Blue & Green & Gold: The Colours of Summer Style: Creating Borders

Appealing Options and Materials Available to Fence You In

The word "fence" conjures up for many people an image of proverbial white pickets or galvanized chain links. While the white picket fence connotes tidy, conservative neigbourhoods, the chain link fence is associated with everything from yard enclosures to keep in straying pets to sports field borders.



A black, powder-coated chain link fence adds elegance and protection around a pool. Photo: John Denney

Change the word "fence" to "wall" and something more ... substantial comes to mind. Retaining walls supporting flower beds, surrounding patios, protecting exclusive communities ... walls offer solidity and security

Whether it's enclosing a yard, patio, garden or pool, there are a myriad of options and materials available from the simplest, like a chain link fence to the more exotic and unusual like a rammed earth wall.

Don't underestimate the simplicity of the chain link fence a humble and cost-effective, versatile way of providing security.

It's available in any height up to 12 feet tall from Lynx Brand Fences in Kelowna, the oldest chain link company in Western Canada, in business since 1971.

"It can be powder-coated in any colour you want," says John Denney of Lynx. "It could be pink or purple if that's what the client desires. But these days most chain link fences are black. They blend into the landscape better than galvanized or green."

Lynx Brand manufacture, supplies and installs chain link and ornamental fences throughout the Okanagan and Kootenays. It is one of the only operations that has a machine on site to actually weave the wire to make the fence. Another machine punches holes in steel tubing for ornamental looks.

"Everything here is custom-made," says Denney.

Ornamental steel and aluminum fences are secure and also add aesthetic appeal.

Lynx ornamental fences are crafted from square steel tubing, powder-coated and then baked at 450 degrees F. Denny says that black is the popular colour in Kelowna, while in Red Deer it's white, and in Calgary, brown and white.

Wooden fences are still common choices because of their simple, natural look. White picket fences may come to mind, but many styles are available. Different types of wood including cedar, pine, spruce, oak and poplar can be used to make these fences.

Fences made of materials such as powder-coated aluminum or PVC are becoming popular choices because they can look like anything, including wood. They're lower maintenance than wood because they resist chips, cracks, fading and rotting and usually don't have to be repainted.

This material requires less maintenance because, unlike wood, vinyl is resistant to chips, cracks, fading, and rotting and normally does not need to be repainted. This is also a popular choice for residential fences.

When a Fence Becomes a Wall

Allan Block and Keystone Block are masonry products available from OK Builders Supply and other outlets that can create some very handsome retaining and landscape walls that blend well with natural features. Colours include classic greys and silvers, earth tones, sandstones, and some striking duotones.

While real rock walls might be making a comeback, the experts at OK Builders Supply say they are cost-prohibitive and recommend pouring a concrete wall and putting on rock veneer. Many creative looks can be achieved can be achieved with the endless variety of rock veneers available.

A truly unique wall can be created from rammed earth ­ it may sound new, but it's been around for thousands of years. In rammed earth construction. a mixture of soil and cement are compacted into forms which are later removed to reveal the solid earth wall.

Not only is rammed earth environmentally friendly but it's fire and termite resistant. It also looks very solid. A rammed earth wall can look most attractive, with subtle layers of colour worked into the material mixture. fences, retaining walls.

A spectacular example of rammed earth construction is the Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre in Osoyoos.

Solum Rammed Earth is a Penticton company that has built some very handsome rammed earth walls for Okanagan homeowners and other clients.

"Stabilized rammed earth is environmentally responsible, aesthetically pleasing, completely custom, energy-efficient, and healthy," they say.

Whatever type of fence or wall you choose to enclose your space, you know that with the choices available, you can make a secure and aesthetically-pleasing statement.

Copyright © 2008 Wheat King Publishing and the authors. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied or reprinted without the written consent of the publisher. The opinions expressed in Okanagan Home are those of the writers and editors, and do not represent the official position of the Canadian Home Builders' Association, Central Okanagan, or of its members.