The right fence can make your home's exterior come alive in ways you may not have even imagined. But with the variety of home styles on the market today, it can often be difficult to know for sure if you're selecting the right fencing materials to match the type of home you have. To clear up any confusion, below are five common home styles and the kinds of fences that best complement them.

5 Types of Homes & The Fences That Suit Them

1. Classical: Iron

A classical home, like a Federal, Georgian, or Greek Revival, is balanced, defined, and filled with straight lines. With their perfectly straight and upright pickets, an iron fence is ideal for this type of home. A decorative rail along the top of the pickets and period-specific finials on the fence posts will only add more elegance and charm.

2. Colonial: Traditional Picket

The traditional wood picket fence has become synonymous with the American Dream. And it has its roots in Colonial America, too, as wood fences were the standards around homes during that era. You can bring a touch of the past to your modern colonial home with a wood picket fence. Paint it white, and you've got your own slice of Americana.

3. Victorian: Short Picket

Fencing materials and styles changed after the Colonial period, most dramatically during the Victorian era. If you're fortunate enough to own a classic or restored Victorian, or a modern version of a Victorian, go for a shorter picket fence. Three horizontal rails should be equidistant apart, and short, pointed pickets should come just above the middle rail, alternating with longer pickets that come above the uppermost rail. Wood, steel, or cast-iron work best.

4. Rustic: Redwood

Rustic houses, such as log homes and rural properties, often look as if they're part of the natural landscape. These homes don't require bold fencing materials and styles. In fact, the simpler, the better. Go with a sturdy, natural redwood or other types of wood to integrate seamlessly into the look and feel of the home.

5. Contemporary: Steel

Steel fences come in a wide variety of styles and shapes to suit virtually any property. But they are especially adept at bringing out the best qualities of a more contemporary home. Modern houses often have clean lines, an abundance of windows, and a boxier appearance. A steel fence enhances that tasteful utilitarianism and helps the entire property look even more uniform and elegant.

While the above home styles and fencing materials are well-suited to one another, at the end of the day, it all comes down to your personal taste. Let the fencing contractors at David's Fencing help. For over 35 years, they have been serving homeowners throughout Honolulu County and all of Hawaii. Call (808) 677-8060, visit their website, or contact them via Facebook or Twitter to schedule an estimate.