What Is A Fence Kickboard And Why Should You Have One?

A fence can be useful to install at home for various reasons, helping to protect children and pets, increase security, provide privacy, and boost curb appeal. While there are a variety of things to think about when building the perfect fence, one of the most important considerations is whether to install a fence kickboard. Most common on wooden fences, a fence kickboard is a horizontal board made of pressure-treated wood or another durable material added to a fence's bottom to provide extra protection. A kickboard helps extend the life of the fence by preventing direct contact with the ground. It helps to protect the fence from rotting and any damage that could occur due to contact with dirt, pests, moisture, mold, and fungus. 

While following wooden fence maintenance tips will go a long way toward increasing the longevity of a fence, a kickboard will further improve the durability of your fence and make it last even longer — it also helps the fence maintain its appearance and keep looking its best. Ideally, you should install a kickboard at the same time you install the fence, but if necessary, you can add it to an existing fence instead.

One of the most important things to consider when choosing a fence kickboard is the type of material it's made out of. You need to be sure that the material is strong and will do a great job of withstanding any contact with the environment it will have. Pressure-treated wood, such as cedar, pine, or redwood, is commonly used. Alternatively, you may want to use vinyl or a composite material instead. You should also consider the size of the kickboard. Kickboards will usually be between half a foot to a foot in length. Ensure the kickboard's thickness matches your fence and that the style meshes well with it. This will prevent it from sticking out too much and help boost curb appeal.

Once you've installed a fence kickboard, be sure to keep up with routine maintenance. Inspect it occasionally and clean it regularly with a soft brush and soap, removing any accumulated dirt and debris. You should also reseal or stain the kickboard periodically to ensure it lasts as long as possible. While including a kickboard in your fence installation increases the cost, it also protects your investment.