5 Tips For Choosing The Best Fence Height

Is it time to redo your fencing, or maybe it is time to build one? There are a couple of key factors to consider when building a fence, from choosing the perfect material to selecting the ideal place. However, many homeowners don’t always consider choosing the best fence height. Regardless of whether you want a tall aluminum or a classic cedar wood fence, the fence height greatly impacts how your fence looks and functions. Choosing the best fence height is important from the start of your build as it affects the entire building preparation process. Let our expert team share our tried and true 5 tips for choosing the best fence height for you! At Acosta Fence, our customers are our priority. We want to give each home and business owner the tools they need to select the right fence for their property!

 

1. Common Fence Heights 

First, generally speaking, a fence height typically ranges from three to eight feet tall. An average front yard fence usually sits at 3 feet tall. An average backyard fence normally sits at 6 feet tall. Of course, some fences are shorter or taller, especially for commercial properties where a business owner wants taller fencing for security and privacy. In addition, sometimes the right fence height is taller due to a homeowner’s property line neighboring a busy highway or freeway. In addition, you may encounter height limitations depending on the material you select.

 

2. The Right Fence Style

The perfect fence is about more than just blending into your property. Your fence impacts curb appeal and add or detracts from the beauty of your home. It also impacts the look and impression of your property. For example, a dark wooden fence gives a home a stoic beauty, whereas a white vinyl fence gives a quaint, colonial feel. 

Why is the style choice important? Well, the fence height also impacts the style and look of your home. A high wooden fence appears uninviting, while a similar fence in the same material at a shorter height might look welcoming or homey. Generally speaking, high fences usually say, “stay out!” and shorter fences usually say, “come on in!”. Choosing the right style and message you want to send will impact your fence height. 

 

3. The Right Fence Purpose

When choosing the right fence for you, it is crucial to consider your fence’s purpose. For example, you might want your fence to protect your loved ones from intruders. Maybe your fence is going to protect your garden from wildlife. Perhaps you may want your fence to keep your children safe or your pets from escaping. Finally, you may want your fence to add to your property’s value and beauty or to offer a distinct separation from you and your rowdy neighbors. Once you determine the purpose of your fence, it is easier to determine how high to build your fence.  

There are several standard fence heights for different purposes. We will discuss a few of them below to help give you a better idea of the right height for you.

 

Keeping Out Animals 

Most animals, including deer, will not want to tangle with a 6-foot fence. However, white-tailed deer typically jump over anything they can see over and can jump up to 8-feet high. Therefore, we recommend installing an 8-foot high fence if white-tailed deer are a problem for you. Also, making your fence with solid material like wood or vinyl will keep animals from slipping under or between the fencing. 

 

Keeping Your Dogs In 

It almost goes without saying, but the larger your dog, the larger you will need to build your fence. You can keep most dogs safe with a 4-foot fence. However, large breed dogs like Huskies or German Shepherds need a 6-foot fence to contain them. 

 

Keeping Trespassers Out 

It is difficult to predict what type of fence will deter people because it is more challenging to predict human behavior. A 6-foot fence will usually deter casual trespassers. However, a determined burglar can find their way over an 8-foot fence. If deterring trespassers is your goal, then pointed edges on the top of an aluminum fence are a worthwhile investment. 

 

Keeping Children Safe 

You want to ensure your small children do not wander off your property. A proper-sized fence ensures peace of mind without you having to constantly watch your children while playing outside. A 4-6 foot fence is typically high enough to keep young children safe. 

 

4. The Right Kind Of Fence

 

Decorative Fence Height

Decorative fencing typically is around three to four feet. These types of fencing tend to be for aesthetic purposes, not functional purposes (like keeping pets in or out). Usually, wrought iron, vinyl panels, or tubular bars make up decorative fences. 

 

Property Boundary Fence Height 

If you have a large piece of land, a boundary fence is a wonderful way to mark land as your own and prevent trespassers or hikers from making paths across your property. However, a short fence can also set a clear boundary line, even if you don’t want to install a tall boundary fence. 

Usually, boundary fences are on the shorter side, ranging from 3 to 6 feet tall. However, if you have a large piece of undeveloped land you want to fence, a 3-foot fence should do the trick.

 

Pool Fence Height

Pools carry a wide variety of worries. You want to ensure that no one unexpected goes into your pool — especially if something were to happen to them. You don’t want to be liable. Even if you do not have poor swimmers or children in your home, a pool fence is important to prevent a stranger from falling into your pool. It also provides liability protection if an accident occurs. 

Pool fences are usually 4-feet high. Many regulations and local ordinances go into the specifics concerning fencing with pools. For example, pool gates need to self-close and self-latch. If chain-link, the holes can not be wider than 1.75 inches. We recommend checking your local ordinances and pool code before installing your pool fence. 

 

Garden Fence Height 

If you want a fence to keep wildlife or children out of your garden, a shorter fence can suffice, depending on what wildlife you want to keep out. If you have a problem with deer, you will need a taller fence (8 feet minimum). If you’re going to deter small animals such as rabbits or skinks, a solid vinyl or wooden fence is your best bet. 

 

Privacy Fence Height

People build fences not just to define their property but to add privacy to their property. We get it! You like to relax and unwind without the prying eyes of your neighbors. If your goal is privacy, you will want a fence at least 6-feet high to prevent people from peeking in. If you want to ensure privacy, we recommend a 7-8 foot fence. Remember, checking your local ordinances before building a tall fence is essential. 

A solid wood or vinyl fence provides more privacy than a chain-link or aluminum fence. In addition, a solid vinyl fence will reduce outside noise from coming into your yard. 

 

Fence Height for Businesses and Retail Stores 

Typically fence height regulations are similar for retail stores and small businesses as for homeowners. A retail store wants to balance the need to protect their property while still seeming welcoming to new customers. Typically, a 6-foot-high solid fence is enough to protect your property at night while not deterring customers during the day. 

 

Front Yard Versus Back Yard Fence

Another significant consideration when choosing your fence height is in which yard you will place your fence. For example, a 4-foot fence typically needs to be taller for most backyard spaces. However, it is ideal for your front yard! In addition, city requirements will help determine fence height for the front and backyard. 

 

5. Check Your Local Laws and Regulations For Fencing

Most fences fall within a specific height range. However, local laws will impact your fence height. Every city has limits for fencing. Cities will often outline how, where, and for what purpose you can install your fence. Many municipalities dictate guidelines such as:

• Neighbors must agree on fence installation
• The city must approve the fence design first.
• Your fencing cannot block utility companies or city access.

In addition, towns may mandate you use specific types of fences for different kinds of properties. For example, an owner of a corner lot may be unable to build a fence higher than three feet tall due to visibility at intersections. If a stop sign or traffic light is near your yard, you may also face restrictions for the material, type, and fence height.

 

How To Make Your Fence Taller

Consider an extension if you want to add height to your existing fence. If your fence is in tip-top shape, a fence extension (a fence topper) is typically made from lattice or picket panels. The panels attach to your existing fence, adding an extra foot of height and a fun decorative touch. Before putting in the time and money for a fence extension, make sure your fence is structurally sound. 

If you are unsure what the right fence height is for you, give our professional, licensed team at Acosta Fence a call! With over 40 years of invaluable experience and knowledge in the fencing industry, we know what type of fence will best fulfill your needs. We are happy to answer any and all of your fencing questions.