Your fence is an integral part of your landscaping. Obviously, it serves a utilitarian purpose, but it can also complement the design of your property and your home. Luckily, landscaping trends don't change as fast as runway fashion. It can still be helpful to know about the latest trends before you make your decision. Either way, the goal is to choose the fence that will best enhance the look of your property and the style of your home!

1. Dare to Create Focal Points

Although it is quite rare for a fence to be the focal point of a property, it does need to match your landscaping and your home’s style. If you have the space for it, it can even be worth designing areas that create a visual impact and taking a playful approach to design. For instance, you can choose to combine two composite colours or mix panelled fencing with vegetation. 

2. Contemporary Models, Clean Lines

This trend has been around for a few years. Contemporary models are an excellent match for the clean lines we see in new buildings. These modern models can be recognized by their straight, fluid and simple lines, without frills, pointed ornamentation or rosettes. 

Our most popular models in this style are without a doubt our ornamental fences and glass fences. They are most commonly chosen in black or grey, to match the siding on newer homes. We also tend to see this trend around older homes, as it freshens up the look, creating a more modern exterior. 

3. Spotlight on Black and Grey

Matching this trend in contemporary homes and landscaping, black and grey fences are our most popular models. But these neutral and timeless colours are also suitable for all types of spaces, depending on the model that you choose.

Get inspired by our most beautiful projects and find the trends that suit your style.

Whether you’re looking to add privacy to your yard, improve the safety of your property or let your dog run free, building a fence around your space provides a number of benefits! To help you get started in planning your project, we’ve gathered all the important details you should consider.

 

1. Identify Your Goals

First, you’ll need to define your objectives to ensure that you’ll make the best choice for your property. Here are some questions you might find helpful:

• What bothers you most in your backyard? 
• Are there things in your yard that you would like to hide? 
• What kind of style are you looking to bring to your space?
• Do you need to include gates or openings?
• Do you have any pets that will go in the yard?
• Do you have a swimming pool or are you planning to install one?

 

2.Delineate Your Property

If you know the exact location of your property lines, all you’ll need to do is take measurements of the property. Many homeowners may, however, opt to use their certificate of location to clearly delimit their property and avoid encroaching on their neighbours’ land. When in doubt, a land surveyor can assist you to avoid conflicts. 

 

3. Neighbours 

As a homeowner or property owner, you are entitled, by law, to install a fence on your land, at your own expense. However, if you install the fence right on the property line separating your lot from your neighbour’s lot, you’ll be required, by law, to obtain consent from this neighbour. In this case, neighbours will split costs equally to purchase, install, and maintain the shared fence. This means you’ll have to agree on the selected model and budget.

 

4. Regulations

Several cities in Quebec have implemented regulations regarding fence installation. Property owners need to respect standards, heights, etc. For instance, in Quebec, fences must not exceed 1.20 metres on the street side and 2 metres in the backyard. Furthermore, certain allowances need to be respected, in terms of clearance. This is why we recommend that you contact your borough office to make sure that you fully understand the regulations that apply to your area. Your local Inter Clôtures member can also guide you through this process.

Locate your nearest Inter Clôtures member here

 

5. Choosing Your Fence

You can choose from an extensive range of models that will suit your needs and your style. As you consider your options, it’s important to select durable, sturdy products so that you won’t have to replace them after a few years. Many of our products are made right here in Quebec. They are designed to withstand our winter climate and drastic temperature changes, so that you get maximum quality and durability. 

6. Installation

A quality install is also essential. Our experienced installation team will make sure to carefully assess your soil to select the best installation method for you. We’ll also take into account any relevant safety considerations, like nearby electric wires or gas pipes. 

Our teams are available to guide you in planning your project. Plus, if any features in your yard are bothering you, our team can help find solutions, to create a space that suits you just right. Find your local Inter Clôtures member here or request an online quote.

When purchasing an inground or above-ground swimming pool, installing a fence and latching gate that meet safety standards is of utmost importance. While there is a plethora of information available, you need to clearly understand each of the current standards and regulations to plan your fencing project and choose the right model. By reaching out to a team of recognized professionals , you’ll guarantee that your space is as safe as possible. Our specialists will bring you peace of mind and make sure that all features comply with regulations set by the Règlement sur la sécurité des piscines résidentielles du Gouvernement du Québec. Before building a fence around your pool, consider these key points.

 

1.Planning

First, planning ahead of timet is essential. It can be quite challenging for us to guarantee an installation date that meets your timeline if your request is made at the last minute. This is due to a spike in swimming pool purchases, mainly seen since 2020, and because the Règlement sur la sécurité des piscines résidentielles du gouvernement du Québec requires fencing around all pools. Our calendar always fills up quickly, so we recommend that you plan both your fence order and your pool purchase at the same time, so that we can schedule the fence installation according to your pool delivery date.

 

2. Regulations

No matter what type of barrier you choose, a fence will need to be installed. A sturdy cedar hedge cannot legally replace a fence. For inground and semi-inground pools, a fence needs to surround all sides. For above-ground pools, the patio or deck providing access to the pool needs be fenced in. 

As for the type of fence you choose, it must meet the following standards:

• The minimum height must be 1.2 m (4 ft) at all points, measured from the ground, or from a platform, step or any other surface which a child may access.
• The distance between the bars must block a spherical object with a 10 cm diameter.
• The fence must not include fasteners or open sections that would make it easier to climb.
• All gates that provide access to the pool must feature a passive locking system that closes and locks automatically. The latch should be on the inside of the gate, near the top, out of children’s reach. 

 

3. Best Models to Choose From

You can trust our team to guide you towards the most appropriate model, to meet your needs while complying with all safety standards. Here are some of the best models for you:

• Glass fencing: this is the safest model, as it provides uninterrupted views of the pool at all times and complies with safety standards. Plus, it brings added value to your home.

 

• Ornamental fencing:  this is one of the most popular models for swimming pools. While it brings elegance and prestige to your property, it also provides good visibility around the pool. 

 

• Privacy fencing: whether you prefer an ornamental fence, or steel or composite panels, our range of privacy models will shield you from prying eyes next door. We recommend that you combine it with a model that provides better visibility. In this way, you can still see the pool at all times and opt for privacy fencing on sides that are adjacent to your neighbours’ property.

 

Find the Inter Clôtures member nearest you to plan your pool project today.

Get inspired by our most beautiful photos of poolside fences here.