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When you think of a white picket fence, youll probably imagine the suburbs and domesticity.

These fences arent just decorative or symbolic; they are also practical.

A picket fence can create an enclosure in your front yard for privacy and security.

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They also add to the beauty of your house and garden.

you’re free to choose from many picket fences to improve your landscapes visual appeal and character.

Beautiful white picket fences have been a nostalgic and popular part of the culture.

Blue house with a white picket fence

Over time, these traditional white garden fences have incorporated many modern elements, such as arbors or paddles.

What Does a White Picket Fence Symbolize?

Thats why many people still aspire to have a house with a white picket fence.

Light blue house with a white wraparound picket fence

These traditional white fences were initially used for security.

But now there are many other reasons why people love to install them.

White picket fences in a row with palm trees

Here are some benefits of setting up a white picket fence in your yard.

Security

Image credits:Ellen Phillips

Metal and wooden picket fences are sturdy and durable.

Aesthetics

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These fences are a strong decor statement.

Orange flowers growing above a white wooden fence

The panels symmetry and the colors elegance will make your garden and home look great.

White fence panels are a great choice because they draw attention to the beautiful flowers and plants youve grown.

They can also help boost the marketability of your property.

A white picket fence in a garden with grass growing near it

Weather Protection

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These durable picket fences can hold up well against unpredictable weather.

They will protect your plants, trees, and home from strong winds, snow drifts, and water-logging.

it’s possible for you to garden or lounge in peace without worrying about peeping toms.

A tall white wooden fence in front of a pink house

However, you could keep a tiny hole in the fence for apeeping dogto stick its nose through.

you’ve got the option to further enhance this retro look with awell-manicured lawnand a flower corner.

What Are the Disadvantages of White Picket Fences?

A white picket fence in front of an old house

Here are some common difficulties with having a white picket fence.

They will also experience steady wear and tear over time.

Its essential to look after your picket fence by washing or scrubbing it to keep it fresh.

Damaged white wooden picket fence

White vinyl fence panels are easier to maintain and only need occasional maintenance.

Wooden picket fences are susceptible to rot, so its better to stain the wood.

If youre looking for a unique option, consider thisfancy fence gatethat disappears into the ground.

Closely spaced panels on a white picket fence

Image credits:Yura Forrat

What Materials Are White Picket Fence Panels Made Of?

Pick an option that you find easiest to care for.

This traditional option is durable and can withstand pressure and harsh weather conditions.

A house with a dirty old wooden fence

The vinyl picket fence panels have a glossy finish and can imitate the look of painted wood.

This material can last 1530 years, so it is a popular option.

The average cost for this material is $1738 per linear foot.

An American flag on a white wooden fence

Metal Picket Fence Panels

These are the most durable picket fences.

They are easy to install and can withstand the test of time.

They are also the most expensive option but a good investment in the long run.

close up of a white vinyl picket fence

It is made by combining wood fibers with plastic polymers.

Composite white picket fences have a wood look and texture.

They are also environmentally friendly and long-lasting.

white-painted metal picket fence with a dog sitting in front of it

They are less expensive than metal but not as cheap as wood picket fence panels.

Composite panels can cost up to $1146 per linear foot.

It is an excellent alternative to metal and wooden fencing because these decorative panels dont deform over time.

A composite white picket fence framing a large house and garden

What Are the Buying and Installation Options for Picket Fences?

A fun way to install white picket fences is to DIY.

you might find suitable fence kits and materials at lumberyards or centers like Home Depot.

A wave-shaped PVC white picket fence

The wood panels are typically 34 feet wide and 8 feet long.

The metal panels might be around 6 feet long.

Whereas the composite panels will be 6 feet long and narrower.

A pile of wood stacked on each other

You only have to set the posts into the ground and fasten them.

Ready to Assemble

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Many centers provide vinyl and metal ready-to-assemble fence panels.

They provide pickets and posts in cartons.

White picket panels before construction

A rail connects to joints in the posts, allowing the pickets to sit in place.

There are minimal brackets and screws necessary to assemble these fences.

