Distribution of Fence Materials in Eau Claire

Michelle Chrzanowski

Hypothesis

The distribution of fence materials may be reflected by the age and cost of the house built. Metal and wood are accessible materials so they will probably dominate no matter the age and cost of house. Plastic fences may mostly be found with newer houses because it is a newer material, and brick fences may be found only on wealthy properties because it is very expensive.

Types of Fence Materials

• Metal• Wood• Plastic• Brick

Research MethodI collected data in the Third Ward along the route indicated on the map.

I chose this route because it included a smattering of both old and new houses, is a relatively prosperous neighborhood, which could lead to more fences, and the area was close to the university.

I then went to Eau Claire’s assessment website and systematically found all the ages and costs of the homes.

Distribution of Houses with No Fences

None

None

Distribution of Houses with Metal Fences

Metal

Metal

Distribution of Houses with Wood Fences

Wood

Distribution of Houses with Plastic Fences

Plastic

Distribution of Houses with Brick Fences

Brick

•According to Susan E. Schnare in A Primer on Pickets, wood has been the most used fence material historically

•Wood is also a naturally common resource in Eau Claire

•Peculiarly wood isn’t accompanied by the oldest houses on average• Very likely due to wood rotting and new owners replacing it with fences that last

longer like metal

•Metal fences can be more expensive • Installation process• Wrought iron

Conclusion

The distribution of fence materials is scattered in Eau Claire. The main materials used to build fences were metal and wood with brick being rare but found on very wealthy properties. The one plastic fence found was obviously added later since the house it was with was 19th century. Fences are often changed when homes are remodeled to personal taste over the years so patterns are sometimes unclear.

Citations

Anderson, Murray. "Options and Styles for Your New Fence." Do It Yourself. 2006. Web. 10 Jun 2010. <http://www.doityourself.com/stry/optionsforfence>.

"Landscaping Online." White Picket Fences. N.p., 2007. Web. 10 Jun 2010. <http://www.landscapingideasonline.com/white-picket-fence.php>.

Schnare, Susan. "A Primer on Pickets." Old-House Journal. Web. 10 Jun 2010. <http://www.oldhousejournal.com/primer_on_pickets/magazine/1449>.