However, wood has always given off a special warmth, which is missing from these other materials. When it comes down to selecting materials for fences, wood fences will forever remain a classic trim for your home.

Longevity

The first myth we’re going to dispel is the idea that wood rots easily and that it doesn’t offer longevity. On the contrary, wood fences can last more than 50 years, provided that the wood has been pressure-treated. However, the best way to preserve and maintain your fence is to apply paint or stain from the beginning, and again when needed.

Sustainability

One great thing about wood is it’s a sustainable material. Materials like iron or concrete require a lot of manufacturing, creating a large carbon footprint. Wood simply needs to grow, and new trees require approximately ten years of growth until they’re ready to be cut and milled into lumber. That means that by the time wood fences need replacing, after more or less ten years, depending on the climate, more than enough wood will have grown to replace it.

History Says it’s Our Favourite Material

As a country bordering the ‘land of freedom’, we Canadians are familiar with the American dream. And consequently, we can easily picture the ‘white picket fences’ associated with this dream. For more than 400 years, the favorite residential material for fences has been wood, and that’s because of several reasons – it’s widely available, beautiful, and of course, it’s associated with success.

Design Flexibility

There are many designs which can be made from wood fences because of wood’s flexible nature. You can carve and cut wood into any desired shape, and sometimes you might be surprised at what the material can do. In the past, wood has even been shaped into magnificent Gothic vaults.

There are certainly a wide variety of fence patterns to choose from, and wood allows you to use your creativity. Some like lattice patterns for plants to climb over it, while others like the simple post and rail. If you’re installing fences, and you don’t have a specific pattern in mind, it’s recommended that you speak with your fence company about the design options available.

Affordability

When making fences, let’s not forget about the cost. While offering a timeless look, wood is more affordable than other materials. It’s also relatively inexpensive to stain the wood into different colours. The verdict: wood fences are great for your wallet without sacrificing quality and style.

The post Why Wooden Fence Will Never Go Out of Style first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

The old adage “Good fences make good neighbors” is especially applicable when the neighbors own dogs. There are many fencing systems available to satisfy personal needs as well as zoning and aesthetic requirements.

Choosing the Right Fence

You don’t have to sacrifice beauty when designing the perfect fence for your dog. Just make sure you consider the following:

• Height
• Strength
• Zoning Code

Solid wood privacy fences can prevent passersby from teasing your dogs and sticking fingers through to possibly get bitten. Some communities and subdivisions zone against this type of fence or regulate the height and the side of the fence the boards must face.

Picket fences consist of narrow slats of wood nailed upright on a solid wood frame. Installed at the proper height for your breed, they are a very strong dog containment system. They can span the gaps in a solid wall or stockade fence. They offer the strength of wood yet don’t totally block the view.

Split rail fences provide a much more open view. They usually consist of wooden brace posts joined by two or more wooden cross rails. This fence looks nice and is often incorporated into professional landscape designs. Split rail fences provide a very strong base, but fabric must be added inside the fence to confine the dog.

Chain link is one of the most common fences. This series of pipe support posts and small diamond-shaped, heavy-gauge wire fabric is very strong. The holes in the fabric are too small for most dogs to penetrate. Most professional kennels use chain link in their fencing and dog runs. It is available in a variety of heights and installing barbed wire arms is easy. Zoning laws seem to allow its use where many other forms of fencing are prohibited. It hardly obstructs the view and is a strong deterrent to intruders. Children can easily tease a dog confined by a chain link fence.

Snow fence is one of the cheaper options. It is composed of low-gauge wire fabric of two-inch by four-inch rectangles. It is available in various heights and is installed on a series of brace posts and t-posts. The fabric must be stretched when it is installed to ensureadded strength.

Bonus Small Yard Tips:

• Emphasize length; a dog run 10 feet wide and as long as possible in your yard allows the dog to run up and down and exercise nicely.
• Try to get a fence before getting a dog. A young puppy raised with a particular fence, even a low one, will likely grow up with a respect for that fence and won’t try to escape even when full grown.
  • What about you don’t have a puppy? A new fence should be of sufficient height to discourage jumping. If the fence isn’t high enough, consider a jumping harness that prevents the dog from leaping, or install “barbed wire arms,” those angled steel extensions for the top of the fence. String the arms with plain wire or fence fabric instead of barbed wire, and the dog can’t jump or climb up, over, and out.
• To prevent digging under, bury the bottom of the fence several inches in the ground or fill a narrow trench along the perimeter of the fence with concrete. If the dog digs holes along an established fence, fill the holes with concrete or patio blocks.

The post Dog Fence – Tips and Tricks first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

A Wall of Green
Shrubs, plants, and trees can be your best friends when it comes to shielding your view from those sunbathing neighbours. There are a variety of shrubs and miniature trees that will grow and can easily be maintained for creating a perfect barrier of green space. It’s a great way to recapture some privacy without feeling offensive by installing a towering fence, especially if you prefer a more natural look to your garden. Evergreens are a common choice for this reason.

