Keeping the animals in

Posted on: 5 August 2022

Here are two factors to consider when buying a garden fence.

Whether or not you'd prefer opaque, solid fencing materials

You'll need to think about whether or not you want an opaque solid fence (made from, for example, wooden panels with no gaps) or a less-opaque one with larger gaps (such as a chain wire fence). If you want this fence to make your garden as private as possible, then the former would naturally be the better option.

Your fence contractor might also recommend getting fencing materials that are not see-through if you often use expensive gardening or DIY tools and would like to be able to leave these valuables out in the garden during the day, without having to worry that someone who is walking by your garden will see them and quickly snatch them when you've momentarily gone indoors. Whilst it would still be possible for someone to hop over the fence in this situation, they would be less likely to bother doing this if they could not see the valuables that were behind it.

However, fencing that you can see through, such as the aforementioned chain wire, can also be useful in some circumstances. For example, if burglaries happen in your area quite regularly, then your fence contractor might suggest getting a garden fence that is see-through, as this would mean that you'd easily spot any suspicious people lurking just beyond it and would be able to make them aware that you've spotted them before they begin trying to climb it. A chain wire fence could also be a good option if you don't need the fence for privacy and there is a scenic view beyond your property that you want to still be able to see after the contractor has put up this fence.

How much maintenance you'd prefer to do to the fence

You should also think about how much maintenance you'd prefer to do to this new fence. If you like your property to be low-maintenance, then a wrought-iron or chain wire fence might be the right option, as these rarely need anything more than a rinse with a garden hose to keep them looking good. Whilst the latter can rust if its protective paint chips off, fixing patches of rust is usually quick and easy, as long as you don't wait until the rust has spread to address this issue.

If you prefer the look of a fence material that is a bit more high-maintenance (such as wood, which may need to be refinished every few years and can rot if exposed to too much water), you'll need to either be prepared to do this work yourself or to hire a contractor to do it for you.

For more information on fencing, contact a professional near you.