Summer’s almost over, but there’s still time to squeeze in one more summer deck party. Fire up the grill one last time, have some friends and neighbors over, and make it the best backyard party you’ve ever had. Need some help? We’ve got some tips.

• The food’s the central focus. It doesn’t have to be fancy; some of the best parties have the simplest menus. You can have a barbecue or shish-kabobs, or you can make sandwiches or taco salad. You might ask the guests to bring side dishes. Getting people involved that way lets them feel involved, gives them a chance to bring their signature dishes, and takes some of the pressure off the host. If you really love to cook, feel free to choose one showstopper of a dish to put on your menu and wow your guests.
• Extra touches will make your party extra special. Make a party playlist to set the tone and keep the party moving. Think about the mood you want your party to have, and then fill your playlist with tunes you know people will recognize and enjoy. Play it low, so it doesn’t interrupt conversations or make guests strain to hear and be heard. You might also think about activities, like bocce or horseshoes. Are kids coming? Plan to set out a few things to occupy them, like nerf balls, sidewalk chalk, and badminton.
• The best deck party deserves the perfect setting. Look at your backyard with a critical eye. Does the deck need re-staining? Does the fence need repairs? Are there things in the yard that should be put away before guests arrive? Start with a clean canvas, and then do some fun decorating. Use some color to make it festive, and consider stringing up some lights. Do you have a water feature, like a pool, pond or fountain? That’s the perfect place to put floating lights, to make the party more visually interesting. Most importantly, make sure there’s plenty of comfortable seating. If you don’t have enough lawn furniture, consider renting some extra chairs to make sure everyone has a place to sit.

Is your backyard the perfect hangout spot? If you’re ready for a new fence, call Paramount Fence Inc. for professional installation. At Paramount, we’ve been in business for over ten years, but our combined experience in the fence industry spans more than half a century! We’re a full-service fence sales and fence installation business in the Chicagoland area, and we’re dedicated to providing creative and affordable solutions that address our clients’ needs and fulfill their requests. Our staff offers exceptional customer service, striving to exceed your expectations throughout the fence buying and fence installation process. We provide high-quality, beautiful fences, and our reputation for excellence is well-established. Paramount Fence Inc is a member of the American Fence Association and a registered member of the Better Business Bureau. For more information on how we can help you find the right fence to meet your needs, call us at 630.239.2714 or contact us through our website.

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Has your fence made it through winter so far? Are you leery of the wet spring to come? If you’re starting to see signs that your fence is cracking, warping or rotting, it’s not too late to act! Just follow these tips on how to weatherproof fences.

Weatherproofing a Wood Fence

• Shore up weak points: Walk along both sides of the fence and look for any spots that need maintenance. Hammer in loose nails, drive in new screws, replace decaying posts and prop up damaged pickets. Getting your fence to stand tall and straight is the first step toward making it more resilient in inclement weather.
• Apply a waterproofing sealant: You have three options for waterproofing a wood fence. The first is to apply a silicone or acrylic sealant to protect against water, extreme temperatures, and UV rays. Colored sealant darkens light wood while clear sealant brings out its natural beauty.
• Apply moisture-resistant paint: The second waterproofing option is to paint your fence with latex or alkyd-based paint. These are available in many colors and glosses to provide the look you want. Just be sure to read labels carefully to ensure you purchase paint designed for this application.
• Apply a wax polish: The final waterproofing option is to wax the fence with colored, pine or clear wax. Each type repels dirt, dust, and grit with varying aesthetic effects. You can apply wax to wood fences finished with varnish, shellac or oil-based paint.
• Clear away leaves and debris: When organic materials stay in contact with your fence for an extended period, they promote rot and insect problems. Rake away leaves and other debris regularly throughout the season to prevent this.
• Trim back low-hanging branches: Heavy snow or a strong gust of wind could snap a branch and send it plummeting to the ground. Protect your fence by removing any low-hanging branches that loom over it.

Weatherproofing Other Types of Fences

For wrought iron fences, rust is your biggest problem. If your fence is already rusty, brush off the flakes. Then, apply weatherproof wax or anti-rust paint to help water roll off the metal instead of sticking to it and making it rust. For a more maintenance-free ornamental fence, consider one made of aluminum or steel instead.

PVC and chain link fences are naturally weather-resistant, so all you must do is clean them occasionally with a hose and stiff brush. This removes dirt, stains, and debris to help protect the beauty and extend the lifespan of your fence.

