Home and Construction Business Blog: Home Improvement Tips, Project Advice, & Local Construction Information

There are several different materials that fences can be made from. Each have a different look and feel and can add charm, beauty, and value to your property. There are advantages to each type of fence, depending on the features you're looking to add to your property. Wood fences are warm, welcoming, and can be stained or painted to any color you desire. They can be tall and give your space privacy, a true extension of your home. Vinyl fences have many of the same privacy benefits of wood, but without the upkeep. Vinyl fences can last a lifetime with only minimal maintenance. Aluminum fences aren't quite as common as wood or vinyl fences, but have plenty of benefits of their own. Aluminum comes in a wide variety of colors and styles. Similar to a vinyl fence, aluminum never needs to be painted or stained to keep its peak appearance. Unlike vinyl, aluminum fences rarely need even to be cleaned due to their typically dark color.Aluminum is an ideal choice if you're looking to fence in a pool or backyard and don't want a privacy fence. Aluminum fences allow your pool or back yard to stay safely enclosed, providing a safe space for kids and pets to play, but without blocking your view of surrounding trees, lake, or green space. If you're considering an aluminum fence for your property, visit Fence Central's Aluminum Fences page and scroll down to see examples of work we've done for very satisfied customers. We're happy to offer you a free quote or additional information if you contact us.

Whether you're choosing the best fence for a community park or fencing in your own park-like backyard, sometimes a privacy fence isn't the best fence to fit your needs. Fences are good for more than just privacy. A fence can keep kids and pets in safe areas and keep out unwanted people and animals. If you're considering a fence that will still allow you to enjoy the view outside of your fenced-in area, consider these options: Chain link fences are perhaps the best at blending into their surroundings. Chain link now comes in vinyl-coated colors to blend in with the surrounding area. Choose from green, brown, tan, white, or black. From a distance, it's easy to forget a colored chain link fence is even there due to the large spaces between links, offering an unobstructed view of your surroundings. Aluminum fences add both visibility and curb appeal to your home. Aluminum comes in several colors and styles, allowing you to choose exactly the way your fence looks. Aluminum fences are also great for enclosing a pool area so that the area is protected but swimmers may still see out and enjoy the view. While not as transparent as chain link or aluminum, vinyl is also a solid choice for keeping a view of your surroundings. Shorter picket or ranch rail fences provide a barrier for small children and animals while still allowing easy viewing access to a lake, park, or forest.You don't have to sacrifice a great view to erect the fence you've been dreaming about. Contact Fence Central to learn more about your options and request a quote.

Labor Day was setup as a day to honor working men and women. It has been a national holiday in the U.S. and Canada since 1894, but labor celebrations happened before then. The first Labor Day parade happened on September 5, 1882 in New York City. It was hosted by labor unions, who chose the first weekend in September because it was halfway between Independence Day and Thanksgiving.Enrollment in labor unions was at an all-time high (around 40%) in the U.S. in the 1950s. Today, numbers are much lower, less than 15%, and as such Labor Day has become less of a focus for those in labor unions but is widely celebrated as an end to summer. Many people choose to celebrate labor day with one last trip to the beach or an backyard cookout.While the city of Winter Haven doesn't have a Labor Day parade planned this year, in nearby Orlando you can enjoy Labor day festivities near Lake Eola Park from 10:00am-2:00pm. There will be free food, music, and entertainment for all working families. Children are encouraged to come!If you choose to stay closer to home for the holiday, enjoying time in your backyard with friends and family is a great way to pass the day. Time in the pool or at the BBQ will make everyone feel at home. Looking to spruce up your fence for the event? Here are some tips for keeping your fence maintained and looking its best. Happy Labor Day from all of us here at Fence Central!

We have exciting news to share! Fence Central is now headquartered in Winter Haven! Specifically, our new address is 5880 Lucerne Park Road, Winter Haven, FL 33881. Our new location couldn't be more convenient to all of Polk County, less than a mile from US-27 behind the Family Dollar. Speaking of Polk County, our other big news to share has to do with you. With our relocation from Haines City to Winter Haven, Fence Central will now serve all of Polk County! We are open every weekday, Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm.As always, we are here for you. You can submit a quote request quickly and easily from our Contact page. Or, if you prefer, give us a call at 863-353-2633.  We look forward to hearing about your next fencing project soon!

