A fence in a front garden made of Euro picket fence meets all quality standards: it is lightweight, inexpensive and looks attractive in the garden area. The planks of this enclosing structure are made of galvanized steel and have a beautiful appearance. But you need to know how to choose the right picket fence, what its advantages and disadvantages are, and also how to make a front garden from a European picket fence yourself.
Front garden in front of the house
General description of the Euro picket fence
The name “fence fence” means “pillar” (translated from German: stake). This type is understood as a type of fencing made of slats that are evenly distributed around the perimeter of the structure.
In the country
Wooden fences, which were popular relatively recently, are now rarely installed. They were replaced by fences made from European picket fences.
There is a large assortment of this type of material on the market, it differs in shape, color, size, and quality.
The strips are made from profiled galvanized steel, which is cut into strips at the factory. From afar, the finished fence looks like a classic wooden fence, but has a more beautiful appearance. This material is easier to clean and easy to repaint.
Beautiful option for a fence in front of the house
The thickness of the steel is of no small importance during the manufacture of this material. The thicker the fence, the more reliable the fence. The standard is metal with a thickness of 0.45–0.7 mm. A European picket fence has the following components in its design:
- directly the picket fence;
- vertical racks;
- cross beams.
Metal front garden
The material is covered with a protective zinc layer, on top of which a polymer coating is applied, which additionally creates protection from negative environmental factors. The leaders in production are German and Belgian companies, but domestic companies also produce picket fences. The price of products from different companies often differs significantly. This picket fence has many advantages, but there are also certain disadvantages.
Types of front gardens: what are they?
Depending on the design chosen, the front garden can be:
- Open. There is no fence, the space is clearly visible from any point. In most cases, an open front garden looks like a green lawn, always trimmed.
- Closed. On the street side, the area is fenced off by a fence or hedge. Various materials can be used to make a fence: brick, wood, stone, chain-link mesh or gabions.
Please answer one simple question. What is your priority when arranging your front garden: personal preferences or the opinion of random passers-by? Depending on this, the design of the front garden can be divided into 2 types:
- Russian. Art is not for art's sake, but for personal pleasure. In simple words, the space outside the windows should please you, not guests and nosy neighbors. The view from the window is many times more attractive than from the road. The site is closed by a thick fence or hedge, but inside there is a real fairy tale: from the painted decor and garden figurines to the fragrance of flowers.
- European. Strict standards, everything for others. The open type is suitable for those who would like to surprise others with a truly original design. Everyone can see it, the territory is completely open, as in the photo. Moreover, the geometry of the lines is clear and precise, the bushes are trimmed, and the lawns are smooth.
However, you can combine these two types to achieve maximum results. In “Russian” front gardens there are often wooden products, in “European” ones there are even steps, plants in flowerpots, and so on. The style can be anything from Mediterranean to rustic.
Advantages and disadvantages
The main advantages of a fence for a front garden made of metal picket fence:
- long period of operation of the European picket fence. Manufacturers assure that the fence will last more than 25 years;
- metal lasts much longer than wooden fences;
- open access to sunlight and air, which contributes to the normal development of plants in the front garden. This also eliminates the swampiness of the site;
- the European picket fence is not lit;
- beautiful view of the finished structure;
- you can install it yourself;
- a large assortment of different models and colors of European picket fences; the fence can be repainted.
Near the house
If wooden fences need to be constantly coated with an antiseptic, then metal structures can stand for a long time without additional treatment with protective compounds.
Original design of the picket top
To get an unusual fence, you can pay attention to decorating the top of the slats and make a structure from combined shapes.
The most common design options are:
- Arc. The top of the planks is convex or concave.
- Trapezoid. The top of the planks is formed in the form of this geometric figure.
- Ladder. The planks are alternated along the length: first long, then short, or vice versa.
- Herringbone. The pickets form a cone-shaped shape, like the top of a Christmas tree.
- Wave. This design is used for sectional installation of metal picket fences.
- Peaks. The upper part of the bar is designed in the form of a peak. There can be one or several such strips within one span.
- Canyon. Long strips are attached to the sides of the sections. Their length gradually decreases closer to the center.
The use of a decorative design on the top of picket fences will go well with pillars made of brick, stone and a plinth made from them.
Main types
The material differs in:
- edge processing option;
- type of European picket fence profile;
- manufacturing method;
- color and dyeing method.
At the same time, the picket fence itself for the front garden has a different shape. The material can have a U-, M- and C-shaped profile.
