, Louis E. Page Inc – Woman-owned business and Family-owned since 1893. (Indubitably that is 131 years owned and run by our family!)

Under the Fence to Front-End Adventures

When I was just five years old, the land next door was being cleared to build a home for the Thompsons (later, I will tell you about their apple tree), a lovely elderly couple embarking on their retirement dream.

A Child's Adventure

Like any curious child, I couldn't resist the allure of exploration. Sneaking under the old wire farm fence while the construction workers took a lunch break at the edge of the woods, I found myself amidst the sand piles and machinery, oblivious to the potential dangers around me.

What followed could have been a harrowing incident, but fate intervened in the form of a compassionate soul – the operator of a front-end loader. Discovering me nestled and asleep in the bucket of his loader, he must have been startled, yet his reaction was one of kindness, humor, and concern.

First, he started the engine, which just about gave my little five-year-old heart a heart attack! After reassuring me and ensuring my safety, he not only offered me a ride in the bucket but also escorted me home to recount the adventure to my mother.

A Mother's Grace

My mother, filled with grace, didn’t lecture me or get angry. Perhaps she was so relieved. However, she got the last word when she proclaimed, “Debra Kay! Wait until your father hears about this!”

Reflecting on this incident now, I am reminded of the inherent goodness and grace in people and the importance of looking out for one another, especially in moments of vulnerability. It's a story I carry with me, imbued with gratitude for the care and compassion shown to me by a stranger who became a guardian angel that day.

Safety and Trust in Business

In my fencing business, safety is paramount. Just as that operator ensured my well-being all those years ago, we are committed to providing you with the highest quality products and resources to ensure your projects are completed safely and efficiently. Your trust in Louis E. Page Inc. is something I deeply value and never take for granted.

Partly as a “Thank You” for reading my emails, and partly because I need to make room in my warehouse, I am lowering the price on one special line this week, but only up to Friday March 1st, at 3 PM Eastern.

Special Offer on Belgian Hexagonal Netting

Let me tell you about it: We have around three dozen rolls of beautifully-made Belgian hexagonal netting. It’s 22 gauge with ½ “ openings and is just under three feet wide. Each roll is 164 inches long. What can you do with it? It’s often called Sparrow Netting, so of course you can use it to block small birds and vermin from getting under your eaves. Here are some other ways to support your garden and/or farming plot:

• Chicken house and run
• As a top netting for your chicken run
• Canary cages (Martha Stewart has ordered this from us for this very purpose, and I can help you get the plans to build your canary cage.)
• A balcony or deck safety or animal barrier netting
• Use as floral wire (one of our customers makes astonishing flower structures for weddings, etc.)

OK, here’s the deal: order before Friday, March 1st, at 3 PM Eastern, mention this email and I’ll give you 20% off. Order the whole lot of what’s left and save 25%. Check it out on our website under Sparrow Netting now!

Building Community and Connections

As we navigate the seasons ahead, let's continue to build fences and bridges of understanding and support within our community. Together, we can create spaces that are not only secure but also filled with warmth and camaraderie.

Thank you for being a part of our journey and allowing us to serve you. We look forward to continuing to meet your fencing needs and forging lasting connections for years to come.

Warm regards,

Debbie Page

CEO, Louis E. Page Inc – Woman-owned business and Family-owned since 1893. (Indubitably that is 131 years owned and run by our family!)

How Many Chooks Can a Chookhouse Hold?

My Aussie friend living in Vanuatu recently shared this story about a black bantam chook (Aussie for chicken) affectionately known as Chooky. Chooky wasn't just any ordinary hen; she was a survivor in a world full of lurking dangers.

Chooky's Life and Legacy

Nestled beside her Aussie friend's home, Chooky's days were filled with scratching the earth for tasty morsels, basking in the warm tropical sun, and watching her surroundings. But living next door to a pack of fierce Dobermans made her life anything but ordinary.

Despite the constant threat, Chooky was a diligent mother, and one fateful day, she surprised everyone by reappearing with a bustling brood of 14 tiny chicks. She was fiercely protective, her maternal instincts kicking into high gear. Each night, she nestled her precious chicks under the protective canopy of the fig tree, spreading her wings wide to shield them from harm.

But the danger was never far away. The neglected fence between the properties offered a tempting passage for Chooky to forage for food. It was during one of these excursions that tragedy struck.

As Chooky ventured beneath the fence, the Dobermans were on her in seconds, trapping her in a precarious position. With a chilling scream that pierced the air, Chooky fell victim to the lurking danger, leaving her chicks motherless in the blink of an eye.

