Today we will discuss a very important topic for any construction on the site. Before building a private house, almost all people carefully think through all the details that should be in their dream home. But strangely enough, according to statistics, the last thing people think about is a fence and which fence is best. But this is not entirely true from a construction point of view. Firstly, the fence plays a very important role both for the appearance of the house and for the internal atmosphere in the house and on the site. And secondly, it is the buildings and decisions about which fence to choose that all further construction begins.
To begin, simply imagine your fence. And then decide which fence is better and you like it more
When deciding what kind of fence should be, of course you want to choose the cheapest fence. But is it worth doing? Finding out which fence is better and why, many begin to wonder whether it is justified to choose the cheapest and most unreliable fence. Such a step is really justified only if the plot is very small or there are simply no available funds, since all the money is included in the future construction of the house.
One way or another, of course it’s your choice. But in the modern world and the development of the level of construction technologies, it is worth noting that inexpensive does not always mean low-quality. Now there are many different materials that can serve reliably for many years, and will not cost that much. And in this article we will analyze all these nuances. And we will help you choose the best fence for your home.
How to understand which fence is better
To understand which fence is better and answer this question, first of all, you need to ask yourself for what purposes. Without this clarification, it is simply impossible to choose the best fence. For some purposes, a fence will be ideal, but for others it will be an absolute failure. It may not be strange, but thinking about which fence is better and which fence to choose gets a lump in your throat. And they often don’t leave their owners alone for a long time. Often, even at the stage of construction and even the design of a house, owners begin heated reflection and review of various options for fences and fences. Their disputes can drag on, they argue among themselves and prove what is more important in their opinion. For some, this is peace, privacy and sound insulation, but for others, on the contrary, it is airiness and transparency, which will allow you to admire the surroundings and feel at ease.
What do you like?
It’s good if such disputes don’t drag on, and you can quickly decide which fence is better. Of course, the ideal fence will be different for different areas and different wallets. For example, if you take a small area where there is no point in spending a lot of money on a fence, a wooden fence or a chain-link fence will do. If you want a better fence, and you have a larger area, then a fence made of Euro picket fence or corrugated board will be perfect in your case. Well, if you are the owner of a large plot and have enough money for an expensive fence, then a brick or stone fence is suitable for you. In general, you should understand that there are different fences, the price of which ranges from budget to exclusive and expensive. And it's up to you to choose.
We'll sort it out
What do you need to know about fences and their construction? It would seem that just take it and build it, but no, there are different rules, norms and technologies and approaches to construction. By the way, installation is also important, since part of the funds is spent on this procedure, and the other part on materials and delivery. Why do you need a fence at all? Is it worth so much effort to install it? A fence on your property will help you hide yourself and your property from prying eyes. You will feel safe and not afraid for your property and crops. It has also been proven that the fence greatly affects the appearance. Therefore, if you choose a suitable fence, you will enjoy and admire it every day.
In our article we will look at the following points, which will not only help you understand which fence is better, but will also allow you not to make mistakes in installation and do everything correctly, which means reliably and safely. Even if you don’t plan to build a fence yourself, this knowledge will help you control all the details of the installation. And be sure that you were not deceived in the price and that everything was installed efficiently and according to the rules.
Fence with brick pillars on a pile foundation with a grillage
- Let's take a closer look at all the functions that a high-quality fence on a site should perform.
- We will tell you all the rules that are in the legislative norms and rules regarding the construction of fences and fences.
- Let's find out which hedges and fences are preferred by the majority of owners of private houses according to statistics.
- Most importantly, we will consider each type of fence separately. This way we can find out all the pros and cons of each type of fence.
All this will allow you to become a person who not only understands fences, but does it competently. Most importantly, after reading this article, you will definitely be able to make a final decision about which fence is better in the end. Let's get started.
The best modern materials for making a fence
When building a modern house, it is important to remember the relevance of fencing. You can choose a composition that will create a harmonious combination with the facade of the building, or one that will become a bright accent of the home ownership.
We have made for you a selection of trendy modern materials for making a fence.
- Fiber cement board.
It is also called hair concrete. This innovative material was originally intended for cladding buildings, but it is also great for making fences, balconies or terraces.
The structure of the fiber cement board can be smooth or with imitation wood veins. You can choose any color scheme, so it will not be difficult for the owners to create a special atmosphere on their site.
- Concrete.
Concrete fencing is distinguished by the possibility of choosing various shapes, reliability and durability. Color solutions can also be different - just paint the sections in the chosen color. This material for making fences is easy to maintain, but difficult to install - such a fence is very heavy and will require a lot of effort.