If your fence is too degraded to be restored with these weatherproofing tips, consider springing for a new fence when winter is over. Paramount Fence Inc is a full-service fence sales and installation company serving clients in the Chicago area. We’re dedicated to helping you design and install a beautiful, long-lasting fence around your home or commercial property. To learn more about our services, please call us at (630) 239-2714 or contact us online.

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There are several elements that make up a well thought out landscape: they include structure, shape, texture, scent, and movement. But for the majority of us home gardeners, the first element we take into consideration when designing our own personal paradise is color.

Thanks to renowned garden authors like Penelope Hobhouse, who wrote Color In Your Garden,  Rosemary Verey, author of Making of A Garden, and Christopher Lloyd’s Gardening Year, (just to name a few), I became enthralled with color in the garden when I first became a passionate gardener in the late 80s. Although I had worked with design and colors for several years in other arenas, learning how to use it effectively in the landscape was something all together different.

Below are 12 Tips About Color Design that I’ve learned over the years.

1. Color is one of the easiest ways of setting a tone and expressing your personality in the garden.

2. Before buying, hold plants up against each other at nursery, lay pots out on the ground prior to planting, do the exercise from my book, Digging Deep, called Playing with Flowers, or pick up a slew of paint swatches from a paint store and experiment with different combinations at home.

3. Know the basic principles of color design.

Primary Colors are red, yellow, and blue
Secondary Colors are created by mixing two primary colors together: orange (red and yellow), green (yellow and blue) and purple (red and blue)
Intermediate or Tertiary Colors are colors that are created by mixing a primary and a secondary color, for example, blue-green
Neutral Colors – black, white, and brown

4. Warm vs. Cool Colors

Bright colors (reds, oranges, and yellows) jump out at you and look best when used in a sunny location.

Photo above: a smattering of dark and bright colored tulips at Tennis Court Garden at Chanticleer in Wayne, Pa.

Cool colors (blues, purples, and greens) recede into the background and are most effective when used in a partially shady location or in a climate that experiences a lot of grey skies.

Pale colors, yellows, and whites reflect light and brighten shady spots.

Cool colors and pale shades create a sense of depth in the garden while bright colors make a garden look closer.

Pastels fade in bright sunlight while very warm colors sizzle and come alive.

5. Red infuses a garden with excitement and excitement. Unless creating a ‘hot’ cottage garden, use it sparingly.

Photo Above: Euphorbia characias subsp. wulfenii, Cotinus coggygria ‘Royal Purple’ and red poppies in Sorin Garden, Bryn Mawr, Pa.

6. Keep in mind that, like musical notes, how colors are perceived change depending on the context in which they are used.

A color’s intensity will decrease when placed next to a complementary color but will increase when planted next to a contrasting color.

7. When designing a garden, use the same color repeatedly throughout the border to create a cohesive tapestry.

8. Use dark colors sparingly on a light background to create a powerful combination. The opposite is also true: By using a smattering of light colors on a dark background, the intensity of the design will be heightened.

Photo Above: Primula Japonica at Chanticleer Gardens

9. Remember that your color palette changes throughout the season. Be mindful of what plants bloom at the same time to make sure that they work well together.

10. The colors of leaves can make as powerful of a statement as flower blossoms. Include them in the equation when you are deciding what to plant where.

Photo above: Strobilanthes dyerianus (Persian shield), pink salvia, and carex sp. in Sorin Garden, Bryn Mawr, Pa.

11. Don’t think of green as a boring color. You can create an outstanding composition by using silver, light, dark, deep, and chartreuse leaved plants. Keep in mind that the texture of the foliage of the plants has an effect on the design.

*Photo above:  Cotinus coggygria ‘Ancot’ GOLDEN SPIRIT creates a magnificent contrast against the grass.

12. Discard what the doyennes of taste or experts advise when deciding how much and what colors to use in your garden. Follow your instincts and create a color palette that pleases your eye!

Now it’s your turn! Share a color combination that you’ve used in your garden and love.

Please note: A source for some of the information for the above article is from NYBG’S Color Theory In The Garden.

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FAQs About Vinyl Fencing

Vinyl is one of the most popular materials selected by homeowners in Illinois and Indiana for residential fences. At Fence Masters, we specialize in vinyl fencing installation and guarantee that our fencing will be the last fence you ever need! If you’ve been thinking about installing a vinyl fence on your property but have some questions first, here’s a look at some of the most frequently asked questions we hear about vinyl fences:

Why Are Vinyl Fences Such a Popular Choice?

