A Timeless Classic: A Look at White Picket Fences

The white picket fence conjures images of classic suburbia—large single-family homes, well-manicured lawns, and peaceful life. The traditional whitewashed picket fence remains popular, but now homeowners have different options when it comes to creating this timeless look for their homes. Keep reading to learn more about the classic look of the white picket fence:

The Basic Picket Fence

Picket fences are short and have evenly spaced boards that are pointed or tapered at the top. They are commonly painted white and made of wood. Modern picket fences can be made of different materials, such as vinyl.

A Brief History

The white picket fence was extremely popular during Colonial times, having evolved from medieval paling. During the 18th and 19th centuries, as homes became more elaborate, so did picket fencing. The Gothic style became popular in the 1800s. Wrought iron, a popular material used in the Gothic style, created ornate picket fences with complex ironwork.

Symbolism of the Picket Fence

The white picket fence has been seen as a symbol of the American Dream: a suburban home, two kids, a dog, and a white picket fence. While the white picket fence functions as a borderline, it also represents an ideal of American culture. The appeal of the white picket fence continues to this day in America.

Modern Picket Fences

Construction of the traditional picket fence includes mounting the pickets vertically on a pair of parallel stretchers, one on the bottom and one on the top. The pickets and stretchers attach to posts that are driven into the ground. While wood is used to create picket fencing, PVC / vinyl fencing is another option. PVC / vinyl fencing offers the same picturesque look of wood, but without the required maintenance.

For more information on creating the classic white picket fence for your home, call our experts at Paramount Fence . We offer wood, aluminum, and PVC fencing. Call 630-239-2714 to learn more.