How to Choose the Best Style for a Horizontal Slatted Fence for Your Property
Posted on: 26 April 2017
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A horizontal slatted fence is a great way to add privacy and security to a property without making it seem too closed-in and claustrophobic, which often happens with solid wood or metal panel fences. The slats can also break up the look of the fence sections, keeping them from overwhelming your yard or competing with your home's landscaping and other such features. Choosing a horizontal slatted fence also gives you a chance to add some personality and style to the fence itself; note how to do this, and how to choose the best style for your home's slatted fence.
Size of slats
When choosing horizontal slats, note that the slats that are very thin or narrow from top to bottom may start to look cluttered in a very large and expansive space. However, they can help to add length and width to a smaller yard. Wider slats, meaning those that are larger from top to bottom, are better for bigger yards and for when you want a clean and uncluttered look to the fence.
Consider, too, if you plan on using the slats for hanging outdoor planters, light fixtures, and other such items. Smaller slats will provide more openings and gaps that can hold hooks for these items, so you have more freedom to decide on their spacing. Hanging baskets and lights can also help to break up the look of smaller slats so they seem less busy.
Creating style
One way to create a unique look for your home's outdoor space is to use different sizes, widths, colours, and shades of slats. When running the slats horizontally, opt for different sizes of slats from top to bottom for each row. You might also choose slats that have a different stain or shellac colour on them, so they're very similar but still have some differences in colour tone and shade. This will keep the fence from seeming too uniform and dull.
Security
One drawback to a slatted fence is that it provides a very solid toehold for potential intruders. To keep people from scaling your fence, place horizontal slats as close together as possible so that the gap between them is minimal. You might also plant some thorny shrubs around the fence, or choose a slick vinyl material instead of wood, as the vinyl makes it difficult for someone to grip the fence slats securely in order to climb them.