Vinyl fences are our best-selling fence material for a reason: they look great, are extremely durable, are easy to clean, and can be very affordable too! Vinyl can be offered in a few different style and color options as well, all of which look fantastic!

Do I Have to Worry about Discoloration or Weathering of My Vinyl Fence?

One of the things that our customers love most about their vinyl fences is the fact that environmental elements (like rain, snow, sun, moisture, and wind) don’t cause the same level of harm to vinyl that other materials suffer. In fact, you should never have to worry about discoloration of your vinyl fence or excessive weathering. The fences that we offer have UV inhibitors and other additives that are designed to protect the fences from wear and tear of harsh weather and from breaking down in the sunlight.

How Long Should I Expect My Vinyl Fence to Last?

As stated above, we guarantee that this will be the last vinyl fence you ever need! Indeed, the majority of fences offered by Fence Masters are designed to last a lifetime. That being said, we do offer a five-year warranty on all of our installations for fencing and a one-year warranty for gates and back all manufacturing warranties.

What Type of Maintenance Does a Vinyl Fence Require?

Homeowners that aren’t interested in constantly having to service and repair their fences love the fact that vinyl fences are so easy to maintain. These fences are so easy to clean and take care of – all you need to do is spray the fence down with the hose if the fence accumulates dirt, debris, or grass clippings. Even harder-to-remove materials, such as paint, can usually be removed with a pressure sprayer.

Can Vinyl Break Easily?

You don’t want to buy a fence only to have it break on you. If properly installed, your fence should not break under normal conditions, including harsh weather. The fence will likely only be at risk of breaking if a severe amount of force is applied, such as the fence being hit by a vehicle.

How Can I Learn More About Vinyl Fencing?

If you think that vinyl is the right choice for your residential fence, call Fence Masters today to learn more. You can reach our office at 708-758-5250 , or by sending us a message by filling out the intake form on our website.

Summary: If you have been thinking about a vinyl fence, consider the following answers to FAQs about vinyl fencing.

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For homeowners who have wooden fences installed on their properties, proper maintenance and care of the fence are important. While wood can be a very affordable and attractive material, unfortunately, when a wooden fence is improperly installed or cared for, fence rot may occur. The following considers everything you need to know about fence rot, including how to prevent it from happening–

What Is Fence Rot?

Rot occurs as a result of exposure to the environment and is extremely common in wooden fences. It is characterized by the deterioration of the wood, and if unchecked, can eventually lead to the collapse of the fence. There are two primary types of wood rot: dry rot and wet rot.

Wet rot is the most common type of fence rot and occurs when there is too much moisture on the wood. Because the ground is often especially moist, wet rot will usually occur at the base of the fence or on the fence posts. You can usually identify it visually as it may be accompanied by fungal growth, and may notice a musty smell as well.

Dry rot, on the other hand, occurs when your fence is constantly exposed to harsh, dry, and sunny circumstances. This dries out the wood to the point where it may actually crumble in your hand!

How to Prevent Fence Rot

The best way to prevent fence rot is to be aware of the different rot risks for different materials – hardier woods include choices like juniper and cedar, whereas more rot-susceptible woods are pine and tamarack. Of course, choosing a non-wood material is always an option!

If your wood fence is already installed, making sure that it is properly stained on an annual basis is important. You should also apply a protective sealant over the wood to help keep out moisture.

Finally, keep your fence clean and inspect in on a regular basis to check for rot or other damage. The sooner that you spot something and address the problem, the better.

Our Fence Specialists Can Help

At Fence Masters, our fence installation professionals serving Illinois and Indiana are available to answer any questions you have about wooden fences and fence rot. If your fence is in need of fence repair or replacement, we’re your team. We specialize in new fence installation for residential homeowners and offer great financing options. To learn more, contact us today at 708-758-5250 or by sending us a message now.

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Homeowners who are considering the installation of a residential fence have a lot of different options when it comes to material choices. At Fence Masters, we specialize in the installation of vinyl fences, wrought iron fences, aluminum fences, wood fences, and chain-link fences. We know that each different fence material has some benefits and some disadvantages and that choosing the best one for your home can be challenging. Here’s a look into some different factors to consider when choosing a material for your residential fence installation–

Budget

Because budget can be a very limiting factor, your budget should be the first thing that you think about. Not all fence materials cost the same. For example, chain-link fences are typically pretty inexpensive but don’t offer the same aesthetic appeal that other fence materials–like stone or concrete–do. Vinyl is the most popular choice that is pretty affordable, but more expensive than wood up front. Put your budget together and then call us to learn more about what you can afford.