Solid concrete without aesthetic additions will add an industrial spirit to a home and become a suitable backdrop for green spaces. But in this case there is a risk that the fence will look pale. To avoid this, you can combine concrete with warm-toned wood, such as garden furniture or wooden deck flooring.
- Corten steel.
This steel with a rusty patina will fit perfectly into a rustic-style area. The fence looks interesting both in individual compositions and as a whole fence. This material looks most harmonious on fences of large areas.
- Horizontal sheets of corrugated metal.
Using this material to make a fence is a great move to give a modern home a finished look. This option is durable, visually interesting due to the corrugation, and goes well with the greenery and accent objects of the site due to galvanization.
- Glass panels.
Panels made of tempered frosted glass will not allow strangers to see what is happening on your site, and at the same time will not prevent sunlight from entering the area. This fence looks attractive and modern. The combination with steel elements, which also protect the glass, is especially successful. However, this option cannot be called budget.
- Metal slats.
Metal slats as a material for making a fence will allow you to create a strong, durable structure that will have an unusual, modern look.
- Gabion fence.
Gabion is a fencing format in which a wire cage is filled with natural material. Initially, such fences were used as fortifications. Today, gabions can be found in bank protection work and landscape design (for example, along federal highways). This material also looks very interesting as a fence.
You can fill the gabion cage with stone, glass, coal, wood, pebbles and other materials of your choice.
- PVC fences.
PVC sections appeared on the market relatively recently, but have already proven themselves to be reliable and durable materials for making fences. They are not afraid of humidity and temperature changes. To keep such a fence looking like new, it is enough to wash it with a hose once a month. PVC sections are available in different color options, so homeowners can definitely find exactly what suits them.
The main disadvantage of plastic fences is that they are not wind resistant. Therefore, if necessary, you will have to strengthen the structure with a metal frame and aluminum profile reinforcements. Thus, the final cost of the fence may be significantly higher than the original one.
- Wooden slats.
This is a classic version of the material for making a fence, but designed in a non-standard way. To achieve a current look, you need to fix the slats not vertically, but horizontally at a short distance from each other.
Obvious functions of the fence
If we judge this way, then the fence has only two types of functions. As you may have guessed, this is a protective and aesthetic function. The protective functions include the following.
- Protection of the site and buildings from penetration by third parties.
- Protects plants and lawn from foreign animals that can harm them.
- Protects all residents of the house from unnecessary attention from neighbors and strangers from the street.
- Another important function of the fence is protection from wind, dust and outside noise.
The aesthetic function is quite understandable. The fence should be harmoniously combined with the architectural style of the building. The fence should look not only with the house itself, but with the site and its furnishings. For many people, appearance is also important. So that the site fits perfectly into the decor of the entire street.
Fence from a profile pipe
Fencing made from corrugated steel pipes is one of the most common types of fences for dachas. The popularity of such fences is explained by their good protective qualities and durability. Sectional fences made from square and rectangular pipes have a clear geometry and attractive appearance.
For such a fence you will need a steel profile pipe with a square and rectangular cross-section. Due to the stiffening ribs, the corrugated pipe is highly resistant to bending loads. For pillars, use a 60x60 or 80x80 mm pipe, for crossbars - 40x20 mm, for filling - 15x15 mm pipes.
Advantages of fences made of corrugated pipe:
- Large selection of design options. You can order sections with a complex pattern or purchase panels made from straight rods. If desired, the fence can be decorated with forging elements, which are purchased separately.
- Sectional fences do not interfere with the view. Translucent panels made from corrugated pipe are the best option when you need to provide reliable protection for an area without creating a continuous shadow.
- Versatility. If you need to close a private area from prying eyes, then the fence sections are supplemented with polycarbonate.
- You can install the fence yourself. If you purchase ready-made supports and sections, all that remains is to install the posts, weld panels to them, coat the fence with primer-enamel or paint it the desired color.
Official rules for building fences
There are special documents that regulate the construction of fences and barriers in the private sector. The standards are specified in a special document SNIP No. 30−02−97. Here is the main rule and principle that is spelled out in SNIP: a fence or fence cannot and should not interfere with the normal lighting of the street, and also not shade neighboring areas. This is true, we must remember that we all live together and must look after the comfort of not only ourselves. Here are some values and guidelines to consider when building a fence.
