Isle Landscapers Limited

Choices for installing fencing

Finding the right look for fencing can be tricky. It is important to get the look that you are after because you are going to have to look at your fences everyday.

Hopefully this article will give you some information to think about when it comes to different styles of fencing. The array of materials that you can use for fencing now is amazing. There is more choice than ever before so lets get stuck into comparing them.

Vinyl fencing

Vinyl fences are a fairly recent addition to fence panels. They are very durable indeed and are known to last over 10 years without fading or turning brittle. They are also adaptable so can suit a wide range of architectural styles. The only real downside to vinyl is that they only come in 3 colours!

Wrought iron fencing

Wrought iron fences are making a comeback. These adorned many gardens around the country years ago however, wooden fences slowly took them over.

Wrought iron is great for front gardens but it may not be to everyone's taste for the back garden. Wrought iron fences are open. So, unless you get on with your neighbour extremely well, perhaps keep this to the front garden.

Which Garden Fence Type Is Best

Choosing the right fence panel for your garden can be a difficult decision, with so many different styles and materials available. However, the first thing to consider is the function of your fence. What is its main purpose? 

Do you need it to provide privacy or keep pets from straying? Or perhaps it needs to act as a windbreak and shelter for plants? It's also important to think about your budget and how much maintenance you're willing to do.

One popular style of fence panel is the close-board, also known as feather board fencing. This type of fencing is strong and solid, made up of overlapping vertical feather-edge wooden boards. Close-board fencing is a medium-budget option that is neat and attractive, offering good privacy and some shelter from wind and frost to delicate shrubs. However, it can be expensive for a large garden, and its closed-up boards can be buffeted by strong winds, though it's stronger than a larch lap fence panel.

Larch-lap panel fencing is a common type of budget fencing made of horizontal slats. Like close-board fencing, it can be used with either timber or concrete posts and gravel boards, with the same advantages and disadvantages to these as explained above. Although offering good value, larch-lap panel fencing is not as robust as close-board fencing, being more prone to damage in high wind.

For a more traditional and decorative look, you might consider timber palisade fencing, also known as picket fencing. Picket fences are mostly seen in front gardens, where they give a home traditional kerb appeal. This style of fencing is traditionally quite low and less prone to wind damage, but it doesn't offer much protection to tender plants.

What is the best option for fencing?

When it comes to choosing the perfect backyard fence, there are several factors to consider. You want a fence that looks great, provides privacy, and complements your outdoor space. To help you make the right choice, we’ve ranked the top backyard fencing options based on their style variety, color variety, and privacy potential.

Style Variety

Your backyard fence should not only be functional but also visually appealing. The right fence can add value to your home and improve your curb appeal. Vinyl fences take the lead when it comes to style variety, with a wide range of options, including full privacy fences, open yard fences, and picket fences. 

These fences also offer a variety of customization options to suit your specific style preferences. Wooden fences come in a close second, with a wide variety of styles, such as classic picket fences and rustic split-rail fences. While aluminium fences offer a sleek and modern look, they have fewer style options compared to vinyl and wood fences.

Colour Variety:

Colour is another essential factor to consider when choosing a backyard fence. A fence that matches the colour of your home and outdoor space will give your property a cohesive look.

Aluminium fences take the lead when it comes to colour variety, with a range of colour options, including classic black and bronze, as well as unique shades like speckled walnut and silver. Vinyl fences come in second place, with a modest range of colours to choose from, while wooden fences offer a naturalistic colour of stained wood.

Privacy:

Privacy is often a top priority for homeowners when selecting a backyard fence. If you're looking for complete backyard seclusion, both vinyl and wooden fences are great options. These fences come with dedicated privacy lines that offer tall panels without any space between them to keep prying eyes away from your backyard.

On the other hand, aluminium fences are gaining popularity due to their open and modern look. While these fences are attractive, they are not as suited for privacy as vinyl and wooden fences.

What is the easiest fencing to install?

No-dig fences are a type of fence that does not require digging post bases filled with cement. Instead, posts are built with spikes on the end that can be pushed and hammered deep into the ground to secure their base. These fences are the easiest to install and require very few tools and less time than traditional cement bases.

