Few icons evoke more images of the American Dream than the white picket fence. This humble totem of middle-class prosperity has become an easy shorthand for suburban life in TV shows and movies.
However, when these fences are damaged in domestic thrillers or come into play for young adults in coming-of-age stories, they symbolize something else entirely. Contact Picket Fence Summerville now!
Originally, pickets (from piquet, French for pointed) were sharpened logs used to defend positions, but early New World colonists found them useful as boundary markers, too. Since then, a variety of picket styles have sprung up—some modern fences are even fashioned from low-maintenance polyvinyl chloride (PVC or Vinyl).
Traditionally made of white painted wood, this particular type of fencing defines domestic boundaries in a decorative and aesthetically pleasing way. The slats are usually spaced evenly, but staggered patterns or alternating heights can add visual interest and a dynamic element to the picket fence line.
Picket fences are also adaptable, blending seamlessly with different architectural aesthetics from traditional to contemporary homes. The type of wood chosen can also influence the vibe: Cypress, spruce, and cedar offer classic, rustic, or formal looks, while treated pine has an updated appeal. The height and shape of the tops—squared, blunt, or elongated Victorian—are also important design factors to consider, explains architect Kahlil Bair. The final decision should also consider the home’s roof slope, with a lower-pitched ranch-style house calling for a blunt or squared cap to match its form, and steeper roofs requiring a more elongated Victorian style that complements the architecture.
Although not everyone aspires to the Norman Rockwell-esque depiction of suburban life in which the white picket fence is emblematic, to many of those who do, it represents domestic idealism and symbolizes success and accomplishment through home ownership. It is, as Smithsonian scholar Michael Dolan puts it, “a modest totem of middle-class prosperity.” A picket fence symbolizes a good life—one that is not only peaceful but secure and family-friendly as well.
Pickets as a Deterrent
In colonial days, people put up picket fences to assert their property rights and keep others from trespassing or stealing. They used wood because it was plentiful and inexpensive, and they painted their fences white because it was easy to see at night. Some scholars believe that this whitewash was a sign of wealth and privilege, as only rich landowners could afford to maintain a picket fence in the first place.
Today, the white picket fence continues to be a popular choice for residential fencing. Although they’re not as sturdy as chain-link, they’re less likely to break under the weight of a car and they’re more attractive than their more utilitarian counterparts. They also accentuate the look of a home and, if well-chosen, will enhance its value on the real estate market.
A picket fence creates a sense of security and safety for kids and pets while keeping intruders out. They’re also a visual signifier of a clean, manicured yard and can help to boost the overall curb appeal of a home. This is why so many homeowners opt for a traditional white picket fence when they’re constructing their new home.
The idea of the white picket fence has become a symbol of the American Dream, evoking notions of family, tradition, and a traditional suburban lifestyle. It’s a style that’s become an iconic representation of wholesomeness, and it remains a beloved fixture of neighborhoods all across the country. The fact that the fence has remained popular for so long is a testament to its timeless aesthetic and numerous practical benefits. Aside from its aesthetic appeal, the picket fence is a durable and low-maintenance option for enclosing yards without blocking views. It’s available in a variety of materials, including traditional wood and low-maintenance vinyl.
Pickets as a Status Symbol
Whether painted white or made of a natural white material like wood, the picket fence continues to embody the idealized representation of domestic bliss and suburban home ownership. It’s a modest totem of middle-class prosperity that’s been around since the early 1800s, and while it may be less popular today than in the past, it still exists as a reminder of the American dream and a traditional suburban lifestyle.
In modern times, the primary reason for many homeowners to choose a picket fence is that it provides a high level of visual privacy and deterrence without blocking out the surrounding scenery or obscuring the front yard. In addition, they help to keep pets and children within their designated territory while also preventing trespassing, and they contribute to a safer home environment by clearly marking property boundaries.
Pickets come in a variety of styles and heights, giving homeowners the option to customize their design according to their needs and preferences. Alternating the lengths of the pickets can create a rhythmic pattern that draws the eye along the entire length of the fence line, while staggered designs offer more visual texture and depth.
In recent decades, the popularity of the picket fence has also been tied to notions of homeownership and a desire for a simpler way of life. Often seen in picturesque Norman Rockwell-esque scenes, a white picket fence is often used as shorthand for domestic idealism and symbolizes the American dream of owning a home and raising a family. However, not everyone aspires to live with a white picket fence, and there are many reasons for them to choose a different kind of lifestyle.
Pickets as a Paradox
As the name suggests, picket fences consist of evenly spaced vertical boards or posts with a pointed top. This curved design was inspired by the piquet, a sharp stick used in Europe to keep archers hidden from charging cavalry. It was a quick and inexpensive way for colonists to mark their properties, and it quickly became an American icon.
The pointed tops also shed water and snow easily, reducing maintenance costs and the need for painting or staining. Pickets can be arranged in many ways to create a variety of looks. For example, arched designs give a softer look while still maintaining garden views. Double-pickets provide a safe perch for birds and add visual interest.
Another consideration when choosing a picket fence is the height and slope of your home. A low-pitched roof may call for a blunt or squared-off point, while steeper roofs work well with an elongated Victorian-style point. The final step is to add post caps, which not only make the fence look more visually appealing, but they also help extend the life of the wood by keeping water away from the end grain.
While a simple wood picket fence on level ground is a DIY-friendly project, complex terrain or customized designs require a professional installation and maintenance. A professional has the right tools and knows how to install a wood fence so it will stand up to the elements and last for decades.
Aside from the cost, installing a wood picket fence requires a lot of manual labor. Traditionally, a fence is set in the ground by digging deep holes, often with hand or power augers. The holes are then filled with concrete to cement the posts into place, and then horizontal rails are affixed to each side. Pickets are then nailed to the horizontal rails to complete the fencing.
