Which garden fence type is best?

Deciding that your garden is in need of some new fence panels is one thing. But deciding what kind to get is another matter entirely, because – as with so much these days! – there are so many different styles available on the market that it can be overwhelming when it comes to making your mind up.

So this month at Home View Landscapes, we’re going to be taking a look at some of the main varieties you can get and discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Larch lap fencing

This is probably the most popular style, mainly because it’s also one of the cheapest. It’s easily identified by the horizontal wooden slats that are either nailed to wooden posts or slotted into concrete posts. Particularly prone to damage in strong winds and to the wear and tear of wet weather and damp conditions.

Pros

• Offers good privacy
• Good for all gardens
• Budget friendly

Cons

• Not very decorative
• Less robust than other options
• Regular maintenance required

Closeboard fencing

Similar to larch lap fencing, but with overlapping vertical instead of horizontal slats. They’re more expensive than larch lap, but you generally get more life out of them because they’re stronger as well. However, because there are no gaps between the different slats, they are still vulnerable in particularly strong winds.

Pros

• Offers good privacy
• Attractive, traditional look
• Strong and robust

Cons

• Relatively expensive
• Regular maintenance required
• Vulnerable to strong winds

Picket fencing

Traditional picket fencing is one of the most attractive options around, but it’s used considerably less than it used to be, for one simple reason: it affords next to no privacy and in a world where houses are crammed into ever-smaller areas, that’s a key consideration. On the other hand, because it has such high aesthetic appeal, picket fences also tend to be manufactured from quality materials.

Pros

• Traditional, very attractive look
• Made from strong and usually long-lasting materials
• Much less vulnerable to stormy weather than most panel fencing

Cons

• Lack of privacy
• Won’t keep intruders out or pets in
• Regular maintenance required

Lattice fencing

While lattice – also known as trellis – panels are most regularly used to top standard fencing, they can also be used as complete panels. Because of the large gaps between the wooden slats, if used as complete panels they won’t afford any privacy when located on a border. However, they’re ideal for supporting climbing plants, which makes them perfect for creating separate areas in your garden.

Pros

• Elegant and stylish look
• Ideal for supporting growing plants
• Less vulnerable to strong winds than solid panels

Cons

• Lack of privacy on a boundary
• Leaves garden vulnerable to weed invasion from neighbouring property
• May not provide reliably secure barrier to potential intruders

Metal fencing

Metal fencing is usually made from either steel or aluminium, and due to the higher cost is mostly used in commercial properties rather than domestic. Of the two, steel is by far the most robust and offers strong security benefits. Although stronger than wooden panels, aluminium is quite easily damaged when compared to steel.

Pros

• Strong and durable
• Ideal for keeping intruders out
• Adaptable to uneven terrain

Cons

• Costlier than wooden fencing
• Prone to rust
• Lack of privacy

Whichever type of fencing you choose, you can trust the professionals at Home View Landscapes to have it installed safely and expertly to make your garden and borders secure, attractive and ready for all weathers. Call us today to find out more about fencing supply and installation from Home View Landscapes and to organise a free home survey.