How to Plan the Height of a Fence
- 1). Check local building codes for restrictions on fencing materials and heights -- for instance, some municipalities limit front-yard fences to 4 feet tall and backyard fences to 8 feet high. If you live in a condominium or development governed by a homeowners' association, check your association's restrictions, too. Some building codes require a property survey before you can install a fence. Talk with neighbors about your plans so that no issues will arise later.
- 2). Assess your needs and activities to determine how high your fence should be. For example, a patio fence intended to secure a toddler should be at least 3 feet high. A privacy fence may need to be at least 6 feet tall.
- 3). Design a fence that uses standard building material sizes -- such as 6 or 8 feet -- to simplify construction. For instance, 3-foot picket fencing that you might want to use around a rose garden is available at most home-improvement stores.
- 4). Look at the property from a distance to keep fence height in balance with the rest of your property and its structures. You might want to install an 8-foot-high fence along a back alley, but a shorter fence along the sides of your yard. To keep the differences in height visually appealing, gradually reduce the height of the fencing to create a smooth transition, instead of changing abruptly from an 8-foot fence to a much shorter one.
- 5). Lighten the look of a tall fence by incorporating lattice or using metal or rail fencing material. Lattice fencing, for example, can enhance the look of an Arts and Crafts home.
