Fencing as an important design element
To ensure that you get the proper fence for your farm or garden, you need to be sure about the function of your fence
Choosing the most suitable fencing for your farm or garden
Decide on a function
It’s essential to know why you are buying a fence. Choose if you would like to use it to maintain your private sphere, to protect your garden from pests, to protect your home, or as a decoration.
- Confidentiality: You can opt for a fence to keep your yard private and keep nosy neighbors from watching everything that happens in your yard.
- Safety: you can opt for a fence: A fence can serve as extra safety for your home. Be sure that your fence is a minimum of 6ʹ high, so it will be quite challenging getting to. You may also attach thorns or posts to the top of your fence.
- Protection: Use your fence to separate a certain space, like a pool, to avoid possible accidents. This will also stop animals from passing through your yard.
- Decoration: A fence can make a wonderful decorative feature of your garden that fits in perfectly with your landscape design and floral garden.
Different kinds of Fences
But there are so many kinds of fences, and you are asking yourself which one will suit your home best. In order to answer this question, we have put together a list of nine excellent fencing choices to suit your needs. Continue reading to figure out which one will work best for your situation, and then begin choosing the design and material for you.
Types of Fencing Materials
- Metal: Metal fences are robust, durable, and long-lasting. If you are looking for more privacy, but love the aesthetic look of a metal fence, you can add shrubs, flowers, or vines.
Currently, there are four common kinds of metal fences: Aluminum, Wrought Iron, Steel, and Chain Links. They all last a long time and are offered in various dimensions, shapes, and colors. Metal fences are low maintenance, and you can spray them with water. Aluminum does not rust, but wrought iron and steel can rust over time. To ensure that it does not wear or corrode, make sure you scrape away the rust and then use a rust-resistant spray. - Vinyl: Vinyl fences are sturdy and do not splinter, so they are a kid-friendly choice. Vinyl fences need minimal care and can be washed with water. In fact, they have a service life of 20-30 years. Vinyl fences are available in a variety of designs, allowing you to pick the design of a vinyl fence for safety, privacy, or style.
- Composite: Composite fences are a blend of wood with either resin or plastic. Although they resemble wood, they offer the benefits of plastic. They are much less prone to deformation and are stronger against insects. Available in a variety of designs and colors, they offer excellent opportunities for safety, privacy, or decorative purposes and provide an earthy vibe.
- Bamboo & Reed: If you are looking for an environmentally friendly option, bamboo or reed fencing is a good solution. The solid bamboo or reed panels form the perfect wall of privacy. They are both durable materials and create a natural, tropical feel.
- Wood: Since many kinds of wooden fences are available, wooden fences have become the favorite and are among the most diverse fencing solutions. Wooden fences are available in a variety of styles and sizes and can be finished with stains or colors to match your individual style. We suggest pressure-treated wood to improve the protection against decay and insects. Keep in mind that you need to care for and touch up the wood at regular intervals to prevent it from becoming distorted or rotten with time.
- Electric: Electric fences are increasingly used to contain pets and are more discreet than your classic fence. Remember that an electric fence does not prevent other animals from entering your yard, so you should keep an eye on your pets and children. Check your electric fence regularly, especially in the case of a power failure, to make sure that it works properly.
Also: The best wood oil
Pros and Cons of Fencing Materials
Aluminum Fencing
Pros
- Price: Aluminum fences are sturdy and robust, but not as costly. Plus, the price of installation and ongoing support is significantly cheaper than other fencing solutions over time, so your total cost of ownership is reduced.
- Minimal Service: Aluminum fencing needs minimum service. This is because aluminum will not corrode like other iron, as it is a ferrous metal. In addition, it is not sensitive to humidity damage like wood and metal. It will neither oxidize nor decompose.
- Racking capability: Not all environments are equal. Many feature hills and mountainsides which require accommodation when you install a new fence. Specifically, most high-quality aluminum fences are rack-ready and can be adapted to the landscape.
Cons
- Protection and confidentiality: This kind of fence is perfect for locations where protection demands are quite basic. If you fear the possible lack of personal space, an aluminum fence is not perfect for you since it is a transparent fence.
- Setting up: The set-up procedure for this kind of fence needs more time than other fence kinds. It demands the posts to be fixed in concrete and braced with staples.
