For most people selecting a timber fence is not a common occurrence. Generally an opportunity to select a timber garden fence will come when the fence needs replacing at the end of its natural lifetime, when it has sustained damage from the elements or when the householder decides a make over is required and looks to do a serious landscaping project.
With these scenarios in mind it is easy to see that few people genuinely get many opportunities to consider changing their fence and so when the time comes it can be difficult to know how to proceed to get the best deal and a quality fence that will last for years. At this stage most people opt for a like for like replacement without really considering or knowing what other options may be.
Choosing a timber fence for the garden or your property can be simple when you factor in what you want the fence to achieve. Do you need security and privacy? Are you looking for a decorative effect? Do you need a painted or organic finish to the fence? Maybe you need a blend of all the options.
If privacy and security are your overriding criteria your choices are straightforward. You need a tall timber fence that offers few foot or hand holds and you need a closed fascia fence that can offer privacy and eliminate the temptation for an opportunist intruder. Although a steel fence might often offer greater levels of security a good timber fence to go for in this scenario would be a traditional close board fence. They are easily installed from 3ft through to 9ft and are perfect for privacy whilst offering a degree of security.
If you require a more decorative fence you have many more timber fence options. One of the most traditional and common styles of decorative fencing available is the picket fence. This can be constructed in various different heights and offers a decorative approach with just a little security thrown in by way of the pointed pickets used. Pickets can be alternated in height or placed to form wave patterns along the top of the fence for decoration or any other patterns the installer can come up with or you could opt for a neat straight top finish.
Other decorative options include lattice trellis fence panels which are ideal for allowing some light through, climbing opportunities for plants and offer decorative appeal but at the cost ossome privacy. Alternatively you could opt for a panel fence that offers privacy and decoration. These are usually standard width and height panels that have a closed fascia, occasionally a trellis top, and can be bought with timbers in various decorative layouts.
Other considerations when opting for a style of timber garden fence worth considering are budget, lifespan and finish of the fence. The cheapest fence timber tend to be rough sawn timber that is pressure treated for durability. Whilst great on price and lifespan, it is difficult to paint or stain these fences so decorative effect can be limited. On the other hand a planed timber fence is usually more expensive due to the extra timber preparation and tends to not last as long unless brush on stains or paints are used. Most decorative white picket fencing is made from planed timber. Weigh up whether maintenance, lifespan and the look of the timber are as important as durability and cost.
Whichever option you go for a timber fence should last at least ten years in a wet and cold climate, carefully evaluate which balance of options you need, security, privacy, decoration, before buying to ensure the most satisfactory choice.
Find out more about garden fencing at Tom Bell’s site.