A wood fence is a warm, welcoming addition to your home. Wooden fences complement any style and color of home and come in a wide variety of styles. With care, wood fences last for many years and can add considerable curb appeal to your home. Wood fences come with some maintenance needs, however. Owners of wood fences must consider stain/paint as well as insects that may want to make a home in the wood. Some insects can cause structural damage to a wood fence, shortening its lifespan and reducing the overall lovely appearance of the fence. Which insects should you keep an eye out for? Read on. Termites thrive in Florida's humid climate. They eat any and all types of wood, not distinguishing between older wood that supports your home or a brand new wood fence. Termites looks similar to carpenter ants with a few noticeable differences. Termites: May be brown or white Have long, straight wings of equal length Have straight antenna May have a pincer one one end Termite colonies may be underground or in the wood itself and can spread rapidly. Wood damaged by termites must be replaced right away to stop the spread and remove any termite eggs or larvae living in the wood. Carpenter ants, as their name suggests, like wood. They don't eat wood but nest inside of it, especially wood that is damaged or rotting. The tunnels they build further damage and threaten the structural integrity of any wood they live in. Carpenter ants: Look like ants but are much larger May be brown or black Have wings of unequal length Have bent, elbow-shaped antenna Similar to a termite infestation, wood that has been colonized by carpenter ants must be replaced to prevent further spread and damage. Wood-boring beetles drill into wood and lay their eggs. Once the young beetles hatch, they feed on the wood until they're old enough to fly away. Beetles especially like wood that hasn't been painted or pressure treated. A sure sign you've got wood-boring beetles is small piles of sawdust on or near your fence.If your fence is damaged beyond repair, it may be time to invest in an entirely new fence. If you're fed up with wood, consider a vinyl fence, which offers many of the same styles as wood fences but doesn't attract or support insects.

Fences come in a wide variety of sizes so that homeowners and property owners can select the fence that best suits their privacy, security, and aesthetic needs. There are several factors that determine which size fence will be best for you.For single-family homes, front yards and back yards often have different functions. Front yards often have shorter fences in attractive picket or ranch rail styles in vinyl or wood. Your back yard fence may be influenced by what is in the back yard. Pools are required to be enclosed so that no one accidentally falls in. Pool fences don't have to be solid privacy fences, however, and many people opt for aluminum or vinyl fences that afford a view of the area surrounding the pool.If your back yard is an extension of your home that you spend a lot of time in, a privacy fence may be for you. Privacy fences are tall, often six feet, and made of solid wood or vinyl panels.Your local regulations and/or Homeowners' Association (HOA) may also have a say in how high your fence can be. Many municipalities impose a six foot cap on backyard fences and a four foot maximum on frontyard fences. Popular six foot fences include vinyl or wooden privacy or shadowbox fences or board-on-board wooden fences. Four foot fence types include ranch rail or picket in vinyl or wood.For more information about local regulations and fences available at various heights, contact Fence Central in Winter Haven.

Along with wood, aluminum, and chain link, you may be considering a vinyl fence for your yard. Vinyl fencing has become very popular recently because of its many positive features. When installed by a knowledgable and professional fence company, vinyl fences are visually attractive, low maintenance, and may even come with a lifetime warranty.If you're considering a vinyl fence for your home, you're in good company. Many residents find a vinyl fence a very wise investment that brings them pleasure for many years to come. Many styles One of the most attractive features of vinyl fences is the many styles and colors available. Vinyl fences come in privacy panels, pickets, rails, shadowbox, and lattice, among others. With all of those styles, you also have to consider which color you want the fence to be. White is by far the most popular but other colors are available. Low maintenance Vinyl is easier to take care of than other materials because you don't have paint or worry about bugs eating away at the PVC. With vinyl fences, the color is built right into the material, meaning they only need a wash every now and again to remove dirt and grime. Easy repairs Repairing a vinyl fence is also very easy. If a panel becomes damaged it's an easy process to unbolt and replace it with a new panel. Durable Vinyl fences from Fence Central in Winter Haven come with a manufacturer's lifetime warranty that protects against chipping, cracking, and flaking. Our fences are all made in the U.S.A. with high-quality materials, so you can be confident that you'll never have to replace your vinyl fence.

Independence Day is right around the corner! There are many ways to celebrate the 4th, and all that comes with it. Here at Fence Central in Winter Haven, we choose to spend the day with family and friends, giving thanks for the freedoms that we have and the men and women who fought to give us those freedoms.Hosting a backyard cookout, potluck, and/or pool party is a great way to celebrate with friends and family. There's still time to plan your get-together and your fenced-in backyard is a perfect place to host! Fences keep kids and pets safely in view, away from roads and vehicles. A privacy fence is especially good for parties because the fence blocks some of the noise from music and merrymaking and the privacy of your gathering remains between you and your family and friends.If you have a pool, remember to keep fence gates closed during the festivities so little ones don't wander in accidentally.Need some food inspiration? Lots of recipes online, of course, but one of our favorite crowd-pleasures is bacon and cheddar cheese stuffed burgers. This recipe makes 4-6 stuffed burgers, depending if you want larger or smaller patties.Ingredients 1.25 lbs ground sirloin (at least 80/20) Salt and pepper 4 oz. of cubed cheddar cheese 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled Directions Divide the ground sirloin into 8 or 12 patties, depending if you want 4 or 6 stuffed burgers. Use your thumb and make in indentation in half of the patties. That's where the filling will go. Evenly distribute the cheese and bacon crumbles in the indentations. Top each filled patty with a second patty and press along the edges to seal in the filling. Cook on a hot grill for 3-5 minutes per side. Let us know what you and your guests think about the burgers! Have a safe and happy 4th of July from all of us here at Fence Central.