Apart from DIY, you’re able to hire a professional to install your white picket fence.

white picket fence with a rounded arch in front of a house

This option will likely cost more than buying the materials and setting the fence yourself.

However, it allows you to pick from many configurations and fence styles.

Heavy-duty and tall picket fences can help you make your home a safe haven.

A white picket fence with a wave formation in front of a blue house and trees

Promise us that you will use your picket fence for good!

Pick from these exciting styles and designs to give your yard an edge.

All of these options can be constructed with the materials given above.

A white wooden fence with spaced-out panels in front of a blue-green house

It creates an aesthetically appealing effect and can make the pathway to your house look grand.

It looks much more fun and playful than the straight picket fence options.

Then, you have to mount them onto horizontal rails.

Closely spaced white picked fence

The spaced picket fence slats help to draw attention to your yard landscaping.

It will also make people appreciate the look and decor outside your home.

you’re free to use thesehome exterior designsto make your house look incredible.

Tall vinyl white picket fence in front of a two-story house

The closely constructed panels will stay strong against heavy rains, storms, and snow drifts.

This option is the safest to keep burglars away and keep your house secure.

They add a sense of whimsy and fun to the fence design.

A white picket fence shaped like a cat on top

This picket fence makes a cute addition to a garden or backyard.

When there are rounded edges at the top, it is called a paddle picket fence.

It can create a welcoming atmosphere while also being eye-catching.

Rounded-edge white picket fence with lilacs growing above it

Some fences can be curved to mimic the natural landscape of the garden or to surround the flower beds.

The fence curves can enhance the homes curb appeal and give it a defined look.

This can be done to provide added support to the plants.

A curved white picket fence near a fairy tale house

A framed garden will make your home look beautiful and fresh.

it’s possible for you to also create aunique garden designto stand out even more.

double-check that the flowers have enough place to grow.

White picket fences surrounded by greenery

Wood fences are more susceptible to rot, so be careful when watering your plants.

Short picket fences, however, are installed to add to the decor of the house.

These fence panels dont have much functionality because they cant protect the yard.

Flowers growing over a white picket fence

But hey, they do look adorable!

you could create a sturdy picket fence with wooden slats and metal posts.

This might be more expensive, but it will be the most durable picket fence for any yard.

White and red wooden house with a short white fence outside

you’ve got the option to combine the traditional white panels with other colors.

A subtle color like black will make the picket fence look elegant.

Bright colors like pink, green, blue, and yellow will add vibrance and life to the backyard.

Metal and wood picket fence

you’re able to paint lovelyflowers on the fenceif you are in the mood for DIY crafts.

Vinyl and PVC are good options for smaller and compact picket fences.

They will also provide the garden with a more modern and polished look and require less maintenance.

A picket fence with white, red, yellow, and blue panels

They are also easier to install and cheaper.

you might load the gate to open up to your driveway or the pathway leading to your front door.

This tiny addition can create a homely atmosphere for visitors and make your home seem quaint.

A minimalist white picket fence with thin panels

Is a White Picket Fence a Good Idea?

A white picket fence has traditionally been a symbol of success and elegance.

Although it doesnt have quite the same meaning now, it is still an excellent addition to the yard.

A close-up of flowers and a white picket fence enclosing a dog house and flowers in the background

It can provide security, privacy, and protection.

FAQ

Whats the Best Material for a White Fence Panel?

Outdoor vinyl fences and PVC pickets are an excellent option.

A white picket fence with a gate in front of a bright orange house and greenery

Which Is the Best Heavy Duty White Picket Fence to Install?

Metal is the most durable material for a picket privacy fence.

It is also the most expensive option.

For a cheaper, lightweight white fence panel alternative, go for vinyl.

It is resistant to rotting, water, mildew, and mold.

It looks and feels exactly like wood.

What Were the Traditional Uses of White Picket Fences?

Picket fences were used during colonial times to mark property and protect ones home.

Affluent colonists often painted their picket fence panels with creamy-white paint or whitewasha mixture of lime and water.

The fence often matched the homes color, which was usually white during the Greek Revival period.