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Fences are a semi-permanent way of creating boundaries. They are also an effective way to protect an area from wind or excessive sun, screen ugly views, and give privacy. They can be made of timber, steel, ironwork, wire mesh, or plastic.

With such a choice of materials now and finishes to use on them, you can choose fencing which, in terms of style, materials, and form, suits the style of your garden.

If you have wood on your home, choose fencing in the same material or colour to create a link between the property and the garden and introduce harmony in a subtle way.

Timber should always be treated with a non-toxic preservative before use. Untreated fences may only have a life of three to five years whilst treated ones may last fifteen or twenty years. Concrete posts will reduce the maintenance costs.

The choice of fencing is very extensive, both in terms of style and cost. Fences can be made to order, bought in panelling or made by you if you are a DIY enthusiast.

Whichever type you choose, it must go with the rest of the garden. In some ways, fencing can be mixed more easily than different kinds of walls because the effect is less dramatic.

For instance, a garden which backs onto another garden may have solid fencing to the sides for privacy but latticed fencing at the end so the end of the adjoining garden can be glimpsed to give the sense of continued space and greenery. In contrast, a garden backing on to garages would have a solid fence at the end for privacy and to hide the view.

Most fencing is solid, but low open fencing such as picket fencing (wide spaced white pieces of timber) can be used effectively in some designs - such as to denote a seating area, play area, or for a front garden. The fence defines the area whilst allowing easy viewing.

Wrought iron feces are heavy and very expensive. Gates made from wrought iron are popular and just about affordable but an entire garden fenced with ironwork would not be practical unless a small front approach needs fencing but light needs to get through (such as the entrance to a garden flat, in which case iron railings or fences can be a durable choice). Wrought iron or steel fencing which is regularly painted will last a long time and needs little maintenance.

Wire fencing is effective and cheaper than many other fencing materials. If it is not protected with a plastic film it will rust. Plastic fencing is usually only temporary and offers little security, as it can be cut with a knife.

Supports for all fencing need to be secure. Common spacings are 1.8m, 2.4m and 2.7m (6, 8 or 9 feet), depending on weight, type, and height. Corner end posts need extra support to keep them from being pulled over.

You can combine a low wall with timber fencing on top. This gives the advantage of a timber fence, without the disadvantage of timber rotting at the bottom. Fencing is also available in glass reinforced plastic, which only needs the occasional rub down with a damp cloth.

If on a boundary of property, the fence must stand so the fence is on the boundary and the posts are on the owner's side of the property.

Whatever fencing you choose, think carefully because it will be a semi-permanant feature in your garden, so make sure it fits in with your garden's style and theme.

Learn more about this author, Sammy Stein.
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