Potted Plants
There’s such an array of potted plants that can grow nice and tall to get that perfect touch of privacy. For example, ferns or even bamboo are great for placing in pots along your deck or seating areas. They’re convenient because they can be easily moved into those key spots that have a view that’s a bit too clear for your liking.

Wooden Pergolas and Vines
For outdoor spaces such as a dining area, lounging area or deck, you can construct a simple pergola with wooden panels that act as a natural enclosure. Plant a few vines along them and you’ll have the perfect amount of privacy and shade, all in one.

Fountain and Ornamental Walls
If you’re looking for a way to not only block the view but also drown out the sound, consider installing a fountain piece, coupled by an ornamental wall behind it. They look great and they compliment each other as a feature piece, while drowning out the sights and sounds next door.

Decorative Curtains
One very simple way to get instant privacy it is by hanging a few decorative curtains along your deck or enclosure. You can drape them along in sections, bundle them up, and close them fully when needed.

Privacy Fence
You didn’t think we’d forget to mention adding a new fence, did you? As Ottawa’s premier fencing company, we have a wide range of privacy fences in a number of different materials, finishes, and colours to suit your exact needs and style preferences. Wood fences and PVC fences are particularly effective as privacy fences, but ornamental iron fences in combination with these other elements such as shrubs and plants can also create a sense of seclusion.

The post How to get Backyard Privacy? first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

2. Budget
Do some research online or call a reliable fence contractor to determine the price points for different fence options to achieve best value for money invested. For example as a rule of thumb wood is around twice the cost of residential chain link. So if privacy was not an issue then chain link would be the way to go.

You may be spending more than you had anticipated but remember that a fence is an investment and will increase the value of your property (as long as it fits the aesthetics of your neighbourhood). Always add some extra in your budget to cover unforeseen instances such as cost to repair a damaged drainage tile not shown on your property plan or replacement of some shrubs or ornamental trees that had to be removed to accommodate the fence.

3. Inform Your Neighbour
Approach your neighbour to discuss the proposed fence. It is the polite and neighbourly thing to do as it invades their vista and is a very personal thing as it butts onto their property. I remember starting a customer’s fence in the morning then having their neighbour arrive home for supper and see fence posts along their property line. They flipped! They had not been made aware of the project and took it as a personal affront thinking that my customer wanted to shut them out of their lives. After a little explanation for the reason of the fence and some soothing words I was able to diffuse the situation.

Had they been the more unreasonable type my customer may have had an offended and contentious neighbour for life.

4. Permits
Determine if your municipality requires you to take out a permit to install a fence. Most municipalities in Ontario do not require a permit for a fence but most do have bylaws regulating them. For instance they may limit the fence height and distance from the road allowance if you have a corner lot to keep vehicle sight lines clear at intersections, or so your neighbour can see to exit their driveway.

5. Property Lines
Ensure that you know where your property lines run. You can usually find the existing square metal property pins, if they aren’t buried too deep, by stabbing the ground at a 45 degree angle in the approximate area that the pins would be expected to be found. Newer pins are denoted with a white and red wooden stake above ground. Failing that a metal detector can be used. A property plan with house and lot dimensions is a great way to determine where to place your fence. You want to be sure that your fence is installed on your property!! If it is found later to be on your neighbours property they can make things miserable and expensive.
Have underground locates for utilities done. In Ontario a simple call to Ontario One Call (ON1CALL) at 1-800-400-2255 is all it takes to have gas, electrical and telecommunications located. You can also go to www.on1call.com. Your water and sewer lines must be located by your municipality. All locating services are free of charge. Drainage tiles may be more difficult to locate. Your home builder may be able to tell you or you could have someone experienced in water “witching” find them for you. We as a fencing company hand dig by the foundation where your fence is most likely to intersect with a tile.

Every fence and circumstance is different but these items should make you well prepared to start your project.

Call us today at 613-413-7572 or contact us online.

Check out our partial portfolios.

The post How to plan for a fence installation – THE CORRECT WAY first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

Outdoor projects are relatively simple and straightforward, and most of them can be tackled all on your own. Sure, adding a new fence or a new deck will almost always require you to hire the right professionals to make sure that you get the results you are after – but those are wise investments that always pay big dividends.

Add smart landscaping to the mix

There’s just something about having the greenest grass in the neighbourhood that gives you the pride of homeownership that a lot of people are after these days.

If you want your grass to be as lush and green as possible, you’ll want to make sure that you are feeding your grass on a regular basis, that it’s getting the right amount of water, and that you are supporting your grass with the highest quality landscaping efforts.

Add flowers, vegetable gardens, shrubs, and other landscaping elements to create that really special outdoor space you deserve. The warm season is relatively short in Ottawa, so you want to make the best of it before the cold days return.

