The Fence That Gets No Love

We all know the chain link fence. It’s the fence that kept us from running off school grounds into traffic. It surrounds our tennis courts, our basketball courts, and it keeps us safe. Why then does the chain link fence get no love?

Ask any landscape architect what they think of chain link fences and they will undoubtedly grimace before uttering some disapproving comment. But let’s take a closer look at the chain link fence.

If you want an unobstructed view, the chain link fence is perfect. It is virtually see through. Some fence builders will try to find a way to increase visibility with picket fences when a chain link fence is all they need. Because it is virtually see through, chain link is a great fence for a corner lot. It will prevent people from taking those all to tempting ‘short cuts’ and it will not hamper the visibility of passing cars. For pool owners who must have clear sight of the pool, a chain link fence will protect and provide that unobstructed view.

Blends Into the Environment

The chain link fence can also be modified to blend into its environment. Do you have a lush green yard? A green vinyl-coated chain link fence would blend seamlessly with your lawn. Vinyl-coated fences are also available in brown and black to complement a variety of surroundings. Vinyl coated chain link, like galvanized chain link has the added benefit of being rust and corrosion resistant.

Durable

If you are looking for durability, you can’t go wrong with a chain link. Remember hopping a chain link fence as a child? You would just slip your toes between the links and over you would go. High tensile steel framework allows chain link to withstand considerate abuse. Plus, it’s immersed in pure zinc for maximum protection against oxidation and flaking.

Affordable

However, the best feature of the chain link fence is the price. Easily one of the least expensive fences on the market, you can protect large areas of property from animals and intruders for a fraction of the cost of a wooden or iron fence.

You will want to make sure that you have proper zoning before you decide on chain link. Some municipalities and home owners associations do not allow them or have certain restrictions on height so always be sure to check your local ordinances.

Embrace the chain link fence - it rules!

Deck Lighting Tips

One of the best ways to create atmosphere, feel and depth, is through the use of lighting. Photographers and filmmakers know the value of lighting, and they use lighting to set tone and composition so what the audience sees is truly a work of art.

Your relationship with your landscape is the same. Through the use of proper and effective lighting, you can make your deck appear stage-like. And unlike film or photographs, the lighting itself becomes part of the landscape – so aesthetics become as important as functionality.

Decks are often used more at night than in the day. When you install deck lighting, you will increase the time you spend on your outdoor deck and patio and will also bring out the beauty of the deck. Deck lighting will also add to the safety around the deck.

 When it comes to deck lighting options, the possibilities are endless!

• step lights
• low voltage deck lighting
• line voltage deck lighting
• path lights
• pendants
• column lights
• outdoor wall lights

You should try to avoid deck lighting glare at all costs. To do so, you should hide the source of the light as much as possible; opt for indirect lighting by choosing light fixtures that have hoods over them.

When choosing deck lighting, remember that deck accent lighting should be used so that it's functional (you can make your way around your deck), but that it doesn't over light the area. It's a good idea to experiment a bit with outdoor lighting fixtures before you install them; this will let you get a better feel for how much light you want to use.

There are some lighting manufacturers that provide color filters that create a moonlit effect; this will make your lighting look more natural.

Avoid concentrating lighting on certain areas; this occurs when light in a certain area is intense compared to its neighboring areas. The trick behind good deck lighting is that lighting effects must be soft and appealing.

There are several areas that may be hazardous without proper lighting, such as level changes, steps, water features and paths. Be sure to light these areas.

Before you begin construction, take deck lighting fixtures into consideration; doing so will enable you to incorporate the lights into the plan in the most effective manner.

Carpeting a deck is generally not a good idea. Moisture will get trapped between the carpet and the decking which tends to place the wood decking in danger of rot and decay. Using a premium quality sealer can prolong the periods of resealing or consider re-decking the surface with a lower maintenance alternative such as a composite.