Purpose

Another thing to think about when choosing a fence material is the purpose you want your fence to serve. Is your fence meant to be decorative and part of your landscape? Do you need to keep pets and young children in? Or if your fence being installed for privacy and protection? For privacy, wood and vinyl are great options, as they are both opaque. You can save money by choosing a smaller, wood picket fence if you just want to keep a child or pet in (assuming your dog can’t jump over the fence!). Tip: prioritize your needs over your wants.

Maintenance

Once you are pretty clear about what you need your fence for and how much you can afford, the next thing to think about is how much time and money you’re willing to dedicate towards the maintenance of your fence. Vinyl fences are often the choice for homeowners who don’t want to have to worry about maintenance or cleaning at all as these fences require little care over the years. Wrought iron fences, chain-link fences, and wood fences, on the other hand, can all suffer damage over the years and may need more TLC.

Learn More About the Fence That’s Right for You

To learn more about the different types of fences available and the fence that is right for you, reach out to Fence Masters today. We have locations in both Illinois and Indiana and have been specializing in residential fence installation for over 35 years. Reach us at 708-758-5250 or send us a message using the intake form on our website.

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The right fence type can really enhance the look of your home and add a healthy dose of curb appeal. But which kind of fence is right for you? Here are three things to consider when deciding what fence style you should get:

1. Purpose

There are a few factors to consider when deciding what fence will work for you and your home. First, what is the main purpose of the fence? If it’s to keep your dog in the yard, you’ll need to consider the size of the dog. A fence with narrowly spaced pickets may be better for a smaller dog, and a taller fence would likely be a smarter pick for a larger dog or a dog that is known to jump. If you’re looking for a fence for pool safety, there are certain fences that meet “pool code,” which you’ll need to consider. Maybe you’re looking for some seclusion from the neighbors. In that case, check out privacy fencing options. Whatever your reason for wanting a fence, there are plenty of fence styles to suit your needs.

2. Surrounding Area

You should also check to see what fence type others in your neighborhood have already installed. If picket fences are the style that everyone seems to have, maybe choosing a picket fence of your own is your best bet. Or maybe you’d rather stand out among the crowd and go for something totally different! Whichever direction you choose to go in, it’s good to at least consider the styles of existing fencing in the neighborhood and area directly surrounding your property. If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowners association, there may be restrictions on what kind of fence you can have. It would be best to check on that first to make sure you know what your options are.

3. Architectural Style

Another major factor to consider is your house itself. A white picket fence would look great with a cottage or Cape Cod style home, but can you imagine a white picket fence with an ornate Victorian home? It might look a little silly – a Victorian would probably be better served by a more stately looking aluminum fence. A ranch style home might look great with traditional split rail, where a modern home might look nice with a horizontal fence or basketweave. If you’re having your fence installed, your salesperson can help you decide what style will fit best with your home and your needs.

If you’re in the Delaware Valley and can’t decide what fence type makes the most sense for you, give us a call and one of our fence experts can help you determine what kind of fence you need!

The post What Fence Type Should I Get? appeared first on The Fence Authority Blog.

So you got a new fence, and now you have a few questions. Won’t my fence age over time? Do I have to seal it somehow? There are three basic options for “finishing” a fence: painting, staining, or leaving it natural. There are benefits and drawbacks to each option. We are here to help you decide which route is the best for you!

Paint

Painting fences was more popular before there were so many options for stains. We would least recommend painting, because it does require a lot of maintenance. If you do decide to go ahead and paint your fence, you can expect to have to repaint it every 1-3 years, as paint does tend to crack and peel.

Also keep in mind that once you do need to repaint, you will need to scrape off all of the existing paint, prep the surface for new paint, and then finally repaint. It is a lot of work and a lot of time, and over time the painting and repainting will end up costing you more.

Now, we know what you’re thinking: “but how else do I get that white picket fence look?” Well, there are a few options. One is to buy a white vinyl picket fence. Vinyl will never need to be stained, painted, or maintained other than a good cleaning every once in a while. The other option is to use a solid white stain. Read on to find out more about this option!

Stain

Stain wins over paint most of the time, and that’s because it requires so much less maintenance than paint. It may be a higher cost initially, but you will not need to re-stain over and over again.

Eventually the stain will fade and need to be redone, but not nearly as frequently as paint. Stain does not peel or crack, so it requires way less preparation than repainting. A good power wash or washing with a deck cleaner will give you a clean slate to work with before re-staining, without all the scraping and peeling.

