Tips for Building Transparent Fencing

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The concept of building a barrier fence is rather simple. Most fences feature some combination of vertical posts and horizontal rails. The manner in which they are configured will determine what level of security the barrier can provide for animals and people. Some projects call for fencing or barriers that don’t look like barriers. Preserving natural landscapes and spectacular views requires different products and practices than standard fencing. In this article we will discuss our favorite ways to create transparent barriers.

A waterfront cable fence in Northern California provides safety and transparency for pedestrians walking alongside the river.

PRODUCT SELECTION

It goes without saying that only select products will satisfy the task of creating transparency and a suitable barrier. Solid panels and vertical pickets are eliminated almost immediately from our product list. Our current marketplace does however present custom panels that allow more transparency and modern vertical solutions to traditional railing systems that impede views. Vertical cable railings, glass pickets, and small diameter steel pipes can afford us traditional barriers with modern transparency.

For consumers interested in complete transparency from a solid barrier fence, the choices are more limited. Glass panels and horizontal cable railing systems are likely the only way to achieve this. Frameless glass options are likely to provide the most transparent approach due to the lack of upright posts. However cable fences are easier to maintain and offer excellent transparency and good security at a lower cost. Clear glass is the ultimate transparent barrier panel; however only clean glass will remain clear.

Vertical cable barriers combine a more traditional style with sleek modern aesthetics.

THE BEST COLORS FOR TRANSPARENT FENCING

Our company has furnished hundreds of fences and railings that have been installed in a variety of settings and locations across the country. These projects have taught us a lot about color selection. Our experience in different states and backdrops leads us to recommend whichever color is in closest relation to the natural surroundings. Blending in vs. standing out seems to be the best color choice. I’ve read everything from black to white as being the “most” transparent color for fence posts; however color alone does not make this distinction.

Wooden fence posts may look better in some settings than even smaller diameter colored steel posts. Bare metal can be more transparent than even the most perfect color selection depending on the landscape. If I had to select one product for all around versatility it would be bare stainless steel; which is the only choice I’ve witnessed consistently reflecting the surroundings regardless of the individual elements contained in the setting.

Frameless glass is extremely transparent with great wind protection and no vertical posts.

TEXTURES AND MISCELLANEOUS CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING TRANSPARENCY

As mentioned earlier, color alone does not determine transparency. For example, clean glass is much more transparent than dirty or etched glass regardless of post color. Natural timber in a natural setting can be more transparent than colored steel. Vertical infill can be more transparent than horizontal and vise versa depending on the surroundings.

Consumers can benefit by primarily considering the colors and textures that surround the barrier fencing to be constructed. Additionally, factoring any maintenance required or possible lack of maintenance and the end result. For questions or pricing inquiries related to our transparent fencing products, give us a call at 844-277-7327 or visit the quote request page.