Garden Fencing

A fence is no stronger than its weakest part, so the detailing of a fence to make sure that it has no weaknesses is important. A well-detailed fence will not only be more resilient, but will last longer too. Consider both the types of infill and support, the way in which you intend to fix the supports in the ground and, with timber fences, the way in which you can further protect against rot with cappings and gravel boards.

In your garden, a fence serves the same function as a wall, although its construction need not be so solid. Like a wall, its type and height should be dictated by situation and location - urban or rural. Strict attention should be paid to the sitting of a fence which is set up along a line of demaraction between two properties. It is usual practice to but the best side of the fence facing outwards, with the supports on the inside.

The materials most often used in fence construction are timber, metal and concrete. The latter is usually reserved as a supporting material while there is an infinite variety of combinations of materials for possible infills, see through or solid, which you can either design yourself or buy ready-made. Some types of pre-fabricated, fixed length panel are widely availabe. Local types of panel are made on the spot and easily adapated to non-standard intervals.

The type of wood used in fence construction will considerably alter its lifespan. The principal European woods used for fencing are oak, larch, western red cedar and sweed chesnut, although other woods may be used when suitable, such as Douglas fir, Scots pine, ash, elm or beech. Redwood or cedar are used in the United States, split redwood being referred to as grapestalk since it is used traditionally to support grapevines.

Bark must be stripped from timber to prevent premature decaying of the wood, and the exposed grain must be treated with a preservative or sealed and painted. After using a creosote preservative on wood it cannot then be painted. Plants will not grow against it for a season, as newly applied, creosote gives off fumes which burn vegetation. Exposed metal components liable to rust, should be galvanised, zinc-coated or painted. Use screws rather than nails for fixings for a longer lasting finish.

When using pured concrete as a supporting material to fix fence posts, there are two alternative methods. The posts can be positioned independently, with careful measurement, and left standing until the concrete sets before the infills are attached. If there is a necessity for a completed boundary in one step, the posts and infills can be constructed at the same time if you make sure to support the posts with temporary wooden stays until the foundations have set. The fence will need supporting for at least two days.

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