Types of Euro picket fence
There are two options for manufacturing all the elements of the future fence:
- from ready-made corrugated sheets by cutting;
- separately for each element.
During the production of Euro picket fences, different edge processing can be used: rolling or cutting off irregularities. Rolling looks more attractive.
Diagram with dimensions
You also need to pay attention to the method of painting the metal. Powder paint has increased durability. In this case, the material is coated on both sides. Polymer paint is characterized by brightness, but the coating is applied only on one side.
The most important information about decorating
How to decorate a front garden in an unusual and beautiful way; is it possible to do without special techniques? Our answer is yes, and a variety of plants will help you with this. To successfully select vegetation, take into account the general style of the front garden. Below we will look at several representatives of the flora and talk about the key features of each group.
Fruit trees, shrubs
Lush apple and pear trees are a real boon for those who would like to decorate the backyard.
For a do-it-yourself front garden, it is better to take standard plants. This is the name given to shrubs that have smooth, neat crowns. Don’t even doubt it – your site lacked just such a design. It is best to buy standard plants in special nurseries and greenhouses.
Using shrubs of small height, you can quickly create a hedge of living plants. Barberry and hawthorn are suitable; rosehip is a good option. All three shrubs have brightly colored fruits. Thanks to them, in the fall the territory is transformed beyond recognition. And if you make an arch in the hedge, the area will look very romantic!
Coniferous plants
To create an attractive, geometrically correct composition, use coniferous trees.
Their spherical or cone-shaped shapes look very advantageous! 4-5 such trees will be quite enough. 8-10 is already too much, the front garden will be overloaded with plantings of the same type. The only exception is a hedge, when plants are planted around the perimeter or in one row in front of the facade. As for the species, choose bushes and trees that are easy to trim: dwarf spruce, boxwood, thuja. But it is not recommended to use tall plants - after a few years their crowns will begin to look into your windows and cover the entire decor.
Flower beds and flower beds
In regions with a very warm climate, it is best to plant plants in the front garden that will delight you with continuous flowering from March to October. It’s very easy to make a flowerbed unique. It is enough to place several clay jugs and garden figurines on the site, build a rocky hill or a wooden craft. Peonies, roses, dahlias, phlox and asters are considered universal options. A lush floral arch turns even the most drab fence into a luxurious gate.
It is convenient to let clematis planted near the house on trellises - just like wisteria and honeysuckle.
In a relatively short period of time they will turn the fence into a thick green screen. Always use climbing plants if you need to divide the front garden into several zones at once or draw a clear line between the road and the site.
DIY installation features
Making a front garden from a European picket fence with your own hands will not be difficult. At the same time, the design can have different shapes and many bends, which will make the territory of the house more interesting and beautiful. People who do not want to spend time installing original structures can choose to install a direct fence. There is only one drawback - excessive simplicity.
Colored fence
A popular way to create waves from Euro picket fences: the planks are installed so as to create a pattern reminiscent of waves. In this case, you need to first calculate the pitch for the length of the fence, as well as the interval between the pickets. Despite the apparent complexity of the design, this type of fencing is one of the most commonly used.
Arc fences are similar to the wavy fence type, but they look more attractive. Fences can be with a concave or convex arc. Both options evoke a rustic style.
In the “ladder” the pickets are attached alternately, one above the other. This design is perfect for a front garden. Another popular option is “herringbone”. In this case, the top is similar to the contours of the spruce crown in the shape of a cone.
Features of manufacturing metal and plastic fencing
When using a metal picket fence as supports, it is recommended to use supports made from a 60x60 mm profiled pipe, and the veins from a 40x20 pipe. When the height of the structure is up to 1.5 m, two slabs are used, if the height is higher, then three. The distance from the edge of the picket fence to the bar is 20 - 25 cm.
The pickets are attached to them either with self-tapping screws or rivets; it is better to use galvanized fasteners to reduce the likelihood of corrosion. The number of fasteners on the picket fence is calculated so that it is impossible to move them apart. Also, when building without a base, there must be a gap between the picket fence and the ground to prevent the impact of moisture in the soil, but at the same time preventing small animals from crawling under it.
PVC pipes as supports , and in the case of ready-made prefabricated structures, only those that come with the kit. The crossbars are fastened using metal brackets or brackets. The pickets are secured with screws or pins that are invisible after assembly. The tops of the pillars and the cut edges of the pickets must be covered with plugs and decorative caps.
Fence installation instructions
Step-by-step instructions for installing a fence include several stages.
