Fencing Overview

Garden Fencing

Agricultural Fencing

Security Fencing

There are five main factors to consider when choosing a fence – privacy, strength, durability, ease of maintenance and, of course, cost. In practice, cost is closely linked to the decisions you make regarding the first four considerations, so make sure that the fence you buy matches your needs closely.

Privacy
For total protection from prying eyes, you need high peep-proof fences. However, they tend to be expensive, so think twice before using them around the entire garden. Instead, consider limiting them to specific areas - near a patio, for example – or buy a fence that, though not in itself peep-proof, can be made so with the addition of masking hedges and climbing plants.
If privacy is not important and security not a problem, save money with a low fence.

Strength
A fence must be able to withstand accidental knocks. As you might expect, the more robust the construction, the more it is likely to cost. As far as wind resistance is concerned much depends on how exposed the site is but, in general, the higher and more peep-proof the fence, the more vulnerable it is likely to be.
Fences facing the street need to be stronger than other boundary fences, while those within the garden are less at risk from accidental knocks.

Durability and maintenance
If the fence is only a temporary measure – while a hedge matures, wire fencing is a easy-care type giving value for money.
Timber fences, whatever you buy, must be treated with preservative. Components that come into contact with the ground need to be pressure impregnated. It is also well worth paying for sound construction. Such fences are less likely to disintegrate if neglected for a few years.

Appearance
Obviously, personal preference is as important a factor in the final choice as finding something to suit the garden`s style, but remember it is not always necessary to spend a lot. If neatness and good looks are unnecessary, a workaday fence may be perfectly adequate.