One of the many decisions that any new homeowner may come to face is what type of fencing to buy. Choices of  how much will the fencing cost, what styles of fences and gates do I like, and what amount of fencing is required for the property surrounding the house are all considerations that must be mulled over.  Because it covers multiple aspects of your home, including personal security, aesthetics and design, and family privacy, your home’s fence can be one of the most important parts of your property. Fencing and gates are definitely not something to just rush into — and will require a significant deal of thought and planning. This guide will help you pick your fences and gates easily, and avoid the annoyances that can pop up in the building process.

First, you need to decide on building materials. Generally, it’s wise to go with the same — or at least a similar — building material to that of your house. For example, a brick fence will go very well with a brick house, while wood fences and gates are more suited to classic wooden houses and row housing. It really depends on your houses’ construction, with consistency proving to be one of the most important design considerations. Spend some time thinking through what’s important to you design-wise, and pick a fence that both matches and compliments your home.

Secondly, you should look at security factors and protective options. While many fences and gates are available at a low cost, they often fail to provide any real security. Sure, they’re psychologically secure, with burglars being less likely to target fenced houses, but they certainly offer very little physical protection. Real security buffs will often go with wrought iron fences and gates, which tend to offer the best level of protection and security. While they also offer a great modern look, they’re not really suited for certain house designs. In the end, you need to weigh up your design choices and security needs, and pick a fencing and gate material that meets both of your needs.

Finally, ensure that your fences and gates provide at least some level of privacy. There’s nothing more discouraging than not feeling comfortable enough to enjoy your own property because of a lack of privacy. If you’re planning on using your yard as an entertainment area, invest in great fences that keep other eyes out. A great idea is to look at privacy fences, particularly high fences offering a great combination of privacy and security. In the end, it’s about balancing security with aesthetics — while nobody wants to live in a house that looks like a compound, very few people appreciate living in a fishbowl.