There’s a reason white picket fences are synonymous with the American dream. Widely perceived to represent success, white picket fences have been common features of attractive, welcoming homes for many years. If you’re considering installing a white picket fence on your property, taking a look at their history can help you gain an even greater appreciation for this decorative feature.

A Guide to the White Picket Fence

Early History

When colonists began building their settlements in North America in the late 1400s, white picket fences were seen as a way to defend property. The pointed boards were sharpened and positioned around a house or building to protect archers from enemy attack. As the United States became more developed, picket fences created borders separating homes from one another. In the early 1900s, picket fences came to represent suburbia and its American ideals.

Increased Popularity

Wooden picket fences grew in popularity over time, partially due to how easy they were to build. Their demand continued through the 1950s until chain-link fencing became popular. They had a resurgence in the 1980s, when picket fences added aesthetic value to homes in walkable areas of suburbs.

Contemporary Use

Today, picket fences help contain pets and small children while adding aesthetic value to homes. Unlike privacy fences, they don’t discourage neighbors from interacting with one another. Although they traditionally consist of wooden planks attached to horizontal rails, modern picket fences can be constructed of practically any wood species and a variety of materials. For instance, vinyl can be used to mimic the traditional look of a white picket fence. 

 

 

If you’re considering a white picket fence for your home, the fencing experts at All American Fence in Spencerport, NY, can help design, construct and install a fence for your home or business. Their team has helped install fences for residents in Rochester, Corning, Geneva, Batavia, and the surrounding areas for more than 30 years. Call (585) 352-8370 or visit their website today to request a free estimate.