A Glimmer of Hope

The blame game ensued, with the fence owner deflecting responsibility onto Chooky's owner, arguing that the fence should have been mended. It was a twisted reality where accountability seemed lost amidst the chaos.

Despite the lack of apology, there was a glimmer of hope. Recognizing the need for resolution, the fence owner extended an olive branch, offering a portable wire mesh chook house for the orphaned chicks. It was a small gesture, but it paved the way for peace and reconciliation.

With a secure shelter to call home, Chooky's chicks thrived, their chirps filling the air with newfound vitality. And though Chooky's presence was sorely missed, her legacy lived on in the resilience of her offspring.

Finding Refuge in Adversity

In the end, amidst the trials and tribulations of life in the backyard, it was a story of resilience, compassion, and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her chicks. And through it all, the backyard in Vanuatu remained a place where even the smallest creatures could find refuge and solace in the face of adversity.

Before adversity takes you, let me tell you about this week’s special in our warehouse. We have just 38 rolls of gorgeous Belgium-made hexagonal netting. It’s 22 gauge with ½ “ openings and is just under three feet wide. Each roll is 164 inches long.

Versatile Uses for Hexagonal Netting

Here are some ways to help you tremendously as you garden and/or farm your plot:

• Chicken house and run
• As a top netting for your chicken run
• Canary cages (Martha Stewart has ordered this from us for this very purpose, and I can help you get the plans to build your canary cage.)
• A balcony or deck safety or animal barrier netting
• Use as floral wire (one of our customers makes astonishing flower structures for weddings, etc.)

Here’s the deal: order before Friday, March 1st, at 3 PM Eastern, mention this email and I’ll give you 20% off. Order the whole lot and save 25%. Check it out on our Sparrow Netting now!

Warm regards,

Debbie Page

The Mystery of the Clatter in the Kitchen

One late summer evening, as the sun was setting over the lake, we closed the kitchen doors to secure Buster, our beloved black Lab, in the kitchen. We were heading to the Summer Playhouse for an Agatha Christie murder mystery—my favorite.

Buster's Adventure

Buster was a bundle of energy, always ready for adventure and often finding himself in amusing predicaments. (One summer his nickname was “The Wedding Crasher”... but that’s a story for another day.)

He looked longingly through the kitchen door window as we left for the evening. Such sad eyes on a big, black dog.

The Great Dog Food Caper

With the house all to himself, Buster sniffed around, exploring every nook and cranny in search of excitement. His keen nose led him to the kitchen nook, where the irresistible scent of his favorite treats lingered. As he investigated further, his eyes fell upon a large, mostly empty 50lb bag of dog food, left tantalizingly unattended.

And what dog wouldn’t be excited about that possibility?

Unable to resist the temptation, Buster nudged the bag with his snout and started consuming the food. Deeper and deeper, he pushed his head to the bottom of the bag. But as he savored his impromptu feast, disaster struck! In his excitement, Buster inadvertently thrust his head into the empty bag. With a swift motion, it slipped over his head, engulfing him in darkness.

Panicked and disoriented, Buster thrashed about, attempting to free himself from the confines of the bag. But with each frantic movement, the bag only seemed to tighten its grip. The bag over his head left Buster aimlessly stumbling around the kitchen.

The Great Reveal

Meanwhile, we returned from the playhouse, eager to see our favorite canine. But as we approached the house, we all stopped with alarm. Someone must be in the house! What are they doing? We could hear thrashing about, and we thought there must be burglars. But if that’s the case, why is Buster not barking?

“Oh no!” cried Lizzy. “Did they kill Buster?”

We stepped onto the porch and peered through the kitchen door. And then we all roared with laughter! Buster was staggering blindly through the kitchen, the empty bag of dog food still completely obscuring his vision.

"Buster, what have you gotten yourself into now?" Daniel exclaimed, rushing to his aid.

He carefully removed the bag from Buster's head, revealing his sheepish expression beneath. Despite his embarrassment, Buster wagged his tail apologetically, his eyes already sparkling with future mischief.

Life with Buster

Though Buster's antics often left us exasperated, we couldn't help but laugh at his latest escapade. Life with Buster filled us with laughter, love, and a dash of unexpected chaos. And no obstacle would prevent him from entertaining us every day of his 13 years. Oh, Buster, we still miss you.

Look for your “Pooch proof fence” to protect your Buster here.

Waggy regards from

Debbie Page

CEO, Louis E. Page Inc – Woman-owned business and Family-owned since 1893. (Wow! Without question, that is 130 years owned and run by our family!)