What to consider when building a fence
Fence height
Fence height. Of course, the height of the fence matters. On the side of the street or roadway, the fence should be no higher than 2.5 meters. But between neighboring areas the fence should be lower, its height is 1.5 meters. Although this point can be bypassed. Neighbors have the right to agree among themselves and make the fence higher. But keep in mind that such an agreement must be formalized in writing. This will help avoid claims from neighbors in the future and avoid disputes.
Transparency of the fence
Transparency of the fence. As with the height of the fence, the transparency of the fence also has its own standards. Of course, no one will force you to install a glass fence. And from the outside, from the street side, the fence can be blank, regardless of the height of the fence. But things are not so simple between neighbors. A solid fence can be up to 75 cm high. And if there is a desire to make the fence higher, it must be built according to standards from materials with a transparency of more than 50%, for example, mesh, forged elements, lattice elements and others. Well, at least, as in the first point, you can bypass these norms by drawing up a written agreement with your neighbors. This agreement must specify the height and transparency of the fence at the border of the plots.
Distance to fence
Distance to the fence. The distance of the fence from the road should be no less than 5 meters, from the driveway - 3 meters. You need to build a house at a distance of at least 3 meters. Compliance with such rules is due to various reasons. But most often, this is related to the safety of you and your neighbors, so these recommendations should not be neglected.
Be careful! Often taking SNIP norms as a basis, in various localities the local administration sets its own criteria and features for the construction of fences and fences. This must be taken into account and found out on the spot.
Metal picket fence
Metal picket fence is one of the most popular materials for constructing country fences. It is made of sheet steel with a protective coating, which is resistant to moisture, temperature changes and ultraviolet radiation. You can purchase slats in any color from the RAL table. To give the picket fence strength, it is profiled on roll forming mills, and the longitudinal edges are rolled. Rolled edges provide additional rigidity to the slats.
The basis of the structure is a supporting frame - supports and horizontal logs made of profile pipe. Slats are screwed to the logs with a gap of 2-5 cm. Roofing screws or blind rivets are used as fasteners. Installation of metal pickets is carried out in a single-row or double-row manner. In the first case, the filling of the span is carried out along the front side of the structure, in the second - the lamellas are mounted according to the Checkerboard type. Sections can be straight, arched or curly.
Among the advantages of the Euro picket fence are its attractive appearance, weather resistance, durability, good light transmittance, and easy installation.
To install a metal picket yourself you need:
- clear the perimeter of the site from debris and thick grass;
- mark the boundaries and mark the installation points of support pillars;
- dig holes and install supports with butting or pouring concrete;
- weld the logs to the supports, fill the spans with lamellas.
After installation, such a fence does not need to be painted or treated with protective impregnations. The two-layer coating does not fade in direct sunlight, does not crack or peel from frost and water.
What types of fences do home owners choose?
The most popular among owners of suburban areas are fencing structures made from:
We have already said that choosing a fence is not the easiest thing. Each design and material has its own advantages that owners of private houses like. But an integrated approach to this issue helps to decide which fence is better. Here are the most popular fence materials that are popular among experienced fencers.
- Fence made of corrugated board.
- Brick or stone fence.
- Euro picket fence.
- Chain-link fence.
- Wooden fence.
- Polycarbonate fence.
- Fence using 3D sections.
- Plastic fence.
- Photo grid for the fence.
- Hedge as a fence
Next we will analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each type of fence and each material. This will allow you to make an informed choice, not only depending on your site conditions and design features, but also based on personal preferences.
Corrugated fence
If your site is located next to a road or carriageway, and a feeling of safety and comfort is important to you personally. If you want to hide and feel privacy and peace and, of course, protect your area from excess noise, as well as dust and dirt. Then choosing a fence made of corrugated sheets will suit you perfectly. The fence itself is made from corrugated sheets that cover the gaps between the supports.
Corrugated fence
Corrugated sheets are metal sheets that are shaped like slate. But during installation, you need to make sure that such a fence has a reliable foundation. The foundation for such a fence must be solid. This is due not only to the weight of the fence, but also to the fact that a fence made of corrugated sheets has a large windage area. When installing a fence over a large area, such a foundation significantly increases the cost of a fence made of corrugated sheets. But such a fence also has many advantages, here are the main ones:
Acceptable cost of a fence made of corrugated sheets
Reasonable price. Even though you need a strong foundation, a corrugated fence has a very affordable price. You can find a good price at various companies producing and installing corrugated fences. Moreover, many companies also install fences, so you don’t have to worry about this either.
Quick installation of a fence made of corrugated sheets
Quick installation. Installation of a corrugated fence is really quick. To build such a fence, a work team will need from one day to a week. Depending on the complexity of the design and the scope of work.