Upgrade you fence for style and privacy

Of course, if you really want to go the whole nine yards with your outdoor space you’ll want to think about upgrading your fence and making sure that it adds a considerable amount of style to your outdoor spaces but that it also adds an extra element of safety and privacy.

There are all kinds of different fence options available to pick and choose from today. You’ll be able to find different fence materials, different looks, and different price points across the board – giving you the opportunity to create a fence that is perfectly suited to your needs and your budget. The right fence selection will enhance the look of your yard and add an extra touch to your landscape design efforts.

It’s tough to beat the impact of a new deck

At the end of the day, it’s tough to imagine any outdoor project impacting the look and feel (not to mention usability) of your outdoor space more than a brand-new deck.

If you want to entertain, if you want to transform your space, and if you want to add a lot of extra value to your property, nothing can beat a brand new custom PVC or composite deck.

Capital Deck and Fence is a locally operated Ottawa business that specializes in designing, building and delivering custom decks and fences. Contact us today at 613-413-7572 or directly on our website.

The post 3 Steps to Transform your Yard first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

While planning your upcoming pool season should be a delightful and encouraging project, it is important to realize how serious pool owners should be when considering the safety of their pool area, especially when children will be near-by.

Simply put, don’t be confused about fences, Ottawa: your child’s safety depends on it!

Did you know that 72% of children, who drowned in a residential pool in Canada, did so in a pool which did not have a fence, or that did not meet bylaw requirements?

According to the Canadian Red Cross’ research, children between the ages of 1 and 4 have drowned twice more often than children who were 10 to 14 years-old. Furthermore, according to that same research, the vast majority of children who drowned in Canada between 2001 and 2010 did so in private swimming pools—not in public pools.

More surprisingly, the Canadian Red Cross also surveyed Canadians in a telephone-research poll conducted by Ipsos Reid to find out that only 52% of the respondents believed protecting their child’s safety with a pool fenced on all four sides was necessary.

Pool safety does not need to be a complicated head-ache for residential pool owners. On the contrary, the most reputable companies that have been installing fences in Ottawa for years are the experts you will want to consult when evaluating the safety of the fence surrounding your pool.

For example, they might recommend installing a fence with a special child-proof latch that is designed to be out-of-reach for children, making it impossible for them to access the pool area.

These latches offer a layer of protection that ensure that a child who escapes an adult’s attention—even for minutes—will not be at risk of being in a pool area unsupervised.

It is also important to note that there is a specific bylaw concerning pool safety and required fences in Ottawa: this bylaw requires pool owners to build a fence surrounding any body of water that is deeper than 24 inches at any point, including ponds and hot tubs as well.

Don’t be part of the let your child be a drowning statistics that saw a drowning occurring due to an absent or improper fence, Ottawa. Speak to the experts that will see you ensure you have a wonderful and properly memorable summer ahead.

The post Pool Danger in Ottawa. first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.

One of works last year: iron pool fence in Ottawa.

Though the winter is long in Ottawa, it is never too early to think about summer. Pools are very popular in Ottawa. No matter which neighborhood you step into, someone bound to have a pool. If you are thinking of getting pool, consider getting a pool fence. Not only does it keep safety a priority, it is great at keeping privacy. Before we start, we like to direct you to the City of Ottawa Pool Enclosure guide.

Now today, we will introduce 3 materials that are typically chosen to be use as a pool fence and we will tell you why.

1. Wood

Wood has been used in fencing for years, but recently, it has been on the decrease in popularity due to its high maintenance. Because of the proximity of the fence to the pool water, a wood fence needs care and attention to last. If you are looking for privacy, wood definitely offer you some. However, an important thing to note is that if you want to watch your kids when they are in the pool, it is best to have a fence that you can look through or over so you can check on them. Notwithstanding the maintenance aspect, there’s no disputing the fact that it looks great in any setting and also makes a wonderful privacy fence.

2. PVC or Vinyl

PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, has become a popular choice for pool fences. It is durable, flexible, and won’t warp, rot, or bend due to moisture exposure or extreme weather. Although some homeowners consider them to be on the bulky side and colour options are limited, PVC fences provide a lot of privacy and come in a variety of styles. PVC will cost more up front, but it won’t need to be replaced or re-installed nearly as often. PVC fence is also frequently used around pools. Many privacy fences have lattice or spindles for the top foot of the fence to add ornament to the design.

3. Iron

Everyone is looking for something different. An iron fence is for those who want to have a great view of nature. If you don’t need or want as much privacy, but still want a strong, secure pool fence, iron is the way to go. Iron fences are lightweight, sturdy, and available with many elegant ornamental accents. However, some maintenance is required to keep iron fences from corroding. Also iron fences can be expensive.

The post Best Materials for a Pool Fence first appeared on Capital Deck and Fence.