When you finally build a house, the next step would be to optimise your outdoor space and build a fence around your home. There are various reasons why building a fence around your home is of utmost importance.
The obvious reasons are security, privacy, shelter, enhancing curb and aesthetic appeal, boosting the property value and creating boundaries. A more subtle but important reason to build a fence is to protect your garden.
Most homeowners in the UK do not have a garden probably because they don’t have the time to take care of a garden.
Nevertheless, those who have a garden need to protect them from humans who may want to steal fruits and vegetables and animals who would destroy the crops while trying to feed on them.
The job goes beyond just building a fence, you must use the right materials while building your fence. With the right materials, your fence will remain strong (durability) for a long time (longevity) while still maintaining its original beauty.
Each material that you may be considering using has its strengths and weaknesses. The material that is right for you depends on certain vital factors special to you and your environment.
This article is written to guide UK residents on how to know the best material for their garden.
Different Fence Materials for UK Garden
Wood
Wood is a great material to use for constructing a fence for a UK garden. The advantages of using wood are that it has a natural look, it is affordable and it can be painted on.
You can also stain a wood fence to prevent it from retaining moisture. Wood comes in various flexible styles such as a closeboard, picket, etc.
On the flip side, a wood fence would require constant maintenance - you have to paint over it or stain it for it to maintain its visual look and functionality.
Wood fences are susceptible to rot and insect damage/infestation. Compared to other options, it is less durable and has the lowest longevity.
Composite
Composite fencing panels - made from recycled plastic and reclaimed wood fibres - are great materials for making a fence for a UK garden.
It is a good option for those aiming for durability, natural wood appearance and variety. This means that it is available in different colours and can appear as natural as possible.
Then, it is easy and, requires little maintenance, and can withstand all types of weather. It lasts long, is quite easy to install and is eco-friendly.
While it may appear as natural as wood, it is more expensive. Still, in comparison to wood, it has a limited style which does not allow homeowners to have various options.
It also fades easily and unlike wood, cannot be repainted.
Concrete
If you are looking to add a durable and strong barrier around your property, then you can opt for concrete fencing around your UK garden.
Concrete fence is not only extremely durable, it also requires little maintenance and is extremely good for someone who values his or her privacy.
Concrete fences are popular for being resistant to all types of weather and ensure all-round security.
On the downside, concrete fences are quite expensive and have limited design options. This means that you cannot explore your creativity with a concrete fence.
Also, when it comes to visual appeal, concrete fences tend to have a cold appearance and seem bare in some gardens. This downplays the beauty of a garden and makes it appear ordinary as compared to other materials.
Metal
The attractive thing about metal fencing is that it not only refers to wrought iron but also to steel and aluminium. This shows that it is available in various styles giving the homeowner options to choose from.
It also has strength, durability, longevity, and requires little maintenance which is ideal for busy homeowners.
While metal appears attractive for constructing a UK garden fence, it can be quite expensive and if not properly treated can easily rust.
In the summer, it absorbs so much heat which makes it hot to the skin when touched.
PVC
PVC - polyvinyl chloride - is a great material for those seeking durability and longevity. To put a number to it, it is known to last up to 30 years and more depending on how it is managed.
It cost little or nothing to maintain, and is quite affordable regardless of your budget. It is weatherproof and can withstand most weather conditions.
It has a wide range of colours and comes in different styles, giving homeowners different options to choose from.
The downside to a PVC fence is that it is less durable than the other options. When in extreme temperatures, it can become brittle because it is not as eco-friendly as some materials.
Gabion
This type of fence may seem new to some people but is actually very common. It involves putting inorganic materials such as concrete pieces, bricks, and stones in something that has the shape of a sturdy wall.
The aesthetic of this fence is quite unique and it is equally strong and durable. It is very good for homeowners that have sloped gardens because it allows for water to easily drain through it.
Its disadvantage is that you must use a particular type of stone to fill it and you cannot install it yourself. You need the help of a professional who specialises in those types of fences to install them for you.
How to Choose the Best Fence Material for your UK Garden
After reading through the various materials that you have, which material do you think is the best for you?
There are certain factors that help one select the best fencing material. The first factor is budget - the most affordable ones are wood and PVC fences, while the most expensive ones are metal and concrete fences.
The second factor is maintenance - garden fences such as wood and PVC require the least maintenance while garden fences that use the wood material need more maintenance such as painting or staining.
The third thing you have to consider is durability - the fence materials with the highest amount of durability are metal and concrete. Others such as wood and composite are also durable but less than the former two.
If you value privacy so much, then it is another factor that you have to consider.
The ones that provide the most privacy are solid panels and closeboard fencing. If you seek a more open feel, then you should go for picket fences.
Let’s not forget style and beauty - choosing a material that delivers both requires your discretion as you have to look at the overall look of your garden to rightfully select a material that complements the design.
Conclusion
Selecting the best-fenced material for your UK garden should not be such a difficult task. This article empowers you to make an informed decision as it compares the advantages and disadvantages of each material.
It gives you an insight into the material that is the best fit for your home. We would love to hear how this article has helped your decision, so feel free to share your experience in the comment section below.
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