To install a no-dig fence, one needs the no-dig post, a hammer or mallet, and enough fence panels. The first step is to lay out the fence plan and create the hole in the yard by detaching the screw from the spike and hammering it into the ground. Then, slide the panel and secure it to the spike in the ground. Repeat these steps until all the panels are installed.

No-dig fences can come in various materials, including vinyl, wrought iron, chain-link, and wood. Vinyl fencing is the lowest maintenance fencing material, but installing it requires specific tools and basic carpentry skills to avoid slip-ups.

Wrought iron fences are great for pet protection and easy to install with only three parts to worry about, while chain-link fences are the most budget-friendly and easy to install like wrought iron fences. However, special hardware is needed to hook the panels up to the posts. Wooden fences require a lot of maintenance and are often subject to rot, mould, and pest damage. These fences are the hardest to install since every post needs to be installed by hand.

What type of garden fence lasts the longest?

When it comes to choosing the right fence for your garden, durability and longevity are key factors to consider. Nobody wants to keep replacing their fence every few years due to wear and tear, so it's important to invest in a fence that can withstand the test of time.

Out of the four types of fences mentioned in the reference content, wrought iron fences are known to last the longest, with a lifespan that can extend beyond a lifetime if well-maintained. Wrought iron is made from strong and durable materials that can withstand harsh weather conditions, making it an ideal choice for those living in areas with unpredictable weather patterns.

Vinyl fences are also a good option for those looking for long-lasting fencing. Vinyl is a synthetic material that is resistant to weathering and deterioration, making it a low-maintenance option that can last up to 30 years.

Chain link fences, although not the most aesthetically pleasing option, can last up to 20 years with a proper coating to protect them from rust and weathering. They are also relatively low maintenance and cost-effective compared to other types of fences.

Wooden fences, on the other hand, have a shorter lifespan compared to the other options. Depending on the type of wood used, a wooden fence may last between 4-30 years. However, wood is more prone to deteriorating due to weathering and other external factors, making it a less durable option.

What type of fence adds the most value?

Wooden fences are a popular choice among homeowners and can increase home value by up to 10%. They are versatile and come in different styles, making it easy to find one that fits your budget and needs. A wooden fence requires regular maintenance, including staining and painting, to keep it looking its best.

Metal fences, such as wrought iron, provide security and sophistication, making them a good investment for your property. They are also low maintenance and can last up to 30 years with proper care. However, metal fences can be expensive to install.

Vinyl fences are a growing trend among homeowners, and they offer a cost-effective option for improving property resale value. Vinyl fences are durable, customizable, and require little maintenance, making them a good return on investment.

Masonry fences are made from materials such as concrete, stone, brick, or stucco and are highly resistant to pests and weather. They are a great option for homeowners looking for a long-lasting fence with little maintenance required. The installation cost of a masonry fence can be high, but the savings on maintenance costs over time can outweigh this expense.

In conclusion, the type of fence that adds the most value to your property depends on your budget and needs. Homeowners should consider factors such as installation costs, maintenance requirements, and durability when choosing a fence for their property.

What is the most low-maintenance fence?

If you are looking for a fence that requires minimal maintenance, vinyl fences are a great option. Vinyl fences are known for their durability, strength and low-maintenance features. Unlike other fencing materials, vinyl does not rot, warp or splinter, which means you won't have to replace individual panels or perform regular repairs.

Vinyl fences are also incredibly easy to clean, which is a major advantage for busy homeowners. To maintain a vinyl fence, all you need is a garden hose and a cleaning cloth. Simply spray the fence with water to remove dirt and grime, then wipe it down with a cloth to keep it looking like new. This simple cleaning process is all that is required to keep your vinyl fence looking great for years to come.

In addition to being low maintenance, vinyl fences are also easy to install. Vinyl fence kits come with assembly instructions and post-digging instructions, which makes the installation process much simpler and less time-consuming than other fencing materials.

Vinyl fences come in a variety of styles, including privacy, semi-privacy, and ranch rail fencing. This means that you can choose a fence that complements your home's decor and style. Vinyl fences are also available in various colours, including black, which adds a modern touch to your property.

Overall, vinyl fences are a great option for homeowners who want a low-maintenance fence that is durable, easy to install, and stylish. By choosing a vinyl fence, you can spend more time enjoying your yard and less time maintaining it.