Fence Height

Fence Height

The average residential fence height ranges from 4 feet to 6 feet, depending on the fence material and placement. With that in mind, fences can be anywhere from 3 feet to 12+ feet in height.

Factors to Consider for Your Fence Height

The average fence heights listed above may not be ideal for your situation. Find the height that best suits your need for privacy, visibility, security, curb appeal, etc. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

• Other fences that connect with your fence – If your neighbors have 6′ fences that touch your property, you may want a 6′ fence for continuity. If you are only adding a connecting fence on the back of the property, you may be able to get away with a lower-profile fence.
• How high your dogs can jump – Many large dogs are able to jump over 4′ fences. A 6′ privacy fence is sufficient for most dogs, but you still need to watch for digging below the fence posts. There are pet-friendly fence adjustments you can use to increase security and protect your furry family members.
• Average fence heights in your neighborhood – Look at the fences in your area. Are they mostly 4′ chain link fences, or is a 6′ privacy fence the standard for the area? This is an important consideration because it may impact property value and salability in the future.
• How fence height impacts the cost of materials – Taller fences require more materials, which means they typically cost more. We can recommend the best options for your needs and your budget so you can achieve your desired fence height.
• Visibility restrictions – Privacy is important, but so is visibility. For instance, if your home is on a golf course, you may want a low-profile fence in the back that allows you to see that gorgeous view. Think about the property as a whole when selecting a fence height.

Building a Good Fence

Once you’ve established where the boundary lines lie and checked in with all the necessary entities to ensure that you’re in the clear, the next step is to begin construction. Aside from measuring to ensure you get the right amount of fencing and hiring a good to install your fence, here are some other things to consider.

Materials

When choosing fencing materials, be careful not to stray too far from the design and look of your home and the other fences in your neighborhood. Wood is the most commonly used material, and for a good reason. It’s durable, attractive, and, with some maintenance, can give your home the sophisticated look it needs. Materials like , vinyl, and chain-link require less maintenance and upkeep but offer a different level of privacy than wood.

Maintenance

Regardless of which material you choose, all outdoor features need proper maintenance. Always remember that fencing adds to the value of your home, should you ever decide to sell it. Ensuring that your fence is properly taken care of will protect your investment and drastically extend the life of your fence.

Fence Height

If you’re trying to maintain your privacy and keep pets in, the fence around the backyard should be about 6 feet tall. If you’re in an area where deer sightings are common, your fence should be about 8 feet tall.

A fence around the front yard should typically be at most 4 feet tall. This allows you to see still what’s going on around you while keeping children and pets in. Fences in the front of homes should also be easy to see to avoid blocking drivers’ fields of vision.

Finished or Unfinished?

Many fences look the same on both sides. But when this is not the case, placing the finished or more attractive side where it is visible to the neighborhood is customary. This drastically improves your home’s curb appeal and, in turn, its value.

If you’re installing fencing between your house and your neighbor’s house, it is the best expression of etiquette to place the finished side facing them and the unfinished side toward you.

Pool Fences

Pool fences are a very specific type of fence. While the fence itself can be of any material or style, the details are mandated by law. In most places, a pool fence must be four feet tall. The pickets cannot be more than a certain distance apart, and the same is true for the rails.

The primary function of a pool fence is to keep out anyone who shouldn’t be using the pool unsupervised, such as children or pets. So pool fences need to be designed with no space large enough for a child to get through and no way to climb over the top.

If you are building a pool, most jurisdictions require a pool fence or some sort of barrier. Check with your pool builder or contractor and make sure you know the regulations for a pool fence. An inadequate fence is both unsafe and illegal.