Drawing for installing poles
Fastening support pipes:
- First, the front garden is measured and a rope is stretched around the perimeter. To attach the supports, it is more convenient to use a drill; in this case, installation will be faster. Depth: 1.3 meters.
- A 40x40 mm corrugated pipe is installed in the hole and hammered in with a sledgehammer.
- The pillars are secured with cement mortar. The supports must be clearly vertical; this can be checked with a level or plumb line.
- The gate is installed at the same time.
- To prevent damage to the tops of the pipes during driving, they are covered with a block on top.
Support installation diagram
Fastening horizontal crossbars:
- When the pipes are secured, begin cutting horizontal crossbars from 40x2 corrugated pipe
- The logs are fastened with a welding machine. If self-tapping screws are used, then to increase reliability it is recommended to weld the upper crossbars.
- When the work is completed, you should begin painting the frame.
- Then plugs are put on top of the pipes. They prevent precipitation from entering.
Scheme for installing a Euro picket fence with your own hands
Euro picket fence fastening:
- First, a rope is pulled to the required height of the fence.
- If a gate is provided, it is better to start installation from there.
- The subsequent picket fence is fixed after installing a bar of a certain width between the slats, which is equal to the width of the gap.
- The installation of the fence begins at the gate.
- First, the picket fence is fixed on top.
- Then it is fixed from below to the horizontal joist.
- If a middle part is provided, it is attached at the end.
- The euro picket fence for the front garden is ready for use.
Drawing with dimensions
How to make a front garden from Euro picket fence: detailed step-by-step instructions
It’s not difficult to install a front garden from a European picket fence with your own hands. This task is even simpler than installing a fence made of corrugated sheets - you do not need to work with large metal sheets. Of course, help will not be superfluous, especially when concreting pillars, but you can do it yourself, although it will take a little longer.
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Preparation: calculations, tools, materials
First of all, you need to calculate the amount of picket fence. This is done simply: for one-sided filling, the width of the gap between the pickets is taken equal to half the width of the strip or 10–20 mm less. Therefore, there will be N pickets per linear meter:
where x
is the width of the bar in meters, and
(x/2–y)
is the width of the gap.
For example,
With a metal picket width of 110 mm
and a standard gap width reduced by
10 mm
6.5
pickets per linear meter
Then materials are purchased:
- Support pillars made of 40×40 mm or 40×20 mm at the rate of one post for every 2.5–3 meters .
- Veins from a 40x20 mm : two per section below 1.7 meters and three for fences that are higher.
- Self-tapping screws with a self-sealing gasket in the color of the picket fence: 2–3 pieces , depending on the number of veins.
- The European picket fence itself.
To install a front garden made of metal picket fence you will need:
- building level;
- Sand and gravel;
- concrete grade M200;
- screwdriver;
- welding machine or drill and x-shaped brackets for fastening the veins;
- hole drill or shovel;
- sledgehammer;
- wooden block;
- rope for marking.
You can either buy ready-made concrete or make it right on the site - you only need a little bit of it, so you can even mix the mixture by hand.
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Installation of support pillars
First, mark the fence line and the location of the support posts on it. To do this, a rope is pulled at a height of 10–15 cm and places for holes are marked along it every 2.5–3 m .
To make a reliable front garden from Euro picket fence, the supporting pillars for it need to be buried 200–300 mm below the freezing level of the soil. Otherwise, soil heaving in winter can literally push them up, and the fence will be damaged.
In the central regions of Russia, holes are usually made for poles 1.2 meters , at the bottom of which a sand-gravel mixture is poured and compacted. The result should be a dense “sand cushion” 100–200 mm .
Installation of support posts for the front garden
The pillars themselves are placed on the drainage layer, leveled vertically using a building level and hammered in with a sledgehammer. In order not to deform the top of the profile pipes, they are struck through a wooden block, which evenly distributes the impact force. Every 2-3 blows, the verticality of the post is checked again and, if deviation occurs, leveled.
To securely fix the post in a vertical position, it can be supported with wooden spacers placed between the post and the edge of the pit in at least three places.
The pillars are finally fixed in the hole with a concrete solution. It is poured evenly on all sides so that no voids are formed. After filling the hole 2/3 , the post is again checked for verticality and wooden supports are removed, if any. Then the hole is completely filled and the concrete is allowed to “rest” for two weeks. During this time, the concrete will gain sufficient strength to continue work. Do not shorten this period and, especially, do not start installing a metal picket fence immediately after pouring the pillars - this way you will not save time, but will only ruin the front garden, and the work will have to be done again.
