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Privacy fences are very popular for creating a backyard that is a true extension of your home. Privacy fences, whether made from wood or vinyl, add security from outside forces and safety for children and pets. When a house goes onto the market, a privacy fence is also often attractive to potential buyers.While they have many benefits, privacy fences are an investment, both in terms of time and money. Estimating the cost of your new privacy fence can help you to know when the best time is to begin building. Consider the material. Typically privacy fences are six feet tall. Both wood and vinyl privacy fences come in a variety of styles, including stockade, board-on-board, and shadowbox. Wooden privacy fences are best if you want something customizable with stain or paint. Vinyl privacy fences are best for those who prefer a fence that needs little or no maintenance. Vinyl fences have a higher upfront cost than wooden fences, but they also have a longer life.Determine the length of the fence in linear feet. Walk your property line with a tape measure to get a sense for how many feet your fence will be. Along with the material, the length of your fence will determine the cost of your fence. If the fence is on a slope or must go around trees, it's good to note that as well and include that information when you request a quote.If you really want to save money you may consider building your own fence. Fair warning, though, that what seems like a simple DIY project can turn into big headaches when you consider HOA, utility lines, property lines, installing gates, and having to work around ground slopes and obstacles. If done inexpertly, a fence may have to be redone within a short period of time, wasting time and money.If you're ready to start your free quote, contact Fence Central in Winter Have, Florida today. We'll provide you with an expert quote and help you weigh all of the options for your new privacy fence.

While the air feels chilly outside now, warmer temperatures and pool season are right around the corner. Winter is a great time to check the area around your pool to ensure you're ready for spring.Take a close look at your pool's floor and surrounding patio or deck. Be on the lookout for cracks, missing tiles, nails or uneven patches that could cause injury or a slip. Cracks may or may not need tending to immediately. If it's shallow and small, make a mental note and revisit in a few months, making sure it hasn't spread or deepened. If you have a deck and see any nails or uneven boards, take the time to repair them now before bare feet and excited kids visit the pool.When you're finished taking a look at the pool and surrounding ground area, also take a critical eye to the fence around your pool. The State of Florida requires a 4 foot-tall barrier that completely surrounds the pool. There must be space between the fence and the pool so that someone walking through the fence doesn't immediately fall into the water. Fence gates must open outwards, away from the pool, and must automatically close once it's let go of. Gates must include a self-latching lock that is placed on the pool-side of the gate.If you have an above-ground pool, the walls of the pool may act as the barrier as long as they're at least 4 feet tall. Ladders or stairs used to enter the pool must be removed when it's not in use to prevent children from wandering into the pool unsupervised.If the fence around your pool is looking worn or you'd like to upgrade it to something from which you can clearly look out and enjoy the view, contact Fence Central. We're based in Winter Haven, Florida, and service most of the surrounding areas including Davenport, Lakeland, Winter Haven, Auburndale, Bartow, Lake Alfred, Polk City, Lake Wales, Dundee, and Haines City. Our knowledgable staff can help you choose a suitable replacement for your pool fence or, if you're thinking about building a pool in the upcoming year, can help you choose which fence will suit your needs best.

For many households, pets are members of the family just as much as anyone else. If your fur baby loves to play outside, you may have considered ways that you can make them more comfortable and safe in the backyard.Your creation should reflect your pet's individual needs and preferences, but to get you started here are some ideas and tips for how to keep pets enjoying your outdoor space and coming back for more all year 'round. More of a good thing. Pay attention to what your dog loves to do in the backyard already. Does she love to run? Is he most interested in basking in the sun or under a tree? Observing what your dog does already can help you to plan out spaces for them to do more of it throughout the back yard. It can also help you to plan where more people-friendly areas, like patio sets, should go. Water for life. A water feature can add coolness and peacefulness to your back yard. If you plan well, it can also be a treat for your pet. If your water feature is at pup-level, make sure it has proper filtration and movement to make it a safe place for your dog to quench her thirst. Shady scene. In the Florida sun, it's easy for anyone to get overheated. Short hair dogs are also susceptible to sunburn! If there aren't many or any places for shade in your backyard, consider adding a doghouse or planting shade trees -- which the whole family can enjoy. Plant smarts. Your dog may not be as gentle on plants as you are. If you're considering new grass, go for heartier varieties that can stand up to paw and foot traffic, such as Kentucky bluegrass, buffalo grass, or tall fescue. You may also consider adding some eatable plants and herbs (rosemary, lavender, and mint also repel fleas!)Be sure to avoid plants that dogs may eat and fall sick from, such as iris, foxglove, lily of the valley, and monkshood. Some vegetables are also harmful to dogs, including garlic, mushrooms, and tomatoes. Fenced-in for safety. The #1 way to keep your dog happy and safe is to make sure he won't go wandering or bounding-off and get into danger. Invisible electric fences work for some dogs, but if a dog is very excited (such as if she wants to chase a squirrel) or stubborn (you know who you are), the discomfort of a shock isn't always enough to stop them from running into the road. Your best bet is a tall fence that will keep your pet safely inside and enjoying his paradise.

