Add Privacy with Stone
Robert Frost told us that good fences make good neighbors. If so, a privacy fence might help make the best neighbors of all.
Fences have been around for as long as people have established roots. They have a long history in the U.S., from keeping domesticated animals penned into outlining the borders of a property.
Fences and Neighbors
Fences symbolize keeping people or animals out, but they are also a symbol of neighborliness. We all remember Tim Allen’s character in Home Improvement, who held in-depth conversations about his personal life with a neighbor named Wilson. The joke was that he never saw Wilson’s face but only chatted with him through the fence between their properties.
Today, many people enjoy spending time in their own backyards but they don’t want the neighbors knowing all their business. This is especially true in neighborhoods where homes are close together, or where your house backs onto a public area.
If you have or are planning to install a pool in your backyard, you definitely want a fence to block your pool from prying eyes. You may even be required by local zoning codes to install a fence that will keep children out of your pool.
A privacy fence can help you with all of these problems. An attractive, well-made fence will help you create your backyard oasis without letting everyone know what you’re doing.
Building a Stone Privacy Fence
If you’ve decided to build a privacy fence, masonry stone and stone veneer are a great option. Stone veneer is lighter in weight and easier to install than masonry stone, making it a great choice, especially for taller walls. Masonry stone will create a beautiful wall that will last forever. Both options will give you all the benefits of stone.
- Stone creates a look of lasting, natural beauty unmatched by any other material.
- Stone is impervious to weather, pests, rot, and mildew.
- Stone is maintenance-free.
- You can find stone and stone veneer in a variety of styles and colors.
- Stone creates an excellent sound barrier.
- Stone provides great security.
Stone Fence Pointers
Height matters. Your privacy fence needs to be tall enough to shield your backyard from view. Using stone veneer is a good choice for taller fences, as it doesn’t require structural support. A solid stone fence needs careful, professional installation and a solid support base.
Consider a gate. To make access into your yard easier, think about adding a gate. A wooden gate will blend nicely with the natural, rustic look of stone and is easy to open and close. An iron gate is also an attractive choice that adds security and durability.
Use professional masons. Building a stone wall involves more than just stacking stones on top of each other. Stonemasons will dig and lay the trench, cut the stones and apply the mortar. If you’re using stone veneer, professional installation will ensure that your walls are properly built and ready to withstand years of use.
Ideas for Your Stone Fence
Add a water feature. To increase your privacy, add a small water fountain that will help muffle sound and add visual interest. You’ll be able to lower the volume of neighborhood houses.
Use plantings. Plantings of shrubs, flowers and climbing plants will help to soften the hard edges of your stone fence. You can start planting in the spring and have a colorful display by summer.
Build a Stone Fence with Capital Masonry
At Capital Masonry, we have built beautiful, long-lasting stone walls and other structures for customers all over the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia areas. We’ll discuss your ideas and help you plan the installation and construction of a new privacy fence. Contact Capital Masonry today and get ready to enjoy your backyard by spring.