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The Fence is Done!

July 29, 2014

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Yesterday, our fence guys surprised us and finished the job! When we spend a lot of money on a project–especially when we hire it out–our expectations are so much higher. And I’m relieved to say, we’re all so happy with the results.

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I wasn’t able to find the exact fence I wanted locally and I was getting so frustrated. But then I struck gold when a company down the road (Western Fence, for you locals) said that I could come up with a new design that wasn’t on display, as long as I used all the same parts. I spent some time in the warehouse looking around and drawing pictures and they were so helpful all the times I asked “Do you have something like this?!” I was able to choose a slightly thicker top border, how far down I wanted the center line (I decided on 19″), the caps! And then some details, I had a limited selection on. For instance, they only make 1″ or 3″ pickets–so I went with 3″ and the spacing had to be 3″ apart so that we met code for our corner lot of 50% visibility since we are kind of the corner lot of a cul-de-sac.

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Over the next year, we plan on landscaping in front of the fence to soften things up, but we’ll save that for a different post.

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Update: Per request here’s a 3 minute “drawing” of what our property looks like so you can get a better idea of how things are laid out.

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The caps we decided on were the “Federation” style and ran us $6.39 a pop. Every time I see a vinyl fence without caps, or just with the standard flat caps–I secretly hope they’re saving up their money for some. It makes such a beautiful difference if you can swing it.

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Around back, we decided to install a 4′ fence, instead of a 6′ to better line up with our neighbor’s existing fence, plus there is such beautiful landscaping back there, it felt a shame to cover it all up.

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It’s basically the same, but without the extra middle border.

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Part of us wishes we could have extended it along the other side of our backyard, but we couldn’t justify the expense and aren’t even sure our neighbor would be up for that. So, here they are peacefully cohabiting. Note to self: that gnarly bush has got to go!

The biggest splurges and cost actually come from the gates. In the eleventh hour, we decided to add another one on the north side of our property. Just a small 3 footer that is wide enough for a lawn mower, or person to pass through.

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We also put a large 8 ft gate (two 4ft french door style) to the right of the driveway in case we need to move larger things into the backyard. A swingset or small shed (our current one is way too big–we’re contemplating selling it) comes to mind.

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After they finished up, I opened the back door and Charly looked at me curiously. Since we moved in 10 months ago, she always had to be on her wire before going out. It was the best feeling once she realized she could run freely in her yard. Greta and her played for a couple hours out there and I didn’t have to worry once where they had gone. It has been a long time coming (and saving!!) for this fence, but it already feels worth it.

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What do you think?

  1. Carrie says:

    I’m systematically going throughout old posts (time travel!!), but I just love this dog of yours!! #heart I have a golden retriever and she is quite literally my best friend.

  2. Braelin says:

    Beautiful! When you post about landscaping might you also address how you let Charley err…do her business (#1…) without killing your grass?

  3. Wowza, that is a LOT of fence to have installed! And it’s stunning!

  4. Robin says:

    Awwww, Charly looks so happy!

  5. Jessica says:

    Love it and the caps are a beautiful touch! Cue post about Greta testing swing sets, maybe even a slide? :-)

  6. Nichole K says:

    It looks awesome! I love the freedom of letting the dogs out and not worrying (too much) about them escaping or, in our case, other dogs coming into the backyard uninvited.

  7. Kathy says:

    Fences make great neighbors! I like our house 100000000000 times better since we put a fence up (we’re on a corner lot too) – it looks great! Hope you have many fun times in it!

  8. B says:

    Could you perhaps do a drawing of an aerial view of the property? Daniel from Manhatten Nest did this when he wrote about their fence plans and it was really helpful to visualize things.

    Looks great! Our first big splurge when we moved into our house was a fence, mostly for our dog. She loves her yard and spends half her day out there. :)

  9. Victoria says:

    Whew. What a relief. Stay in the yard, Greta!
    The fence looks very stately :)

  10. Looks great! It really makes everything seem so much more finished and polished. Once you add more landscaping, I think it will really shine.

  11. Gillian says:

    Just love the picture of your kiddo going through the gate…it is quintessentially summer. A little pink bathing suit, bare feet and a white fence. What’s better than a hundred more summers like that?

  12. Would love to see an overall shot of the house, hard to get an idea of what the overall look is with these shots!

  13. The fence looks awesome! Selfishly, I can’t wait for a post on the cost… and how much linear footage you put in! Charly will love being able to run! It’s the best being able to just let the dog out and not worry if a rabbit or squirrel has lured them away from the yard!

  14. Carol says:

    I love the last piece about Charly! Living in a condo, I hate not having a space for my dog to run and run and run – whenever he wants, instead of just during trips to the dog park or my in-laws.

  15. Amanda says:

    The fence looks beautiful!

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