Tired of mundane straight fencing? Curved fencing panels infuse backyard design with flowing lines and visual interest. Materials like wood, PVC, composite and steel bend into eye-catching, ornamental shapes. Read on to discover how to source and install curved fencing using various materials to make a unique statement.
This guide covers the benefits of curved fencing, top materials to achieve those graceful arcs, construction techniques, costs, specialty hardware considerations, and finishing steps to professionally incorporate sinuous shapes into your landscape design.
Why Choose Curved Fencing Over Straight Sections?
Incorporating curvature creates several advantages:
Curb Appeal – Arcing panels make a bold visual impact versus ho-hum straight lines. Freshens design for maximum neighborhood wow factor.
Space Definition – Subtly guides the eye and delineates zones within the yard’s layout. Enhanced privacy between areas.
Softer Look – Curves evoke a more relaxed, natural vibe. Straight lines and corners appear more severe.
Modern Aesthetic – Sweeping shapes provide a contemporary designer flair popular in upscale architectural landscapes.
Border Focal Point – Draws attention as a focal feature along home perimeter or garden edges.
Graceful curves amp up backyards from monotonous to dramatic. Time to accent your property with the movement and vitality curving fence lines provide!
Which Fencing Materials Allow Bending Into Curves?
Many options exist for achieving that coveted arcing silhouette:
Wood – Traditional pickets and solid panels bend using kerfing saw cuts. Redwood and cedar work best. Maintain finish.
PVC – Heating allows curving PVC pickets and privacy slats into any radius. Vinyl flexes without breaking. No finishing required.
Composite – Wood-plastic composites withstand bending into curves using kerfs or heat. Durability and low maintenance.
Wrought Iron/Steel – Black powder coated steel rods/bars form graceful curves. Timeless ornamental appeal.
Aluminum – Lightweight aluminum bends easily into flowing fence shapes. Takes powder coating well for color.
Wire/Cable – Tensioned stainless steel wire or coated cable conform smoothly to any curving paths.
Combining materials like PVC privacy with aluminum balusters opens extensive design possibilities.
Custom Curved PVC Fencing Costs
Project budget depends primarily on:
- Fencing material chosen – composite and steel cost more than vinyl and wood
- Fence height and length – more material equals greater overall cost
- Degree of curvature – gentle long arcs or short tight radii
- Specialty curving equipment for heat bending PVC
- Added ornamental details like finials
Expect $15-$30 per linear foot installed depending on the variables above. Complex multi-radius shapes cost more than simple gradual curves. Well worth the investment for stunning curb appeal.
Techniques for Bending Fencing Into Arcs
shape fencing using:
Kerfing – Makes series of thin saw cuts partway into planks allowing flexing into curves. Used for wood and some composite fencing.
Lamination – Glues thin pliable pieces together before curving into jigs. Common for molding plywood panels.
V-grooving – Mills shallow channels on the backside so material bends easily at intervals. Used with PVC and metal.
Heat Welding – Heats PVC with strip heaters allowing it to conform to bending forms. Provides consistent smooth curves.
Sand Fill – Packs bendable pipes with sand to hold shape after manipulating into curves. Used for metal pipes.
Tensioning – Applies leverage force along a cable to pull it into the desired shape. Works for wire and cable fencing.
Invest in the right tools and jigs for pro results forming curves from your chosen fencing material.
Specialty Hardware for Curved Fencing
Standard hardware won’t align properly along curves. Use:
Flexible hinges – Allow gates to swing smoothly along any arched opening. Maintain security.
Swivel brackets – Pivoting brackets adapt to angles for stair rails and uneven terrain along curving runs.
Telescoping rails – Sliding internal rail components accommodate sloping ground and prevent fence buckling.
Articulating finials – Pivoting ornamental post toppers adapt their angle to match curved fence lines. Fully aligned details.
Curved fence track – Mounted guide rails guide rollers to follow undulating fence spans smoothly.
Don’t allow hardware limitations to constrain your curved fencing dreams! Specialty products exist for every application.
Helpful Tips for Installing Curved Fencing Perfectly
Optimizing the final look and performance involves:
- Double checking measurements and radius calculations prior to bending or cutting. Measure twice, cut once.
- Clamping or securing bending forms tightly so wood, PVC or steel doesn’t springback during forming.
- Heating plastics slowly and evenly – rapid overheated spots lead to irregular curves.
- Pre-drilling fastener holes at connection points to avoid splitting materials when installed under tension.
- Allowing extra length on over-bent pieces knowing springback will occur slightly.
- Visually mock up key curved components prior to final assembly to spot any alignment issues before it’s too late.
Patience and care yields stunning, architectural fencing flowing seamlessly across your property.
Maintaining That Like-New Curved Fence Appearance
Follow material-specific tips to keep your investment looking pristine:
Wood – Spot seal any exposed cut ends to prevent moisture entry and splintering. Re-coat every 2-3 years.
PVC/Vinyl – Wash occasionally with soap and water. Avoid abrasive cleaners that could dull the surface.
Composite – Wash debris away before it sticks. Re-stain flaws promptly to avoid moisture damage.
Steel – Spot re-powdercoat any scratches or chips to prevent oxidation.
Wire/Cable – Lubricate cable hardware annually to prevent binding or snapping from tension.
With proper care, curved fencing remains a remarkable, enviable focal point that upgrades your exterior space for decades to come.
Add a touch of class while enhancing privacy and boundaries with the artistic element only curving fence lines provide. Any backyard or commercial landscape can benefit from this touch of sophistication. Time to think outside the box and give those lackluster linear fences an alluring makeover!
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