Trendy Modifications for Fences and Fence Posts

A fence without fence posts is like a car without wheels; and while we've certainly seen lots of variations on wheels and tires, many fence posts remain decidedly "un-tricked". Whether you've got a few hours, days, or a whole summer, there is an option available for anyone wishing to spruce up his or her fence.

Wood Fence Posts
Wood is the most common building material in residences for good reason. It is durable, cost effective, and easy to work with. Aside from a simple paint job, there are plenty of ways to make an ordinary wood fence post more visually appealing.

Post Caps
The easiest choice is to buy fence post caps. Post caps come in a wide variety of styles, and take very little effort to install. Basically, you just slip them on top of your existing fence post and either nail or glue them in place. The entire look of a fence can literally be changed in an afternoon! They can be purchased finished, or you can finish them yourself. If your fence is significantly older than the caps you purchase, matching could be a problem. You may want to buy some unfinished post caps, and then give the entire fence a new coat of paint.

Maybe, for whatever reason, the caps aren't for you. Even more options are available if you purchase a whole new post. Pulling a fence post out of the ground will take some work if you do it by hand. There are machines, however, that can be purchased (and/or rented) that will make getting the posts out and putting them back in significantly easier in the labor department. Whether or not you use a machine to help, installing a fence post requires pouring some concrete. Keep your wheelbarrow handy.

Since you're already yanking out posts, maybe you're the type who doesn't mind getting a little dirty. The great thing about wood is that many people own the tools needed to work with it at home. If that describes you, you might opt to build your own wood fence posts. There are post top designs to satisfy any skill level from beginner up. Aside from the feeling of accomplishment, doing it yourself also gives you total control over what your end product will look like.

Metal and Vinyl Fence Posts
While installing these is about the same as their wood counterparts, once you have the post, there are fewer options available to improve it. You can certainly purchase post tops for both metal and vinyl fence posts. You can paint them, too. Other than that, though, there isn't much you can do to modify what you've already bought.

The good thing about metal and vinyl fences is that once they're installed, neither requires much upkeep. Both are extremely durable and resistant to environmental stresses. The key is to shop around before you buy a vinyl or metal fence. Make sure it's what you want. They both cost more than a wood fence, and they'll both last a very long time.