Although the primary use of garden fences is to provide privacy, security and a barrier to keep out unwanted animals, there is nothing to say that they cannot be beautiful as well. Ornamental garden fences are available in a myriad of materials and styles that are as varied as the homes they often surround with each satisfying the need for individual taste in an attractive way.
Ornamental Aluminum Fence
Aluminum is a popular base material for ornamental fences. It is strong, resists corrosion and can be shaped into any desired form. Even conventional styles such as a wrought iron spiked fence are quite often made of aluminum nowadays.
Of course, that is not to say that traditional wrought iron is not still an option. Fortunately, modern materials and manufacturing have considerably improved the traditional attributes of this stylish fence.
The look and feel are the same, but modern wrought iron is much less brittle and it is also much less prone to rusting, as well. Nevertheless, metal is far from the only choice of material for an ornamental garden fence.
Ornamental Vinyl Garden Fence
Vinyl is a popular choice that can be extruded into any imaginable shape and is made in an enormous variety of colors. PVC vinyl is virtually everlasting and will not crack or peel. However, one of the biggest benefits is it is highly adaptable which makes it an excellent choice for enclosing oddly shaped areas since many types can be curved.
Wood Garden Fences
Wood remains hugely popular since it lends itself readily to being cut into virtually any shape that you can think of. Moreover, judging by the styles available, the imagination of designers is amazingly varied. At one time, a picket fence would have been considered ornamental, and it still is although contemporary designs go far beyond that single style. The sheets for wooden ornamental fencing may be scallop-shaped, waffle or cleft, or elaborately carved.
However, the actual fence pales into insignificance when compared to the creativity exhibited on posts nowadays. Integrated lighting and marbelized or highly ornate metal caps are only two of the myriad of options available.
That suggests that one of the things that make a fence ornamental, are the numerous accessories that can be used to dress up the design. Traditional wrought iron may be topped with a French-style triad spear or a more British-looking quad-flare. The New England-style ball cap is another option. Rings that hang from sections of the fence or the gate add yet another element to the overall style.
An ornamental gate is the surest way to optimize the look and functionality of any ornamental fence. The design is integrated with the rest of the fence, but also provides for more options. A family crest, a logo or just an interesting feature can easily be incorporated.
Adding automatic gate controls can make that design complete. That minimizes wear and tear on ornamental elements while also adding convenience. They are often integrated into stylish hinges and may replace an otherwise ordinary latch.
Think about an ornamental garden fence and add an element of beauty to your list of practical requirements.