Summer is right around the corner! We're already feeling the summer heat here in Winter Haven, though. Perhaps you've already started using the pool.Check on the cleaning equipment to make sure they're in good shape for the season. Items you'll need include: Telescopic pole with skimmer head Pool brush Vacuum head and hose (if you use a vacuum) Water test kit or test strips Pool chemicals including shock, chlorine, chlorine stabilizer, and pH alkalinity While you're preparing the pool water and maintenance supplies, it's a good idea to inspect the tile, deck, and fence around the pool. Your pool's fence is a vital safety component and it's worth taking a close look at it to ensure it's stable.When inspecting your fence, visually walk and look over every part of the fence. Start with a fence gate and take a close look at the lock and hinges. Pool fences require a latch and lock to keep out children and animals who might accidentally fall into the water. After checking out the gate, walk the length of the fence visually scanning each board or pole looking for holes, cracks, dry rot, or mold/mildew. To be thorough, walk around both the inside and outside of the fence. An unsound fence may collapse and cause a larger, more expensive problem later on.If you do discover some area of your fence needing repair or feel like the fence needs to be replaced, contact Fence Central in Winter Haven. We service most all of the Central Florida area and can help you to have a safe, fun time in your pool this summer.

If you inherited a fence with your home or perhaps you've been in one home for many years, the need may arise to replace an existing fence on your property. If you inherited a fence when you purchase a home, you probably don't know exactly how or when it was installed. The previous homeowners may have elected for lower-grade materials or hasty installation to save money at the time. Wood fences need replacing more frequently than vinyl, aluminum, or chain link fences because of the very nature of the materials and how they withstand exposure to weather and sun. Of course, living in Florida there's always the threat of hurricanes and tropical storms that can damage your fence beyond repair. Before you replace a fence, there are a few things to consider: Local zoning laws Underground utilities Type of fence Contractor Depending on where you live, you may need a permit to replace a fence, even if it's the same type and height fence. In addition to city or county laws, if you live in a community with a Homeowners' Association (HOA), they may require extra paperwork. Lack of proper permit can result in fines. Especially if you inherited the fence, it's also good to check that the fence is actually within your property line before replacing it. Sometimes fences are placed too far in or beyond the line, either way fence replacement is a good time to rectify it. Before digging, it's also critical to check with the local authorities to ensure that the project won't accidentally damage buried electric, gas, or water lines. If you choose Fence Central to replace your fence, we handle all of the relevant permits for you! We will also handle underground utilities on your behalf so you don't have to learn the system or worry about doing things correctly. You choose the type of fence you want, we will handle the rest. The type of fence can be a big decision. You of course have the option to replace with the same fence again, or try something new. The experts at Fence Central can help you choose the right type of fence to complement your home and property.

Whether green ivy or colorful blooms, climbing vines look lovely cascading over a wooden fence. Vines are not particularly good for a fence's structure, however. In order to get the support they need to climb, vines may have claws that dig into the fence's wood or strong arms that wrap around fenceposts.The vine itself traps heat and moisture against the fence, creating a humid environment where mold and mildew can thrive. Over time, the wood in the fence can rot.If you want the look of a climbing vine without the risk of damaging your wooden fence, consider a sturdy trellis for your vine to grow on. The sturdiest trellises are made of metal and can support even the most vigorous and heavy vines. Position the trellis far enough away from the fence so the vine won't creep over to the fence or trap moisture near it.Your local nursery can help you decide which type of vine will provide the look you want. Local plants such as bougainvillea and coral honeysuckle will do best in the Florida climate and will make a beautiful addition to your yard.If your wooden fence has already been damaged by a climbing vine, Fence Central in Central Florida can help repair or replace it as needed. Contact us today for a free quote.

The internet is a great place to find home improvement and decor ideas. Many stores' websites have inspirational galleries where you can take a look at decoration ideas and purchase items to replicate what you see in the photos. Bloggers such as Vintage Revival and The Design Confidential have inspirational photos, tips and tricks, and DIY ideas and plans. Aggregators such as Pinterest have beautiful photos that may or may not come with DIY instructions, but can be useful all the same.If you're considering a home improvement project for your home's exterior, a fence is a great place to start. Fences are functional, providing a safe place for pets and kids to play, as well as add considerable curb appeal and resale value to a home.It can be super frustrating finding a photo online of something you like and then you're unable to find out where to buy it. If that item is a fence, though, have no fear. Fence Central in Central Florida has you covered with a wide variety of vinyl, aluminum, and chain link fence options. Best of all, we offer custom wooden fences. Provide an inspirational picture or describe the fence of your dreams and we can help to make it a reality for you. Contact an experienced Fence Central representative to give us an idea about what you'd like and we'll take it from there. The sky's the limit!