There are a lot of options when it comes to staining your fence. One option is a solid stain, which, as mentioned above, will give you that traditional “white picket” look without all the maintenance of paint. Or, if you really love the look of natural wood and just want to protect your fence, there are plenty of semi-transparent options to choose from, too. There are even clear options that simply serve to waterproof and protect your fence.

Natural

The post Should I Paint or Stain My Fence? appeared first on The Fence Authority Blog.

The purpose of a fence is simple: It defines property lines, provides privacy and offers protection. For properties that have a fence, it is an integral part of the landscape.

Constantly exposed to the elements, fences can rot, crack, split and otherwise fall apart over time if not manufactured out of a highly durable material. As fencing is so important and should last many, many years, it is important that the material used is as durable as possible.

While there are several different types of materials that fences can be made of, and some materials are much more durable than others.

The most durable fencing materials include:

• Vinyl: Vinyl, or PVC, is one of the most popular fencing materials, primarily because of its unmatched durability. It is resistant to the elements, which means that it won’t rot, rust, crack or splinter when exposed to hot and cold temperatures as well as moisture. A vinyl fence is a great option in climates that experience a variety of weather conditions.
• Wrought Iron: This material is extremely strong, which makes it difficult to break. It won’t crack or splinter when exposed to the elements and is a great choice for security purposes.
• Galvanized Chain Link: When sealed with a special coating, chain link is an extremely durable fencing material. A galvanized chain link fence offers excellent security, and because of the special coating, it more resistant to the effects of the elements.

If you are interested in having a fence installed in the Chicago area, you should contact Fence Masters. With over 30 years of experience, we are one of the leading Chicago fence installation companies and the largest fence contractor in all of the Midwest. For a durable fence at an affordable price, contact us today. We are happy to discuss all of your fencing needs.

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Update, Sat. Feb. 10: AND THE WINNER IS…Susie Johnson! I’ve notified her and “The Less is More Garden” will soon be on its way to her from publisher Timber Press.
Many, many thanks to all of you for participating! — Debra

Author/Landscape Designer Susan Morrison

I’ve long admired the wit and wisdom of Bay Area landscape designer Susan Morrison, whom I see at garden events and follow on Facebook. So when I found out she’d authored The Less is More Garden: Big Ideas for Designing Your Small Yard (Timber Press, 2018), I knew I had to have it.

Enter to win a copy of The Less is More Garden: Big Ideas for Designing Your Small Yard, simply by leaving a comment below. (To qualify, you must be 18 or older and have a mailing address in the US or Canada.) The winner will be chosen at random and notified via email Sat., Feb. 10. I’ll also put the winner’s name at the top of this post. Best of luck! 

If you’re in the Pacific Northwest, be sure to attend presentations by Susan Morrison and myself during the 2018 Northwest Flower and Garden Show. I’m presenting on Designing with Succulents Wed., Feb. 7 at 11:15 and Thurs., Feb. 8 at 12:30. Morrison is presenting Thurs., Feb. 8. at 2:15; Sat., Feb. 10 at 3:00, and doing “Container Wars” Sat, Feb. 11 at 11:30. 

Here’s Morrison’s “less is more philosophy” of garden design:

— Less space, more enjoyment
— Less effort, more beauty
— Less maintenance, more relaxation
— Less gardening-by-the-numbers, more YOU.

In The Less is More Garden: Big Ideas for Designing Your Small Yard, Morrison’s practical, readable style expands on key points via case studies and illustrations anyone can relate to. The book is full of light-bulb moments. You find yourself thinking, “Why, yes, of course,” while wondering why such terrific insights on gardens, design, and outdoor enhancements hadn’t dawned on you before.

Susan Morrison owns Creative Exteriors Landscape Design, located in the East Bay near San Francisco.

Some Morrison gems

Every page and caption in the book contains kernels of wisdom that can be put to practical use. For example:

— “Just as the kitchen is the heart of the home, the patio is the center of the backyard.”

— “Avoid hard benches, undersized seating, or essentially anything that makes the backyard less comfortable to be in.”

— “A table for dining on one side and a lounge chair for relaxing on the other establish two garden destinations in a relatively small area.”

— “Create one strong or meandering curve as a counterpoint to the more rigid shapes elsewhere in the yard.”

— “Angular stone [gravel] compacts more efficiently [than rounded gravel] and therefore makes for a more stable walking surface.”

Now it’s your turn! Leave a comment and you’re automatically entered to win a copy of The Less is More Garden: Big Ideas for Designing Your Small Yard. See you in Seattle? Say yes! 

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