Wood Fencing
Pros:
Wood is a traditional choice. It’s appealing and, as a rule, reasonably priced. Furthermore, it is highly flexible and comes in numerous shapes and styles. It’s good for privacy fences, and you may paint (or just stain) it any desired color.
Cons:
Wood needs a great deal of care, and that care can be tiring and costly. You will likely have to paint or pickle it often to provide additional maintenance and preservation. The weather will take its toll on wooden fences, and you can see rot or warping as a result of over humidity. Lastly – and sadly – termites and other vermin prefer wood just like humans do, which can result in devastating attacks.
Chain Link
Pros
- Cost-effective: Among the various alternatives, chain links are the least expensive to fit. The majority of homeowners use chain-link fences as an economical way to save money. Their up-front investment is not as high as aluminum or steel fences.
- Long-lasting: Chain link fences are extremely tough and long-lasting. Since heavy wind passes through open sections, it is not affected by storm and snow conditions. They are usually made of steel, and they are unbelievably sturdy. When installed correctly, chain links could be durable for years.
- Minimal service: Due to their unbelievable strength, chain links, if correctly mounted, do not need significant service. All that needs to be done is to trim any vegetation that may be grown alongside the fence links.
- Diversity: Chain link fences are available in a number of variants. They include the standard silver steel chain links and the paint-covered chain links, which are favored by most people due to their appealing look. In addition, you can select the style and strength of the fence material.
If you are short on space, a chain link with a movable entry is perfect for you, particularly in a location where a swing gate might not be suitable.
PVC Fencing
PVC is frequently mistaken for vinyl. However, the reality is that the two are not the same thing in any way. In fact, vinyl is a radical of ethane, which relates to the different compounds on the basis of ethylene. In contrast, PVC is in fact polyvinyl chloride along with a polymer of vinyl chloride. In other words, PVC is a kind of vinyl and is among the preferred construction products you will come across.
Pros:
- In the course of time, materials were added to the production process that protects the fence color from fading or white from “yellowing”, thereby enhancing the appeal of the fence.
- Aluminum was also added inside the previously empty fence pole and some panels to improve strength and longevity.
- PVC fences are resistant to pests or decay and should be left unpainted, thus reducing the need for servicing. Just occasional cleaning is necessary to prevent mold formation. This will lower the ongoing cost of the fence.
- The PVC fences nowadays are available in a wide range of styles and colors and can be made using a simulation of wood texture.
- PVC fences are delivered in ready-made panels, so they are simpler to mount. Due to the lightweight material, they can be processed more conveniently on location.
Cons:
- The cost of PVC fences is much higher than the cost of the materials used to make a fence made of wood, stone, wire, or cement.
- PVC fences do not last long in very sunny climates, as they can break and crumble in too much sunlight.
- If a PVC fence is damaged, it can be difficult to repair it, depending on the type of fence and manufacturer.
- PVC fences are not suitable for temporary use because of the posts and concrete. They cannot be moved after installation.
Wrought Iron Fencing
Pros:
Wrought iron is famous for its appearance and longevity. It needs minimal service and is suitable for creating beautiful, attractive patterns. Because of its extraordinary hardness and toughness, you can be confident that it will stand the test of time indefinitely. It is very hard to break and is an ideal safety fence for anyone looking for a high degree of security. In contrast to wood, it will not decay, distort, rot, dry out or turn into the habitat of termites. After all, a lot of people value the patina which occurs on wrought iron as a result of corrosion with time.
Cons:
Wrought iron fences are hard and complicated to operate, and their setup can be troublesome. If you consider the benefits and drawbacks of fence materials, it will also be obvious that wrought iron is the priciest form. According to the weather and environment (damp areas are especially susceptible), a wrought iron fence may get rusted. Such spots usually develop in areas where the paint is either scraped or splintered. We suggest checking, grinding, and repainting defective spots grind as soon as possible if you don’t appreciate the patina.
Electric Fencing
Pros:
Some advantages of installing an electric fence are first of all that it is an excellent security deterrent against burglary, vandalism, and unauthorized entry. In addition, due to their lighter material construction, they are very easy to build and require very little maintenance. Another great advantage is that it is a very durable type of fencing that can be relied upon to last for many years. There are also many specialized selections that you can choose from to ensure that the fence will meet your exact needs.
