In this day and age, with all the required vaccinations, safety is a growing concern. This is especially true when you have children of your own to protect from harm’s way. The best way to protect your kids from potential dangers lurking outside your house is by building a fence around it. Fences keep unwanted strangers off the property. There are even more considerations for parents with small children in mind before deciding on a fence type or style for their yard. Every home is going to be different and require different fencing materials based on its location and surrounding area as well as specific family needs such as play areas, swimming pool protection, etc., but there are some general safety concerns that hold true throughout any fencing installation.
When it comes to the best fence materials for kids, all fencing is not equal. Wooden or vinyl are considered safe fencing options because they are both sturdy and children cannot climb them. Chain-link fencing made of galvanized steel is also thought to be a safe option, with some caveats. The only real notable downfall of this material is that many smaller children may see the links as “toys” and place their hands or fingers through them where they can potentially become accidentally entrapped. If you have an extremely curious child who just can’t resist testing things out by putting their hand into something they shouldn’t, then chain-link might not be your safest option. For most families with small children though, it’s perfectly fine because it offers other significant benefits.
The ultimate goal for a parent is to provide protection from potential dangers while still allowing your kids the freedom they need to explore and play without constantly being under adult supervision. It’s a balancing act that can take some time figuring out, but there are ways you can ensure that the fence you choose gives plenty of room for safe playing while still providing adequate security from outside dangers.
Remember to think about future plans as well. Building a pool or swing set may seem like a great idea now, but what happens when those structures go in? You might be faced with having to replace part of the fence later on if it impedes any activities within your yard. Will this type of fencing interfere with your current or future plans?
One of the first considerations is location. Is it near a street? Will you need to protect an above-ground pool, trampoline, etc.? What kind of pets will be living on the property? All of these things should be considered when designing the appropriate fence installation for your home. If you already have some fencing there, it’s important to think about how that might affect your decisions. Older materials may not be as safe as they once were and could require replacement with something more up-to-date.
Any time you are faced with installing new fencing for your yard, always remember to ask yourself what exactly you are protecting since different types of fences offer varying degrees of safety and security. While each fence option has its own unique benefits, some may fit your lifestyle better than others and it’s important to be aware of those differences depending on what you will be using the fence for as well as where the property is located.