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Important Steps for Designing a Mixed-Media Fence
July 23, 2019
Mixed Media Fence — Martinez, CA — Alta Fence Co.
Fences can be strictly utilitarian in nature, especially for businesses. However, most homeowners want their fencing to complement their house and even add curb appeal. You can get such benefits from a singlematerial fence. However, consider mixing the materials. A mixed-media fence allows you to showcase the beauty of both materials you choose, which also gives your home a unique appearance.

If you decide to try a mixed-media fence, here are some considerations you must think about.

Settle on the Fenced-In Portion

The layout is the first planning step for any fence. Your first task is to decide on whether the fence is primarily functional or decorative. The fence's primary purpose will help determine the dimensions and materials, as well as which area of your yard needs to be fenced in. For example, if you're looking at a decorative fence, the enclosed space might be smaller than if you wanted a security fence.

Indeed, fences can have multiple purposes. Beyond adding beauty or keeping passersby out of your yard, fencing can drive foot traffic from one area of your yard to another. It can also help delineate spaces or screen areas for privacy. Think about how you'd like to use your yard, and then brainstorm how a fence can augment those uses. That information helps you decide on the enclosed space.

Before you go too far in the planning stage, make sure you check with your local municipality or home owners' association. Your property may be subject to specific rules and regulations regarding height, style, and materials of fences.

Select Your Materials

Your designated purpose will help you settle on materials for your mixed-media fence. Generally speaking, more utilitarian tasks call for more utilitarian materials. So, you'll often use chain link or tubular aluminum for enclosure and security. Wood, composite, and vinyl work well for privacy. Wood and wrought iron are common for decoration.

Likewise, the area to enclose might dictate which materials stay within your budget. High-end materials such as wrought iron and stone might be pricey for a long fence. You can still use them, but you might have to relegate them to specific portions of a long fence.

Finally, since you're choosing to build a mixed-media fence, you'll need to choose two materials that complement each other. Generally speaking, you usually mix metal with either wood or stone. Some examples of common two-material combinations include:

  • Chain link with wooden framing
  • Wooden privacy fencing with metal framing
  • Wrought iron fencing with stone posts
  • Stone fencing with wrought iron toppers
  • Cable rail with wooden posts

If you want a unique fence, you can also mix up the combinations. For example, a privacy fence can be constructed of corrugated metal with wooden framing. Such a fence offers a modern appeal by creating an industrial backdrop.

Choose a Design that Complements the House and Yard

As part of the materials-selection stage, you'll want to consider design. Different materials, or different forms of materials, carry different design connotations. A panel of corrugated metal is very modern, but a panel of wrought iron is classical.

You'll want to take your inspiration from different areas. For one, no matter the purpose of the fence, you want it to complement your house. Therefore, it should be in a similar style. Don't install an ultramodern fence in front of an historical-style house because the result will be incongruous.

Other areas of inspiration are the structures near your fence and the neighborhood in general. For instance, you may have a detached garage or a designed patio. If your fence will have any visual relation with those areas, ensure it complements the structure. Likewise, peruse the fences around your neighborhood. Again, you don't want to erect a fence that strongly clashes with local designs.

Your local fencing experts can help you with the design phase of your mixed-material fence. Create unique fencing that adds curb appeal by having a two-material fence installed. Alta Fence Co. can help you from the design to implementation stage.

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