Fencing For Your Home

There are so many different types, styles and materials of fencing on the market these days.  This makes for an overwhelming decision when selecting fencing for your home.

Ideally you want to ensure that the material, design and colour you opt for will complement your house.  But also you want it to provide other factors such as noise reduction, privacy and security.

Deciding on the fencing’s main function will give you a good starting point on making the best choice of material for you.

Security Fencing

If you have pets or a young family that you want to protect and keep safe, then choosing a low fencing with large gaps isn’t going to be much use.

Privacy

Consider how much privacy you are wanting.  Would you be happy with a character filled picket fence? Or maybe total privacy is your requirement so opting for a high solid fence would be a better choice?  It’s good to know that most fencing can be customised to your required height.

Environmental

Are you wanting to use a timber fence but do not want an environmental impact?  Then looking into plantation grown timbers will provide a premium fence for your home without harming native forests.

Environmentally friendly woods are easy to maintain, they are sustainable, and the production produces very low carbon emissions.

Otherwise the widely popular Colorbond Steel fencing is durable and maintenance free as well as being 100% recyclable, with no harsh chemicals being used during production.

Noise reduction

Is noise an issue where you live?

Then considering options to reduce this is another important factor in your decision making.  Wood being a dense material has excellent acoustic qualities so would be a good choice to help with this situation.

Which Material Is Best?

Now you have an idea on what function you are wanting your fencing to have, let’s take a look at some of the different materials available on the market today.  Each of them will provide different aesthetics and will have their own pro’s and con’s.

Timber Fencing

Timber fencing is naturally beautiful and comes in a variety of styles which can be painted, treated or varnished.

Ranging from standard paling fencing and slat screen fencing to the classic decorative picket fence, each design will be suited to different house styles and budgets.

Choose your distance between slats or pickets depending on what your wanting to achieve aesthetically and functionally.  For example, bigger gaps will decrease privacy and noise reduction.

This type of fencing is generally cost-effective and easy to install.  It can act as a sound barrier on busy roads (depending on your style choice).

On the down side, timber can require ongoing maintenance and is susceptible to rotting and termites.

This option is obviously not suitable for you if you live in a bushfire zone

Metal Fencing

Metal fencing such as Colorbond are a popular choice in this country as it is termite resistant, non-combustible and resists cracking and peeling.  Usually made from galvanised steel with a baked-on powder finish they are durable, easy to install and can be cost effective.

Metal fencing does not provide any qualities to help with noise reduction and are vulnerable to damage such as dents and rust.

Available in a standard range of colours.

Wrought Iron Fencing

This type of fencing is a timeless option that will never go out of style.

Visually striking it will bring street appeal by creating an impressive statement.

Wrought iron fencing is robust, built to last and will provide security to your property (depending on the height).

These fences can be costly to have installed and regular maintenance is necessary to keep the wrought iron looking its best.

Should you wish to have the ornamental design but need to keep costs down, you can opt to have this fencing installed as a decorative element to other fencing options (such as rendered-brick walls).

Wire or Chain Link Fences

Incredibly cost effective and easy to install this timeless fencing is popular on homesteads and rural properties.  It can highlight property boundaries and separate areas of your garden.

This type of fencing does not provide noise reduction, privacy or security.

Brick Walls

Brick walls offer the best security and noise reduction for your home.  Rendering your walls can make them look more visually appealing and can complement your house colours when painted.

However, be prepared to obtain council approval and make sure that you have the budget as installation can be costly – especially if you are having it rendered.

Modular Walls

Becoming more popular, the modular wall gives the effect of a rendered wall but costs less. It’s also installed in a shorter time frame.  They offer noise reduction and security as well as being aesthetically pleasing.

Although the cost of this fencing is less than installing brick walls, they are generally more expensive than timber or metal fencing.

In the end, choosing the right kind of fencing for your home comes down to your own personal preference and requirements.  Be sure to do your research and consider all of your options.  Taking the time to do this will give you the best chance to make an informed decision and get the most suitable fencing for your home.

It’s a good fact to know that whether you are wanting to sell your home in the near or distant future, improving street appeal, security and privacy will most certainly add value to your property.