The Best Fence for a Property on the Lakefront
A common problem for those who live near a lake or pond is whether or not to build a fence. Do you know what you need? Is it worth the money? With our pulse on the matter, we've put together a comprehensive guide to fence for a lakeside property.
There are both benefits and drawbacks to erecting a fence around a large lake. But before we get to that, it's important to note that fences usually do two things: keep animals out and keep small children from falling in by accident.
Let's begin by discussing the various types of fencing. Choosing the right type of fence for your property is the first step. The following are a few choices for various kinds of fences:
1. Picket Fence
This type of fencing is ideal if you have a small yard with no harmful animals or children. A higher fence is usually a better bet when trying to keep small children from falling through the fence.
2. Board Fence
This type of fence is also known as a split-rail fence, and it may be purchased in several different types, including smooth and rough variations. You can make your own or buy one from a fence-building business. Wood is the material of choice for the construction of this alternative, which keeps costs low, ensures longevity, and works well with various settings.
3. Stainless Steel
This is a more cost-effective alternative to other types of fences. It successfully excludes unwanted animals from the property, even though it is simple to climb for smaller people and huge dogs and cats of all sizes.
4. Aluminum
Fencing made of this material is more durable and may be found in a wider range of colors and styles. Galvanized rails are recommended for wet areas, such as lakes and rivers, where rust is a more serious problem than saltwater.
Pros and Cons
Let's take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of each choice now that we've discussed them. It seems that there is no one particular kind of fence that is superior to others. Instead, each has something to offer. The option you go with should be determined by your goals and the degree of importance you place on beauty compared to financial considerations.
Picket fences are the most prevalent type of fence in residential areas since they are the most affordable. They also make it simple to view onto your land and permit a great deal of light to pass through, which is wonderful if you have a gorgeous garden, pond, or pool in your home. The fact that they are placed so low to the ground, however, makes it simple for young children and animals that can fit through the narrow openings to climb over them.
Split-rail wood fences or wooden boards provide some privacy and a rustic appearance that complements almost any type of landscape. They are also incredibly inexpensive and simple to install. However, if you have a large yard or are concerned about maintaining your privacy, you may find that using one of these makes you feel like you are being suffocated. The fence can be quickly destroyed if kids or a large animal gets its paws on it.
Fences made of stainless steel are fairly efficient at preventing unwanted visitors, both human and animal, from entering a property; nevertheless, these fences can be quite expensive. There is a risk that young children may fall into your pool because of the slippery surface of certain fencing materials. Suitable for families with little children or pets that can easily jump or climb the fence.
Aluminum fences are the last but not least. They typically come with the highest price tag but are among the most long-lasting options. Furthermore, animals and children struggle to obtain a grip because they are slippery. The best option is a fence that will last through many different seasons or a fence that will always appear new regardless of how often it is climbed over or how often it is exposed to the elements.
Instead of fencing your entire property along the lake or pond's border, you can choose to merely enclose the area between your yard and your neighbor's rather than the entire length of their property's border with you. If this is the case, you'll need to secure any open spaces in your yard with a gate, barrier, or another type of fence to keep animals out.
In either case, to determine the style of fence that would best serve your needs, you will first need to determine the lowest and the highest points on every side of your property. Get a sense of the size of your property, then multiply that number by two to get an exact estimate of the amount of material you will need. Also, don't forget to account for the cost of labor and materials, if applicable.
When you're ready, conduct your homework and then contact your chosen fencing company for a price. It's possible that you'll be surprised by what you can spend based on the type of fence and design you choose. Everything is relative, of course, and depends on your personal priorities. Now that we've gotten that out of the way let's talk about the underlying issue...
Lakefront Property Fencing Pros & Cons
Let's take a deeper look at each of these possibilities so you can determine which is ideal for your property now that we've laid out our options. With a fence in place, it is easy to recognize the advantages and disadvantages of what you already have. If you don't currently have fencing, you should review the following chart of pros and cons before speaking with fence contractors.
Pros of fencing:
A fence is an excellent way to keep animals out of your yard and protect your property. Fences, no matter what type, are always effective at preventing unwanted individuals and animals from entering a property.
As long as you do your homework on the company you hire, most fence contractors should have no trouble constructing it for you. The vast majority of businesses now have their own websites, which customers may access to obtain an instant estimate from such businesses. Also, if this is your first fence, there are several possibilities, including enclosing the perimeter of the pool or putting an earthen berm around it.