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.

If you have a fenced-in yard, chances are you're spending a lot of time in it. Fences add privacy and security to your property as well as act as barrier to keep kids and pets contained and safe while they take in the sunshine and fresh air. Here are some lawn games you can enjoy with your family, taking advantage of your outdoor livable space. Touch football or tag is a favorite for fall, buy why not all year 'round? Even little kids will enjoy this game of chase-and-tag, and for older ones you can start layering in football rules to get them more familiar with the sport. Bean bag toss, also known as corn hole, starts with a board with a hole cut out. Players stand behind a line and toss the bean bags, trying to get as many as possible in the hole. For every bag a player gets in the hole, 3 points are awarded. Earn 1 point for bags gotten on the board, and 0 for bags that go on the grass. The first player to 21 points wins. Giant Jenga. You may have played this tabletop game of block pulling, and the larger-than-life version is just as fun. Players try and remove blocks from the tower without it falling over. Horseshoes. Similar to the bean bag toss, this game is played to 21 points. A pole is planted in the lawn and horseshoes tossed toward it. If the horseshoe goes around the pole, that player earns 3 points. If there's no "ringer," 1 point goes to the person who has the horseshoe closest to the pole.

Spring and summer are the most popular times to sell a home. People tend to want to shop for homes when the weather is nice and not during the holidays. If you're thinking of listing your home this April, May, or June, you may consider now the changes and improvements that might make your home more appealing to buyers. Pamper your lawn so that the grass is lush and green. Your local hardware store or megamart will likely have grass seed and fertilizer to help get your lawn back into shape. Also consider trimming, shaping, and/or planing new plants. It may seem superficial, but a patchy lawn and poor landscaping can take away from your home's overall appearance and first impressions count for a lot. Clean and repair your gutters. A thorough potential buyer may check out the status of your home's roof and gutter and if he or she finds them full of leaves and cracked, a different home may look more attractive. Add outdoor lights to your yard to make it feel more inviting, usable, and safe. Especially if your open house extends to dusk, outdoor lights can help potential buyers to get a sense for the space right away. Build a fence or, if your fence is older, repair or replace your fence. Especially if most of the other houses in your neighborhood have fences, having a fence will increase the value of your property. A fence helps to define your space from the neighbors and is very attractive to families with pets and/or children. A fence can also help a smaller yard to feel bigger and more like an extension of the living space.Fence Central in Central Florida can definitely help you with the last thing on this list. Contact us for a free quote or for guidance for which type of fence would be best for your home.

If you're still stumped on what holiday to get your significant other, perhaps you should consider some home improvement items. We're not suggesting that you bypass a more personal gift for your significant other, but if you subtly drop a hint about a new fence or other home improvement and he or she is receptive, go for it!The holidays are a great time to consider home improvements, especially in Central Florida. Our mild winters make working outside not only possible but enjoyable, and you don't have to worry about hurricanes and the daily afternoon thunderstorms of summer.Home improvements are something the whole family can enjoy year-round. A fence, for example, augments the look and feel of your home, provides a safe place for kids and pets to play in, and can even increase the resale value of your home.If you choose a new fence from Fence Central, you can be confident that you're getting the best quality materials and qualified, experience installation. We are fully licensed and insured, will handle everything to do with underground utilities and digging, and will help you to work with your homeowner's association if applicable. We know that the holidays can be a busy time and want to help as much as possible. Start the process with our quick-and-easy online contact form and we'll contact you with a free quote.

So you've decided you want a fence. Great choice! A fence makes a house a home as well as providing many privacy and security benefits. You may be drawn by the low cost of a DIY fence from your local hardware store. It's true, these fences are likely a lower cost investment than a custom built wooden fence by a licensed contractor. Before you borrow your neighbor's truck and head to the hardware store, here are a few DIY difficulties to keep in mind. Permits. Depending on where and why you'd like to erect a fence, you may need a permit. Fence location, materials, height, and maintenance may be regulated by your HOA, city, and/or county.In addition to city and/or county permits, it's important to be careful where you dig to avoid potential injury and fines. Check with your local underground utilities department before digging so that you don't accidentally puncture any buried utility pipes. Topography. If your property has trees or large bushes, you'll need to plan around those obstacles. If there is a change in elevation on your property, it can be very tricky to move a fence up and down hill. Post stability. Fence Central wooden fence gate posts are secured 4 feet into the ground by 180 pounds of concrete. This insures that the fence doesn't move, even during the high winds and pelting rain of a hurricane. Quality. It's true that you get what you pay for. A hardware store fence will likely be made of lower-quality new pine boards and small nails that are prone to rusting.For more information about how a wooden fence from Fence Central is a worthwhile home investment, contact us. Our team is ready to help you anywhere in Central Florida.

