MODERN FENCES

BOOST YOUR HOME'S CURB APPEAL WITH THE RIGHT FENCE

- DAN STOUT

Fences lay out the borders of our property and keep children and pets safely away from the street. But a well-designed fence can be more than just functional a beautiful front-yard fence can make a good first impression.

This is a perfect DIY project, letting you stretch your skills without worrying about load-bearing walls, plumbing, or electricity. One important note: Always check your local requirements before buying materials or starting work.

CONTRASTING MIXED MATERIALS

By combining two or more distinct materials, you can build an attractive fence. Shown here are two styles of mixed-material fences: blended and layered.

BLENDED FENCES, such as this wood and brick example, mix different materials into a single fence. Remove either material and you no longer have a fence. Each part is essential.

LAYERED FENCES are stand-alone fence structures with additional elements. Think of a metal grid fence with horizontal cedar planking. If you removed the wood planking, the metal grid would stand as a fully functional fence. Layered fences can make striking design features; modular construction allows for more creative use of secondary elements to build a unique fence.

POSTHOLE HOW-TO

Designing a mixed-material fence is the fun part. Digging postholes is where the real labor comes in. Here's what you need to know before you dig.

MANUAL VS. MACHINE. For loose soil or a small fence, you can dig the holes by hand. For larger projects or in areas with heavy clay and roots, it's worth renting a power auger. Either way, start by calling 811 to locate underground utility lines. Digging holes is dangerous, even when you think you know your own front yard.