A fence can not only help to keep the inhabitants of your garden in and unwanted visitors out, it can add an attractive border to your home and even add to the value of your house. But in order to do what it is supposed to do, it is important that you choose the right fence, and take care of it properly.
Determining your purpose
Fences are designed to provide a boundary, first and foremost. In some cases, privacy is not an issue, so a low-line fence, such as picket fence, or one that provides partial coverage may be sufficient. However, in many cases, the fence needs to provide both security and privacy, so some form of solid boundary will be preferred.
With a range of fences to choose from, it helps to understand what you want from your fence. If there are shrubs, hedges, or trees in place already, you may not need the fence for privacy. However, if you have children and pets that could potentially wander through your natural borders, low-level fences may be a bonus. Similarly, if you want to mark your border at the front of your property, a low fence will be more welcoming than a 6-foot-high one.
Choosing materials
Whether you choose a quaint picket, a lightweight trellis or something more substantial, your fence is an investment that you will want to last for years to come. Wood fences are a popular choice because there is plenty of variety to choose from, and when treated properly, they can resist decay and rot. In fact, the right wooden fencing could last decades. Wood is also versatile and can complement most styles of home; a chain fence may offer security, but it could also make your home look like a maximum-security prison. There is a relatively new option available in terms of fencing material, and that is composite. Composite usually looks like a natural product but has been treated to withstand the elements and last a very long time. The downside is, unless you get the highest quality (and most expensive) product, you are at risk of having a plastic-looking fence.
Consider light
You now know what you want your fence to do (keep pets in/intruders out/offer privacy) so now you can think about the practical aspects of your fencing. If your garden is on the small side, you may want to avoid blocking out too much light. Trellis or slatted fences can allow some light through whilst still giving you coverage. If complete privacy is a priority, you will want to go for close board fencing (which involves perpendicular slats overlapping each other slightly) or lap fence panels (horizontal planks overlapping to form a solid barrier). There are, of course, decorative variations that will allow you to add your own flair.
Once you know what kind of fence you are looking for, you can get a quote from local fence specialists. Make sure you find out from them how to maintain your new fence so that it will last as long as possible, or follow Trust A Trader on Facebook or Twitter for advice.