Adding a fence to the yard of your historical home is a great way to complete its look and finish the overall design. But, as with the rest of a historical house, careful attention should be given before deciding on materials and styles so that the result complements and honors the architecture and time period.
To help, here's a three step guide to finding the perfect historical fence style.
The easiest way to decide on a fence style for any home with a history is to find original pictures, drawings or paintings of the house with a fence. If pieces of the fence still exist — even if they are in bad shape — keep them as reference materials to help you recreate it or mimic its style. Walk around the neighborhood to determine if any of your neighbors' properties have original fencing material that could serve as a guideline for yours.
If any period fencing is still in place, you could opt to either restore and expand upon what's left, or you may want to build a new fence in the same style or colors. Which method you use may depend on how much of the existing fence is in place, what its quality of it is like, and how large your budget is for restoration. An experienced local fence company like AAA Fence LLC can help you decide how to proceed.
If nothing of your home's original fences is still in existence, look to other sources to find fences that were common around the time your house was built. If the house is a listed historical property, there may be actual records of earlier times. Check with historical societies as well, since these can often steer you toward historically accurate fence styles common in the local area as well as any zoning regulations pertinent to your yard.
Many historical periods and architecture have iconic or traditional fence designs. Georgian or Colonial Revival architecture, for example, tended to have elaborate, painted fences whereas early Colonial homes used local and hand-carved, rustic fence materials. Sometimes, the philosophy of the architecture or even the city in which it was built can have an influence on fences of the time. Victorian homes tend to feature ornateness and showmanship, whereas Mid-century Modern houses were forward looking with an eye to a sleeker future.
While you likely want your fences to be historically accurate (or at least reflective of history), don't be afraid to utilize a little modern technology to save yourself a lot of time and money on repairs. Historical wood fencing may look great, but it often requires annual maintenance and may not weather well in many harsher climates around the country.
By contrast, a vinyl fence that mimics the look of paling fences or wood slats can be much easier to care for. Modern aluminum fences or gates can easily take the place of traditional iron fences for less cost and minimal maintenance.
Keep in mind that fences may beautify a period home, but most of them always be removed and replaced without altering the historicity or value of the property. Your fence installation company can work with you to determine lower cost or lower maintenance alternatives that might fit your budget and time factors better.
When planning your historical home renovation, be sure to take the time to determine not only what fence style or material will complement the house but also what will make your life a little easier. The result will be a yard that looks great and that you'll be proud to come home to.
