Choosing the best fencing is about more than simply creating a barrier between your garden and the outside world. The best fence should also enhance the look and feel of your space.
Whether that means blending seamlessly with items such as decking, sheds and garden furniture, or creating a statement with contrasting materials or colours, considering fencing as part of your garden design will help to create a cohesive look in your garden.
What type of fence is right for your garden?
With an absolute wealth of fence styles and colours on offer, you are really only limited by your own imagination.
For those who love tradition, an overlap fence is probably one of the most popular and commonly used style fences. The timber boards are horizontally overlapped and framed within a timber batten, creating a secure fence with no gaps.
Alternatively, closeboard fence panels, or featheredge panels are made using pressure-treated vertical featheredge boards, and each board is partially overlapped. This can sometimes make them a little stronger and resistant than an overlap style fence.
If you’re looking to add something a little more dramatic or aesthetically pleasing, decorative fencing with curved edges or trellis can provide a point of interest in your garden, turning your fence into a feature within itself.
In some cases, you may wish to create zones within your garden, or fence off areas which are perhaps unsafe for your children or pets. In these circumstances you won’t want a dense fence blocking your view, and this is where palisade fencing or picket style fence panels come into their own; creating safety but without an unsightly barrier.
How many fence panels will I need?
Once you’ve selected your style you need to make sure that you choose the right number of fence panels and posts.
Here at Alsford, we like to make things easy, so you can use our handy fencing calculator to do the hard work for you.
Simply measure out your space and enter the panel and post width for the fencing that you are planning to use. The calculator will do the rest.
It’s a good idea to take your time when measuring for your fence, and don’t forget to plan around any permanent features such as trees or ponds. When measuring, you should work in a straight line along the fence line you are planning. For extra accuracy if a fence is not already in place, consider marking out the space using stakes. 6ft panels aren't very forgiving of a misread measurement.
How much will a new fence cost?
The cost of your fence will depend on various factors, the major one being the type of fence panel you choose. In general, overlap fences tend to be the most affordable in terms of upfront cost, however featheredge and closeboard panels may fare better in terms of heavy winds or other damage due to their more robust nature.
You will also need to factor in the incidentals. When fitting a fence, you may also need items such as gravel boards, clips, nails and cement. If you're adding a gate for your fence you'll also need to consider hinges and handles.
The use of fence posts, caps and rails both secure the fence line, and can be used to elevate the look of your fence. Be sure to choose ones that enhance the finish that you are seeking to achieve.
Introducing colour and tone
Add aesthetic appeal to your fence by matching the colour of your fence to your existing garden furniture or wooden structures.
Ronseal One Coat Fence Life is ideal for this and available in six colours. From sumptuous Tudor Black Oak to enchanting Forest Green, this product provides the ability to both colour and protect your fence in a single coat. Added waxes protect the wood from the effects of the elements, while advanced resins and colour pigments offer excellent coverage and protection. Additionally, it’s quick drying, meaning that your fence will be looking great in just one to two hours.
While most homeowners stick with traditional colours, there’s no reason why you cannot be a little bolder with your garden fence colours. Just be sure to use a paint which is long lasting and designed for outdoor use.
Maintaining your fence
Like all wood which is exposed to the outdoors, regular maintenance of your fence will be key to its longevity.
Preservatives, oils and stains will enhance the natural colouring of timber, while also keeping it safe from both damp weather and UV light, which can impact on colour.
A wooden fence should generally be treated once every two to three years, with either paint or stain to keep it protected. If algae or mould starts to appear on the fence, be sure to wash it off – this can be done by a pressure washer if the fence is strong enough, or by hand if it’s less hardy.
Whatever style of fence you choose, be sure to opt for good quality wood so that your fence stands the test of time.
View the full fencing range available from Alsford today.