What is the best garden fencing?
Garden fencing comes in a range of shapes, sizes and materials but what is the best garden fencing for your home? We discuss the different options to choose from and the pros and cons of several types. The first thing to consider when looking at the best garden fencing for your garden, whether big or small, is to question why you need one in the first place. Knowing this will help determine the best option for you.
Why have a garden fence?
We’ve selected the four most common reasons for having garden fencing installed. Depending on what you choose, you can then take a look at the different options and how they can provide what you need.
Security
Garden fencing provides a barrier around your property to keep people and pests out. A high fence can be a deterrent for any would-be criminals and a well-made fence can keep various pests out. Fencing can also be essential to keep people within your property boundaries. If you have small children and/or pets, fencing can make sure they stay put in the garden and don’t risk injury.
Privacy
Fencing can provide a visual barrier to protect your property from prying eyes. This can also be from a security perspective to hide your property from criminal eyes but also just so you can enjoy the privacy of your own home without neighbors or strangers looking in. Particularly useful if your property is on a busy street or has many neighbors.
Screening
Depending on the location of your home, you may be looking for a garden fence as a screening option to stop the physical elements. In windy climbs, a garden fence can act as an effective windbreak as well as in noisy areas, fencing can be surprisingly effective at blocking out sound.
Aesthetics
Some may simply want to create a beautiful surround for their garden. A particular area of the garden may also benefit from fencing such as a patio or firepit area. You may choose a fence simply because they make an outdoor area feel put together and stylish.
You may have a particular focus as to why you want garden fencing or it could be a combination of all four reasons. Once you know what exactly you require and the budget you are willing to spend, you can narrow down your options and pick the best garden fencing for your home.
Different types of garden fencing
There are three main materials used for fencing; plastic, metal and timber, each with benefits and shortcomings.
Plastic Fencing
If you select plastic fencing, normally made from PVC, it offers a relatively low-cost solution in a variety of styles. Though they can be low maintenance to keep in place their lower quality and durability can result in being damaged easily. Expansion and contract in weather, especially British weather, can make the plastic brittle and susceptible to cracks and breaks. They are prone to mould and algae which can cause unsightly staining and alter the look of your fencing permanently. Unfortunately, they are also very unsustainable to make and hazardous to dispose of.
Metal Fencing
There are two main options in metal fencing, aluminium and steel. Both offer a durable product that is low maintenance, does not corrode and maintains their general appearance no matter the time of the year. Aluminium is a lightweight metal that is better for temporary fencing as it can be bent out of shape making it unsuitable for many home applications. If metal fencing is something you are interested in then steel is the better choice just for durability alone, however, it is more expensive both as a product and for installation since you will likely need professionals to install it.
Timber/Wood garden fencing
Wooden garden fencing is the most popular option for homeowners for countless reasons. Timber is very affordable and the natural look of wood is by far the most popular aesthetic. The ability to paint, stain and arrange timber fencing makes the product options endless. There are designs and styles for every person, ranging from traditional panels to beautiful contemporary slatted designs.
Although some options can weather over time, if you select a quality timber product with the right treatments it can last for many years (for example, our tanalised timber is treated to ISO9001 standards which gives a 15-year guarantee against rot). It’s always best to check with the seller how they treat their wood and what the guarantee is to ensure you get a garden fence that will last.
Compared to metal and plastic it is technically a higher maintenance option but by investing time to treat and protect it once a year you can easily maintain the fence with little outlay. As with all products, you need to do your research and ensure that you get the best quality timber frames with any associated metal support being of the same high quality.
What is the best garden fencing?
The best garden fencing is clearly timber because of the sheer versatility, affordability and durability when the right product is chosen. Metal has its place to provide a robust boundary but its never going to be as beautiful as timber panels, and plastic may offer the cheapest options but only at the cost of durability, costing you and the planet more in the long run when you need to replace it a few years down the line.
We offer a selection of beautiful timber products as well as bespoke design and landscaping services. If you want to learn more about our products and services please get in touch. You can call us on the following number 0114303052 or please feel free to email us at info@contemporarygarden.co.uk to see how we can transform your outdoor space.