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Frame making
The veins are fixed to the posts either by welding or using special brackets and screws. The welding seam is more reliable, so we recommend using this method.
The logs are attached 200–300 mm from the top and bottom edges of the euro-picket fence. Please note: the distance is not measured from the ground or the top of the post, but from the edge of the Euro picket fence. If the upper edge of the front garden section is uneven, then 200–300 mm are measured from the average level.
Scheme of frame and picket fence fastening
For example, if the top of the lowest picket fence is at a height of 1.8 m , and the top of the highest is at a height of 2.1 m , then the veins are fixed at a height of 1.65–1.75 m .
If the frame is made from a profile without an anti-corrosion coating, it must be cleaned and thoroughly painted before installing the European picket fence. This not only improves the appearance of the fence, but also significantly extends its service life.
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Installation of a front garden made of Euro picket fence
Before installing the European picket fence, at least two ropes are pulled: along the lower and upper levels. This is for rectangular sections. For sections with an uneven silhouette, first fix the lower and upper strips, after which a nylon thread is pulled between them to mark the boundaries of the pattern. To ensure that the picket fence is at the same level, additionally stretch the horizontal markings across the entire front garden, checking them using a building level.
The pickets are attached to each vein with roofing screws with a self-sealing gasket. They must be screwed in strictly vertically and clamped well. In this case, the gasket will reliably close the attachment point, protecting it from corrosion.
The self-tapping screws must be tightened well, but under no circumstances should they be pinched, otherwise the gasket will quickly begin to collapse and moisture will penetrate into the fastening area. Make sure that the gasket is pressed tightly, but not squeezed out by the head of the screw.
The picket fence is attached to the front side. The method of fastening depends on its shape:
- The M-shaped one is secured with one self-tapping screw in the center;
- The U-shaped and semicircular ones are screwed with two self-tapping screws into each vein through the “shoulders” of the plank.
Fastening the Euro picket fence to the “shoulders”
We do not recommend attaching the Euro picket fence to the front garden using ordinary self-tapping screws with a press washer or rivets. Yes, such fastenings cost less than roofing ones, but this is a small amount compared to the price of the entire front garden. At the same time, cheap self-tapping screws do not protect against corrosion at the fastening points, which reduces the service life of the entire fence.
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Coloring methods
A European picket fence can be of different colors. They produce white, green, red and others. In this case, the material is usually painted on one side. Painting will make the fence more attractive and protect it from negative external factors.
The main problem is the emergence of corrosion processes.
There are two methods of coloring:
- powder coating;
- use of liquid paints and varnishes.
The first option extends the service life of the material by 15 years, but the cost of this coating is higher. When using liquid coatings, the service life increases by 10 years.
Drawing of a high fence
Vertical arrangement of picket fences
Almost any version of vertical fences is aesthetically successful if the rules of symmetry are followed during installation. That is, the pickets can go in arcs, arches, waves - the main thing is that this pattern is repeated. This step can be very useful if the owners do not want a fence that is too high, but they need to cover some places on the site from view (the barbecue area, for example).
Euro picket fence arranged in a round shape Source nashgazon.com
Important! If the fence is designed with curves, you need to calculate the gaps at the bottom and top to the nearest millimeter. In fences of this type, such errors are visible to the naked eye.
Picket fence cost
Since the material is universal and there are almost no difficulties with installation, several options are offered for purchasing a picket fence:
- material for constructing a structure with your own hands;
- fence with turnkey installation.
A turnkey fence in a front garden made of Euro picket fences and professional pipes costs 1 linear meter. m approximately 2000 rub. If you install the fence yourself, the price of the material is 50–450 rubles. per 1 m², taking into account quality and manufacturer.
In the village
Installing a European picket fence to protect the front garden takes a little time. At the same time, the technology is completely uncomplicated, but it shows an excellent result - an attractive, reliable and durable fence for the garden.
Functions of a fence for a front garden
A picket fence for a front garden performs several important functions:
- Protecting the front garden from children and animals. And vice versa - protecting animals and children from the front garden: you never know what can happen. And what a shame it will be if your well-groomed bushes turn out to be spoiled by a child’s careless movement or curiosity.
- Zoning of territories. The site will look much more harmonious if it is correctly divided into zones. In this case, the Euro picket fence is an ideal option.
And, of course, a picket fence front garden will noticeably improve the area and make it attractive. See for yourself!
