When selecting the right fence for your property in Whatcom County, you need to consider zoning regulations, HOA restrictions, and budget. You may have your heart set on a full fence that wraps around your property, but what if that isn’t in the scope of your project?
If that’s the case, you may want to consider a partial fence. For smaller fencing projects, partial fencing is the ideal solution, creating beautiful and functional fencing at a lower cost.
In this guide, trusted Northern Washington fencing contractor, JTI Fence, dives into complete vs. partial fencing benefits and details to explain everything you need to know for your next project.
What Is a Complete Fence?
Complete fences surround the entire perimeter of a property or yard. They’re what you imagine when you think of a traditional Northern Washington privacy fence. Complete fences come in various heights and materials, including chain link, aluminum, wood, and vinyl.
When it comes to secure residential fencing, most property owners want a complete fence to enclose their front or backyard. Whether it’s a 4-foot wood picket fence around their lawn or a 6-foot vinyl privacy fence in the back, they need complete fence installation for total security and coverage.
What Is a Partial Fence?
Partial fences only cover a specific enclosed space rather than surrounding an entire yard. This makes them suitable for building projects such as dog runs, garden fencing, pool fences, corner fences, air conditioning units, trash can enclosures, and side yard fencing.
If you have a specific project in mind for a particular area on your property, you might want a partial fence instead of a full one. Some homeowners only install a partial fence to block their neighbors’ view into their yard, leaving the other sides open.
Comparing Complete and Partial Fences
Both complete and partial fences can benefit a property in their own way. To make the right decision, consider not only your fencing needs but also your budget and any safety or security concerns you may have.
Cost
Complete fences cost more because they use more material and require additional labor to install. Partial fences are generally more cost-effective because they cover a smaller area. Some homeowners struggling to balance their budget with their preferred fence style may opt for a partial fence to save money and still get the fence material and style they love.
There’s no point in overspending if you don’t need a complete fence. Partial fences can meet many fencing requirements for a lower cost while still adding visual appeal and security or privacy to your home.
Security
Safety-wise, partial fences cannot fully contain pets on a property, except when used to build dog runs and livestock enclosures. If you have young children, consider a complete fence to keep them fully secure in your yard.
Security is another important factor when deciding between a complete or partial fence. Complete fences offer surrounding coverage, ensuring your entire yard is protected. A partial fence leaves sections of your yard open, so it’s not the best for boosting overall home security.
Curb Appeal
Complete and partial fences are attractive when installed by a skilled Northern Washington fencing contractor. JTI Fence has installed hundreds of stunning fences that improve curb appeal and make it easier to enjoy the outdoors.
If you’re thinking of enhancing your landscape, a partial fence can be a great way to add a decorative touch around a garden, driveway, entrance, or walkway. It can also surround a pool or hide trash cans, landscaping equipment, or other structures.
Complete fences create an enclosed backyard, give you a dedicated space to relax and entertain, and enhance the visual appeal of your home from all sides. Choosing the best material and style for your property is key to a beautiful and complementary fence design.
Purpose
Complete fences are meant to deliver total security and/or privacy. Partial fences serve a specific function. You can easily decide if you need a complete or partial fence by asking yourself, “What do I want my fence to do?”
The location and function of a fence influence whether a partial or complete fence will work best. In some cases, you may be surprised and relieved to find that you can spend less to get the same desired effect with a partial fence. In other cases, complete fences make an excellent investment that pays you back with years of dependable coverage.
If you’re looking for real-world inspiration and want to see an example of our Northern Washington privacy fence, check out our photo gallery!
Get Your Northern Washington Privacy Fence with JTI Fence
Explore our residential fencing materials, styles, and key features to find the ideal match. Get an instant fence quote to compare costs for fencing materials and styles based on your property dimensions! When you’re ready to speak with a fence expert, you can contact us online or call us at (360) 526-2628. We look forward to working with you!