Homeowners install fences for privacy, visual appeal, or for the safety of pets and children. If done well, fences are one of the key landscaping features that increase property values.
From a traditional picket fence to a modern modular style, knowing how to choose the right fence for your property can be an overwhelming decision at first. With so many styles and types to choose from on the market and it can be hard to know which is the best for your space.
Here are some fence considerations, but first ask yourself why you need a fence and let that answer guide your decision making, prioritise your needs over your wants, not the other way around.
1. Timber Fencing
Timber fencing is an affordable material for fencing, though it does need to be treated and maintained to last. If you live in a more natural or rural setting, timber fencing will fit in perfectly with your surroundings and help you to blend into the environment seamlessly.
With timber fencing, you have the added advantage of flexibility as you can build your timber fence as high or as low you want (subject to council approval), and as timber fencing is installed piece by piece, this makes it extremely easy to repair in the event of damage. If just one picket or stake has become damaged during a storm, it can easily be replaced.
2. Steel or Colorbond Fencing
Steel or Colorbond fencing is lightweight, strong and versatile enough for any application and to suit any style of home.
With 14 colours to choose from, it's easy to coordinate your fence with the colours of your home. So whether you want colours that are subtle or bold, light or dark, cool or warm, you’ll find colours that let you blend the natural charm of your garden with your home.
3. Wrought Iron Fencing
Wrought iron fencing is another popular type of metal fencing, that can also add a distinctive style to your home. Iron fences are elegant, decorative and they will never date.
Not to mention, there are so many designs to choose from, from simple and understated through to elaborate and ornate that you are sure to find one that perfectly suits your property. You have a range of standard designs to choose from and you can also have them completely custom made if you wish to.
4. Brick Fencing
Brick fencing is extremely durable and a little more expensive than timber, and can be combined with another materials such as timber or steel. Colour options are almost limitless when painted or rendered.
Most brick fences cannot be more than 1.5 metres in height in a residential area. They can go up to 2.0 metres in height on a main road, but that is the limit for residential purposes. In many areas, you may need council approval to have a brick fence installed.
5. Vinyl Fencing
A vinyl fence is one of the most practical and low maintenance on the market as it retains appearance throughout the year and is extremely durable through all weather types thanks to its inability to absorb moisture.
It is an environmentally sound choice in fencing as there is no need to repaint or replace due to the usual wear and tear, and installation is easy as there is only one way to install vinyl fences - by simply sliding and locking it into place.
6. Glass Fencing
Glass fencing is most commonly used for pool fencing or on balcony balustrades. It is not only an essential safety element, but an integral part of the landscaping of your pool area and backyard.
Made from tempered glass, it is very hard to break. There are two basic styles of glass pool fencing available, frameless glass fencing which consists of a series of glass panels secured by specially designed ground-mounted brackets, or semi-frameless fencing consisting of glass panels attached to posts.
With a wide variety of styles and designs to choose from, you are sure to find one that suits your tastes and requirements while also increasing the value and curb appeal of your home.