Contemporary Fence Panels
Date: 22nd Mar 2018
Tel: 01865 863428 or 07900 938061
Email: info@trentwoodfencing.co.uk
Thinking of replacing your garden fence? There are so many types of fence panel to choose from these days, why not go for a slightly different look this time? But where do you start? Our fencing style guide will help you with the options.
The first thing to remember is that it's not just about looks; consider your fence's function, too. To know which style of fence panel is right for you, start by asking yourself a few simple questions:
Now you can start to think of fence types that fit the bill. There are some ideas below, but if you need more inspiration, here's a complete list of all the main fence types we can supply and install for you.
Close-board fences, also called featherboard, are strong and solid, constructed with overlapping vertical feather-edge wooden boards. This type of fencing is commonly used in back gardens – it’s a medium budget option, neat and attractive, offering good privacy and providing some shelter from wind and frost to delicate shrubs.
Close-board fencing is typically 6ft (1.8m) tall, but it's available in various heights. Keep in mind, however, that many local authorities have height restrictions on boundary fencing.
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 winds.
Cons
If you want a look that’s traditional and decorative, you might consider timber palisade fencing, more commonly known as picket fencing. Picket fences are mostly seen in front gardens, where they give a home traditional kerb appeal, but if you're a sociable type that likes to chat over the fence with neighbours, a picket fence in the rear garden would look lovely, too.
Although wood is the conventional material, picket fencing can also be made from PVC for a lower maintenance option. There are a few disadvantages to using PVC however: temperature change can make it brittle, prone to mould and it can be more expensive than wood.
This style of fencing is traditionally quite low. With its spacing between the timbers, it's less prone to wind damage, but it doesn't offer much protection to tender plants, either.
Slatted fence panels give a more sleek, more contemporary look to your outside space, ideal if privacy is not an issue. They can make great dividers for different sections of your garden. The effect of sunlight slanting through the gaps is particularly attractive.
There's a distinctive and particularly attractive pattern to hit and miss fence panels, created by smooth-planed horizontal boards that are alternately fixed to the front and back of the panel. This is a medium-range budget type of fencing that can look good in both traditional and contemporary gardens.
If you've got some idea now which type of fence panel would suit your garden, there's one more major consideration - what type of fence post is best?
There are three main options:
We've written in detail about all these fence post options in a separate article, but here's a very quick summary:
Timber posts can be a cheaper option if you’re on a tight budget, but they can rot if not well maintained and may eventually start to lean or even be blown over in heavy winds.
By contrast, concrete posts are more likely to last in the long term, especially against strong gusts of wind. They need less maintenance than wooden posts, too.
Concrete posts incur a higher up-front cost than timber posts, but their longevity makes them a better investment. You’ll still need to change the fence panels from time to time, but concrete posts won’t need to be replaced as often.
Galvanised steel posts (we install a great system called Durapost) are lighter and stronger than concrete, but twice as quick to install. They don't warp, crack or rot, and they can withstand winds up to 110mph. They're compatible with almost any type of fence.
If you choose a timber fence, it will usually come in a natural wood colour. If you don’t like this look, you can paint the fence a different colour. Even if you like the natural colour of the timber, it’s a good idea to safeguard your fence against harsh weather with a protective treatment for wood.
If you’ve chosen PVC as a material, keep in mind that it can’t usually be painted; you are committed to the colour as you purchased it.
There are two options to protect your garden fence against the wind:
For free advice about your garden fencing, or for a quote, please call 01865 863428 or 07900 938061.
Released On 4th Jan 2017