Simply applying a new coat of paint or stain to your fence is all it takes to give it a completely new look. If you prefer a different look, you can remove the fence. However, you may consider that your pool is still there, and you may be required to establish additional safety measures to prevent children and animals from accessing it.
Cons of Fencing:
Fencing isn't all the same. Even though it's simple to install, it might be challenging to select the model that's best suited for your land, particularly if you want to construct it on sloping terrain or close to a waterbody.
You'll be responsible for maintaining it. The fence will require maintenance whether you construct it yourself or hire a professional to do it for you. Either way, you will need to do it. To keep them from rotting, wooden fences must be painted and cared for regularly. Because of its natural rust resistance, stainless steel fencing still requires regular maintenance, such as caulking all edges.
In the event that animals or kids are able to squeeze under your fence, they will be able to access your backyard and may even be able to get to your pool. To keep animals out of your pool, you'll need to come up with a fence-less perimeter or a fence that covers the perimeter of your pool.
How to Construct a Fence Around Your Lake or Pond
A variety of options are available depending on the location of your lake or pond as well as the extent to which you wish to fence it. Putting up a privacy fence around your property's boundary is generally the simplest and easiest option. It's like erecting a barrier that isn't really a fence at all... but rather a symbolic one.
You also have the option of installing an electric fence all around the perimeter of the property to keep out visitors from the surrounding area, such as friends and neighbors who might visit your lake or pool. Due to the fact that they cannot penetrate it, this ensures that they remain on their side of the land. Or, if you want something that will last longer, you might go with an electric-powered split-rail fence. These fences are quick and simple to install and provide complete control over your property, even if the power goes out.
The only significant drawback to carrying out such an action is the possibility that the Homeowner's Association in your neighborhood will not permit it. Before you construct anything at all, you need to ensure that you have read and understood the laws and regulations of your HOA.
As a final resort, you can choose to only fence in a small portion of the property, making it less obvious. For example, you can use a fence instead of an electric fence to keep animals out of a bordering region with your neighbor's land. A barrier between the two regions can also be created using this method if uneven terrains or cliffs are on each side of the land.
As a drawback, you'll have to erect a barrier on both sides, which requires installing separate panels or fences. This will ultimately make the fence less lasting, so it is something to consider if you want to be able to change the look of your property whenever you want a different look!
For those who don't think this style of fencing is appropriate for their property, you can always build one from concrete blocks around the whole perimeter of their property. After putting everything in place, use dirt or some other substance to fill the spaces between blocks and the landscaping. Then fill in the gaps with plants and flowers.
As an alternative to building a fence around the perimeter of your property, you could alternatively put up a gate to seal off the rest of your property. Keep in mind that you'll need to be able to fit everything inside the fence, including your lakeside deck. However, this is something that a lot of people choose to do since they don't have a lot of yard space, and they don't want to construct a full-fledged fence around the perimeter of their property.
What You Need to Know Before Fencing Your Lake
Because it will require a significant amount of time, money, and effort, you will need to engage a professional or conduct your own study (or hire someone to assist you) if you wish to implement any of the above fencing techniques. As we mentioned in the introduction, deciding to fence your property is just the first step in the process. Choosing a fence and the materials you'll use are two of the most important steps in the process.
So, how do you get started on this journey? As a rule, it's best to start with your HOA and your neighbors (especially if they have ponds!). It's also a good idea to look into fencing laws and regulations if your neighbors don't know about them. Then it's a good idea to take a look at some of our articles on building a fence on your own for further information.
You can also stop by your neighborhood hardware or home improvement store to ask about getting a price estimate for a fence if you're interested in doing so. Your fence contractor ought to be able to search up the type of fence you desire for your site and provide you with a ballpark price range. In addition, this information will assist them select materials that are simple to install and maintain.
You may have some disadvantages as well! In many places, erecting a fence without a gate to give animals free access in and out is illegal, so check with your city and Homeowners' Association first.
Conclusion
The rest is a piece of cake once you've decided to enclose your property. You just need to receive a fence quote, look at DIY fences for ideas, and decide what sort of fence you want and where. We hope this article has given you a good starting point for your search. And as always, we recommend checking with an inspector or contractor beforehand to ensure you have a solid understanding of the fence options available for your property.