If you're considering investing in a new fence or need a contractor to repair an old fence, you've likely done your research. Perhaps you've looked at several different companies' websites, read third-party reviews, and gotten a few quotes. Before you make a final decision, though, take the time to read through the customer testimonials on the fence contractor's website. This is an important part of your research process as it shows that the company has satisfied customers.Ask yourself these questions when you read the testimonials: How many testimonials are there? Do the testimonials seem legitimate? What aspects of the company do the testimonials emphasize? While you're paying attention to the aspects of the company that the testimonials emphasize, consider whether those are the aspects that are most important to you in a fence contractor. Examples of aspects that testimonials may emphasize include Customer service Responsiveness Craftsmanship Fair price Job is completed on time No hidden fees Professionalism of the contracting team Extra services that the company provides, such as obtaining permits You may find, for example, that a company doesn't offer bargain basement prices, but has many qualities that truly make it superior to other contractors, such as staffing professionally trained installers and using only high quality materials.Testimonials are often overlooked in the research process, but they may provide a valuable source of information to help you choose a fence contractor. You'll find Fence Central in Central Florida to have excellent testimonials and third-party reviews. We strive to offer the best service, craftsmanship, and value added services in the industry. Contact Fence Central for more information.

A little privacy can turn you back yard from a plot of land into an oasis. Consider whether you want to go with natural trees and shrubs, which are beautiful but take a lot of time to grow and upkeep, or a fence that will add both privacy and beauty. Hedges. Planting tall bushes along your property line can create a natural barrier between you and your neighbors. Consider a quick-trowing column-shaped evergreen, such as Italian cypress. To hep your hedge grow quickly, consider installing drip irrigation. The difficulty with natural hedges is that they require a lot of upkeep to keep them growing well and trimmed. If you're good with garden shears and don't mind the time commitment, they can be a lovely way to add privacy in a way that looks natural. Tree fences and layered lawns. A tree fence is similar to a hedge of bushes. Tree fences work well in larger yards, where you can layer with tall trees in back and bushes and shorter plants up front. Layering creates a more natural look and adds color and texture to your backyard. Similar to a hedge, tree fences can require a lot of upkeep and watering. Dense foliage can also provide a place for small animals to live, which could be a good thing or a bad thing depending on how disruptive they are to your home. Privacy fence. A privacy fence is the most surefire way to get privacy. Where trees and bushes may wither or die, your fence will stay strong. Wooden fences can be stained or painted to complement the color of your home and provide extra security as well as privacy. Contact Fence Central to talk about privacy fence options. We'll help you find one that will add beauty and value to your home while giving you the privacy you crave.

There are many reasons homeowners choose to invest in a fence. Some homeowners want additional privacy or security, some want to contain pets or kids, others recognize the beauty and value that a fence adds to their home. Whatever the reason, it's important to take neighbors into consideration before erecting a fence. If you live in an area with a homeowner's association, you'll need to take their regulations into account too, but that's for a different blog post.Fence etiquette is essentially just being a good neighbor by following zoning regulations (a must-do) and warning your neighbor before starting on the fence installation (a nice-to-do).A professional fence installer will research the property line for you and ensure that the fence doesn't overstep your bounds. If you're planning on installing the fence by yourself, be sure you get the property lines right (consider hiring a surveyor), or your risk having to tear the fence down.As a courtesy, consider telling your neighbors about your plans to build a fence. Many neighbors will be perfectly fine with the notion, especially if you explain your reasons for wanting a fence (unless it's to keep them out of your yard!). Your neighbor may even be willing to split the cost of the shared fence with you if they're considering fencing in the rest of their property as well.

Florida summer can bring with it a multitude of pests, from flying insects to scurrying lizards, to burrowing armadillos. Especially if you have an garden and/or like to spend time outside, these pests can ruin your day. Here are some tips for keeping pests out of your yard and away from your family. Remove any standing water. Mosquitoes and other flying insects breed in standing water. Especially given Florida's afternoon thunderstorms, the surest way to attract mosquitoes is to have puddles or small pools in your back yard. If you plan on having a fence installed, be sure that the area around your fence won't trap water when it rains.Florida rain keeps the flora lush and green. It also makes the grass grow, grow, grow. Keep grass cut short and be sure to weed around fences to cut down on places for animals to hide and live.If you've had trouble with armadillos or other animals that dig holes in your yard, consider investing in a fence that goes at least a foot below ground. The added depth will stop burrowing animals from being able to cross into your yard and dig more holes. Another option is to install mesh under and around your fence to ward off burrowing animals.If you're considering a new fence to keep animals out of your backyard, contact Fence Central in Haines City for a free quote. We will be happy to speak with you about your individual needs and recommend a fence that will fit your requirements as well as your budget.