Cons:
Among the major drawbacks of having an electric fence installed is that it needs to be maintained on a regular basis. There are a lot of laws and regulations for this, one of them is to clarify with the municipal government to verify that the construction of an electric fence is permitted. The other is that you need to keep the plant life nearby in perfect shape at all times. If the trees and grass are not trimmed correctly, they can be regarded as a risk of fire. You also need to ensure that the fence is correctly grounded, or it may be dangerous or inefficient.
Eco-Stone Fence
Pros of stone fencing
- The unique, unrivaled beauty of nature.
- Its exceptional strength and long-term service life.
- A wide variety of stone types, colors, and sizes is available.
- Features various finishing choices based on the specific needs of the application, and thus fits into a wide range of projects.
- Features a high level of insulation, allowing heating and cooling costs to be kept low.
- Suitable for a wide range of interiors and exterior uses.
- It is weather and fireproof.
- May be scratch and abrasion-proof.
- Easily cared for over the long run.
Cons:
- Needs a structural substrate, which can then cause additional costs.
- Installation can be labor-intensive and time-consuming.
- A more expensive material than some other materials.
- Must be sealed for protection.
- The use of strong cleaning products can damage the surface.
- It can trap moisture behind the material if installed poorly, which could damage the stone.
- Preferably installed by a professional and not a do-it-yourself project.
Types of Fencing Designs
- Lattice: Lattice fences are a popular choice for gardens, terraces, backyards, and swimming pools. The crisscross pattern gives your fence a hint of style and adds a touch of curb appeal to your backyard. The lattice fence gives you more private space and at the same time lets in air and light. Climbing vegetation and grapevines are able to climb over the lattice fences and give your garden a breath of fresh green.
- Picket fence: A traditional style, the picket fences are generally quite short with wide holes between the panels, providing less private space. They are generally constructed of either wood or vinyl and make a wonderful complement to any home in the cottage look. A picket fence lets the animals look around outside, yet keeps them secure inside your farm.
- Rail: Rail fences or split-rail fences are often used for decorative fencing because of the large distances between the rails. They add a rustic appearance to your yard and are the ideal, plain fencing to define your property.
- Rolled: Rolled fences are constructed of easily moldable materials that can be rolled up for easy installation. They come in a variety of materials, including reed, bamboo, and metal. They are best used to protect your garden from animals or to cover your wire mesh fence to make it look more attractive and provide privacy.
- Chevron weave: A fence with chevron weave is the perfect option if you want to add fake flowers to your fence. It can be used as a border around your terrace or patio, and even as a privacy screen around your spa. They are an easy way to enhance your area. And the best part? You can use chevron mesh fences both indoors and outdoors.
- Decorative: Decorative fences are usually chosen for aesthetic rather than functional reasons. There are different styles and materials, so you are sure to find a decorative fence that will enhance the look of your space.
Types of Privacy Fencing
- Privacy: Privacy fences are usually made of vinyl or wood to ensure maximum privacy. They are perfect for keeping pets and children in your garden so that they can play freely and safely. Depending on the material you choose, you can stain or paint the fences to match the style of your home.
- Windshield: If you find that your garden is particularly windy, you should choose a windshield. The windshield blocks a certain amount of wind, which is helpful if your children enjoy playing sports in the garden. Windscreens are often found in baseball dugouts or on tennis courts.
Farm fencing
Farm fencing is certainly not for everyone, but it plays an important role throughout America. Just like all homeowners who are not farmers, you have many options, such as wood, electric, barbed wire, woven, or high tensile. Regardless of the type of fencing, you should be aware that the installation is expensive and time-consuming. Considering the amount of land, the farmers own, you can imagine how much labor it costs to build a whole fence.
Conclusion
These different types of fences range from cheap to expensive, from rustic to modern, from functional to stylish. Hopefully, this article helps narrow down your selection of the right fencing for your home! You can identify key decision-makers and priorities such as budget, lifestyle, features, and aesthetic preferences to make an informed fencing decision! Your comments would be appreciated. Please share this article if it was useful for you. Thank you for reading!
The highly flexible nature of wood fences that you talked about was something I really liked reading. I’m someone who always likes to add a little flair to every decoration and fixture I get for my house, so doing that for my fence as well sounds great. I’ll ask a fence contractor to help me use a great wooden material for sure when we install one.