American Classis Picket Fences in Warrenton, VA

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The Simplicity of Picket Fences Still Popular in Warrenton, VA

The Joy of a White Picket Fence

Fences in Warrenton, VA come in many styles, shapes, sizes, materials and colors. So why do so many people choose a plain, white picket fence? Here is a look at this American mainstay.

Hal Co is a reputable fence contractor serving Warrenton, VA residents for nearly 30 years. We offer:

  • Quality design, selection, installation and related services for your fence in Warrenton, VA following the highest safety procedures and industry standards.
  • In partnership, we will evaluate your fence project requirements and develop a comprehensive installation plan.
  • Personalized customer service before, during and after installing your fence in Warrenton, VA to minimize your disruption and maximize your comfort.

What Is a Picket Fence?

Picket fences in Warrenton, VA have uniformly faced vertical boards, called pickets. These are attached to horizontal rails. The fences are usually no more than three to four feet high.

The top of many pickets are tapered into a shape called dog-eared. Others are pointed, which is how the fence got its name. The pointed spears of wood resembled the pointed stakes that were used by the infantry to attack cavalry, which were called pickets.

Pickets Picked by Colonists

The first picket fences appeared around the homes of colonists in towns and on farms. Many early settlements were populated by Quakers, Pilgrims and others who sought religious freedom in the New World. They lived an austere lifestyle. Their clothes tended to be plain, and adornment in the house was minimal. The white picket fence fit right in.

TThe picket fence continued to be popular after the American Revolution. As settlers moved west, they took the design with them. It was soon found in hamlets and on homesteads on the frontier.

Classy, Classic Simplicity

The plain picket fence had an aura of class right from its beginnings in the Colonial era. This continued as the country grew. Homeowners with limited means in the East and throughout the West wanted an upscale look to their homes. And the picket fence provided it.

The simple construction made it easy for even farmers and those in the working class to construct. The wood was cheap to buy, and labor was inexpensive for those who didn’t want to build it themselves. White paint could be found in just about any village store.

The simple, timeless design fit every type of structure, from farmhouses to Cape Cods, from tiny cottages to good size mansions.

Symbol of a Simple Happy Life

It’s not definite, but it is entirely possible, that Tom Sawyer’s fence was a white picket. This is the one that Aunt Polly told him to whitewash as punishment for skipping school to go swimming. He famously convinced his buddies that doing the work for him was an honor and a privilege. You can’t get more classic than Mark Twain.

Over time, the white picket fence became iconic. A bridal couple’s life would be complete with a home surrounded with a white picket fence. Bing Crosby, the singing idol from mid-century America, sang, “I’ve got a dream house I’ll build there one day with picket fence and rambling rose.”

Practical Design

White picket fences in Warrenton, VA and all over the country were the perfect way to mark boundaries between homes. As the population grew, homes were built closer together. That made it important to show where one lot ended and the next one began. As the old saying goes, good fences make good neighbors.

The white color made the fence easy to see, even in the evening. The price was right, cheap enough for everyone to build. It kept children and dogs in the yard, a necessity with higher housing density.

Picket fences in Warrenton, VA are short which means they didn’t block views inside or outside the yard. This added to their friendly.

Many backyards in the 1800s and early 1900s were surrounded with a white picket fence. This made it easy for neighbors to talk to each other. A common image to illustrated gossip 100 years ago showed two women talking over the backyard picket fence as they hung up the laundry to dry.

Old World Charm for a New Day

White picket fences are still popular in Warrenton, VA. Their classic look gives any home a feel of stability and charm. They can be found in neighborhoods across the economic spectrum.

Newer materials have made them easier than ever to install. The pickets and rails are prefabricated of polyvinyl chloride and available at home improvement centers.

DIY or Professional Installation?

Some do-it-yourselfers think the new prefabricated pickets of picket fencing look too easy to install. Once they get the pieces home, homeowners discover they still need to dig holes, get the posts securely in them, then fasten them with cement or other material. This can take a lot of effort.

Though PVC fences require minimal upkeep, the traditional wood picket fence requires regular cleaning and painting to keep its good looks. Like all wood fences in Warrenton, VA, it needs to be replaced every 15 to 20 years.

Trust the Experts

That’s why many owners choose professional installation for their fences in Warrenton, VA. Hal Co has been building all types of fences, including the traditional white picket fence, for over 30 years.

Hal Co is family owned and operated. They have a hometown attitude, just like the picket fence. Over the years, they have gained a reputation for caring customer service, quality workmanship, and excellent materials. They take pride in working with a range of budgets and getting the work done on time.

Hal Co handles a variety of outdoor fences, not just the picket, for home and business owners in Warrenton, VA, including:

  • PVC vinyl
  • Eco-friendly pressure treated materials
  • Ornamental and steel
  • Cedar
  • Chain link
  • Composite
  • Split rail

They install fences for a range of purposes, including:

  • Special events
  • Perimeter fences
  • Access control
  • Safety and security
  • Athletic fields, like tennis courts and softball or baseball
  • Kennels

Hal Co also does other projects, including decks, screen porches and roofing.

Call today for a free, no obligation quote for your perfect white picket fence or other outdoor project in Warrenton, VA from the experts at Hal Co.

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