Professional Tips and Design Ideas for Stainless Cable Fences
An attractive fence can serve as a cohesive design element in any new or existing landscape. Well planned outdoor designs will create a flow using a blend of colors and textures; no single element should stand out among the rest. The materials and colors we choose will largely determine the aesthetics and longevity of exterior cable fences. Consider the following information and construction ideas for your next fencing project:
Wooden Posts and Rails– Using wood timbers for cable fences is an excellent way to create a natural look and a warmer feel than a vertical picket or rod iron fence. If durability is a concern when embedding wood posts “in ground” with concrete footings:
- A concrete casting tip for extending the life of wooden fence posts is to coat the bottom 12″-24″ (depending on footing depth) of the post with asphalt emulsion or asphalt fence paint prior to setting them in concrete.
- Using pressure treated wood timbers is another way to extend the life of any wood members making ground contact. In previous years the green color of pressure treated lumber was a turn off, but today most pressure treated utilizes a brown stain which tends to blend better with other woods/composites.
- Penetrating oil finishes and exterior paints also work well on wooden cable fences and provide the user with a multitude of natural and colored finish options.
Steel Posts and Rails– Using steel members to construct your cable fence will typically increase the durability and minimize the visual profile of the fence frame. From a design perspective we should consider the age and style of the home as well as the existing landscape. A few tips for steel framed cable fences:
- Mild steel should never be considered as a material option for cable fences. The perforations will allow moisture to enter the posts and corrode them from the inside out. Galvanized and stainless steel fence posts are better options than raw steel or rod iron for exterior fences.
- A wooden top cap can really soften the look of any steel frame; especially outdoors. Additionally, you can avoid an industrial looking fence just by adding a simple piece of timber. Ipe’ hardwood lasts 30 to 50 years and will not jeopardize the durability of your fence. Cedar and Redwood are also popular cap choices.
- Choose colors that exist in place, or use bare stainless. Unless you are trying to showcase your fence, it should blend into the landscape. Grey tones and bare stainless steel with non reflective finishes are muted and work well for the most transparent fences.
Are you considering a stainless steel cable fence? We offer complete fencing packages and design assistance as well as nationwide shipping. Give us a call at 844-277-7327 or visit the quote request page.