Fence for the front garden made of semicircular picket fence color Chocolate from the Metal Roofing Center in Kursk
Fence for the front garden made of multi-colored narrow picket fence from the Metal Roofing Center in Stavropol
Fence for the front garden made of semicircular picket fence color Chocolate from the Metal Roofing Center in Kursk
Flowerbed fencing made of picket fence from the Metal Roofing Center
What shape of metal picket fence profile will allow you to save money?
There are several types of metal pickets based on the profile shape:
- U-shaped;
- M-shaped;
- C-shaped (rounded).
The cross-sectional shape of the iron picket fence determines the number of stiffening ribs, the size of the bends and, as a consequence, the amount of metal in one product. Therefore, the simplest rounded and U-shaped planks have a lower price.
When choosing, you should take into account the fact that the front garden is a place with little exposure to external mechanical factors. Consequently, you can get by with purchasing the simplest C-shaped strips with a small number of stiffeners.
The edges of the metal picket fence are trimmed or rolled
Metal picket fences have edges that are rolled or trimmed. In the first case, there is a bend along the length and upper part. It acts as a stiffener, enhancing the strength of the product and the structure made from it.
For a fence near the front garden with low operational and mechanical loads, there is no need to increase the rigidity of the structure. For this reason, it is quite reasonable and cheaper to buy a European picket fence with cut edges.
Advantages of picket fences
Compared to other types of fencing, a wooden picket fence prevails in dachas or private buildings because it is easy to install and unpretentious in further use.
Front garden
Advantages:
- The ability to build beautiful fences using cheap, affordable, practical materials that are easy to process using simple means and tools.
- The best eco-friendly option that creates an atmosphere of coziness and a feeling of comfort.
- Universal, allowing you to build various structures and implement design ideas.
- The pieces are easy to make and quick to install. Even a beginner can handle this kind of work.
- Easy to maintain: you just need to periodically renew the protective paint layer.
- In case of damage, there is no need to replace the entire fragment of the fence; it is enough to replace a few slats.
- Treated with antiseptics can have a fairly long service life in good condition.
Decorative fences
How to save money on a metal picket fence for the front garden
This material is available in different price categories. To purchase a European picket fence for a front garden with maximum savings, you need to know what types of metal picket fences there are, and what factors significantly influence its cost.
Parameters that allow you to save on purchasing a metal picket fence for your front garden include:
- Availability and type of protective coating.
- The thickness of the metal in the product.
- Profile shape and edge type.
- Dimensions.
Having understood each parameter, you can choose a good and cheap metal picket fence not only for the front garden, but also for the main façade fence on brick pillars.
Secrets of front garden design from professional designers
Landscape designers share techniques and give advice to those who don’t know how to decorate a front garden with their own hands at minimal cost:
- When thinking about beauty, don't forget about functionality. Each front garden should have its own accent zone. What does “functional front garden” mean? The area in front of the house is not a tropical forest, but a place where you can organize a parking lot and arrange a recreation area. All work is carried out carefully so as not to disturb the general atmosphere of the area.
- Begin any work on arranging a front garden with planning. Consider the area of the territory and the wishes of your relatives. The secret of harmony is simple: the width of the front garden should not be larger than the front wall, the length should not exceed 2/3 of the height of the house. Bushes that are planted under the walls of a building should be no higher than the base. Front gardens planned in a specific geometric shape look great.
- Sculptures are a great decor option, but don’t go overboard with their number. You can also use lamps and stones to create an accent in a particular place.
Building a front garden will require some effort, imagination and a little creativity. The result will definitely please you - the territory will bloom with bright colors and will stand out favorably against the background of neighboring territories.
Using galvanized euro picket fence for the front garden
Only a galvanized metal picket fence costs 20-30% lower than its painted counterpart. Thus, this will significantly reduce the cost of purchasing material for constructing a fence for the front garden.
The lack of paint coating reduces the durability of the structure. The slats are less protected from rust. The service life of such material is up to 10-15 years. If operating conditions are unfavorable (constant humidity), then the durability of the material may also be less. Therefore, when choosing an economical type of metal picket fence only with galvanization, you should also focus on the installation location of the fence on the site.
The cheapest galvanized European picket fence may not meet the requirements of the standards. Before purchasing, pay attention to how much zinc per square meter is in a metal picket fence. The features are as follows:
- A metal picket fence should contain at least 270 grams of zinc per square meter. Only such material is of high quality.
- Some manufacturers deliberately reduce the value to 60 or even 50 grams per m2. Naturally, the service life and protective qualities of these products are the lowest.
To avoid purchasing such a product, you should purchase a metal picket fence for the front garden and the main fence on the website of a reliable manufacturer or its official dealer.
