For many gardens, a fence is the go to choice for boundary marking. They are often simple to erect, low maintenance, affordable and when looked after will last for many many years. This simple guide will provide information about the different types of fencing available and the things to consider when choosing a fence.
There are a few different types of fence to consider depending on your needs and your budget. Here are a few options:
This type of fence is probably the most popular choice and the most traditional. Lap panels are usually cut straight from the tree, will have a square edge and a waney edge which often still has bark on it. They can be installed by attaching them to wooden posts or fitted between concrete posts for a more secure fit. They are a really, affordable choice and will offer excellent privacy and security for your garden.
Feather Edge fencing is a more expensive option but offers a more robust fence and is perfect if you require a little extra security and something a bit stronger. This type of fence is created using tapered boards that have been secured vertically to make a solid fence. This type of fence can be purchased as individual boards or as fully formed panels.
Picket fences are a popular choice for front gardens and usually stand at around a metre high. Whilst they do not offer any security, they are suitable for creating a decorative border and can be useful for containing small children and pets.
This type of fencing doesn’t add much security but it is very decorative and can increase privacy within a garden. It can also be used to section or divide different parts of a larger space.
As we mentioned before, fencing is a simple and effective way to create a secure and private garden. If you are looking for optimum privacy then it is best to choose a fence that has very little or no space between panels such as the Lap Panels or Feather Edge Panels. If security is your number one priority then it’s best to choose a fence that is above 6 foot tall. This will provide the most secure boundary but you will need to ensure the cross rails/boards are on the internal or private side of the fence as this will deter intruders from attempting to climb it.
Not only will a fence add security and privacy but it can become a customisable, attractive feature of your garden. Traditional fence panels and timber fences can be updated and protected from the weather with fence paint. This is available in a wide range of colours and this can be a great way to add character and interest to your garden.
You will need to consider the size of your garden when choosing a fence. If you have a small area then a very tall fence could make it feel enclosed. In this case it is better to choose a fence style that you can see over. The other option is to choose a picket style fence that has gaps between the timber panels to improve the illusion of space and allow light in.
If you have a dog you may need to take into consideration their behaviour when out in the garden. If they are likely to jump over a fence then it’s recommended that you choose a 3-4 foot fence for a small breed and a 6-8 foot fence for larger breeds. Something else to bear in mind is dogs who like to dig. If this is the case for you then you will need to make sure that the fence goes into the ground by about 6 inches or you could use hardscaping around the bottom edge.
This simple guide should have provided you with enough information about the type and size of fence that will be suitable for your garden. If you are looking for some great tools to help you put a fence up such as a Fence Post Auger or other Garden Tools, then we are sure you’ll find everything you need here at SJ Tools.
Sources:
https://somerlap.co.uk/blogs/blog/different-types-of-fencing
https://bhc-merchants.co.uk/a-guide-to-garden-fencing/