Installation of a fence made of corrugated sheets
Variety of colors and textures of corrugated fence
Variety of colors and textures. This is an excellent material for design solutions and experiments. There are more than 150 different possible shades of corrugated board. There is even the possibility of simulating a stone, brick or wooden fence. The advantage of such a fence is that in appearance it is practically indistinguishable from the original materials, but its cost is 10 times less.
Fence made of corrugated sheets, stone imitation
Long service life of a fence made of corrugated sheets
Long service life. a fence made of corrugated board will serve you faithfully for 20-30 years. At the same time, it will practically not fade in the sun and will not change color. And most importantly, during operation it practically does not require maintenance, repairs and does not need painting.
Disadvantages of a fence made of corrugated sheets
There are also disadvantages to such a fence. A fence made of corrugated sheets has a large windage, so it is subject to wear and tear due to strong gusts of wind. At high humidity, rust may appear on the spans. If you want to paint such fences, it is quite difficult to do this due to the shape of the structure. This design often looks very cumbersome and not respectable. Also, because the fence is completely closed, it can restrict air flow.
Despite these shortcomings, a fence made of corrugated board is extremely popular. This is due to the fact that the price and quality of such a fence easily cover any of its shortcomings. Statistics also confirm the popularity of such a fence. Let's take several values by region. For example, in the Moscow region, Krasnodar region and Rostov region, almost 80% of fences in private houses are made of corrugated sheets. And that really means something.
The design of such a fence varies. The difference is which pillars are used. They can be made from metal pillars, or you can also make brick pillars. So, transverse joists are welded to these metal pillars. And already they begin to attach sheets to these logs. We recommend using rivets instead of self-tapping screws. If your fence is high enough, more than 2 meters, then experienced builders recommend using three joists instead of two. This design will give the structure rigidity, reliability and safety.
Brick or stone fencing
This is a choice for those who want to feel literally like behind a stone wall. Such a fence is considered the most representative and, accordingly, its execution price is the highest. But she's worth it. Such a fence does not seem flimsy or bulky; it almost always fits perfectly. But such a fence takes longer to build than all others and can take up to several weeks, depending on the amount of work.
Brick fence
Not everyone is ready to spend so much effort, money and time on a fence, so many choose combined options. They combine stone or brick pillars with corrugated sheets, Euro picket fences or other material used to cover the spans between the pillars.
Combined fence with brick pillars
But nevertheless, many wealthy people still choose a brick fence. Answering the question which fence is better, they give the following arguments in favor of a brick fence.
- The fence emphasizes the high status of the owner and his respectability.
- High level of fence reliability and a sense of security from uninvited guests.
- You can’t “peek” into such a fence. it gives a feeling of calm and privacy.
- Even if desired, such a fence is difficult to damage, which gives confidence.
Of course, if you are a lover of open space and the feeling of crampedness bothers you. And you don’t want to spend a large amount of money on a fence that looks like a fortress, then you are unlikely to choose a brick fence and you will be right. Therefore, you should not chase only status, choose everything and always to your liking.
Euro picket fence
A Euro picket fence is perfect for you if you live in areas where the wind load on the fence is very high. The construction of a fence made of Euro picket fences consists of metal strips made of galvanized steel. The design features allow such a fence not only to withstand powerful gusts of wind, but also to be very presentable and neat in appearance. It is believed that such a fence is well suited for medium-sized areas; it is reliable and practical.
Euro picket fence
It often happens that spouses cannot agree and come to a common decision on the issue of which fence is better. In this case, a compromise can be just a fence made of Euro picket fence. Since this type of fence has the advantages of corrugated sheeting and the aesthetics of a wooden fence. This means that when choosing such a fence, you can please both those who love privacy and security, as well as those who value freedom and a wide view. This can be done by using different installation methods. You can make a solid fence, or you can make it with gaps, making large gaps between the elements. By combining the width of the gaps, you can find a common language and agree with each other.
You can also make a fence from this material in almost any color, and you can install street lighting. And most importantly, such a fence looks beautiful both outside and inside. And this is important for those who want to admire a beautiful fence while on their property.
Pros and cons of a European picket fence
To decide which fence is better, be sure to read the pros and cons of a European picket fence. Here are its main advantages.
- Long service life. Can last up to 20-25 years with normal care.
- The material is easy to care for and has good properties. Does not rot, resistant to sun and other weather conditions.
- Compared to other materials, it is very light, so it is easy to transport.
- Large selection of different shades.
- It has a decent and pleasant appearance. It is important that it looks nice both outside and inside.
- Quite durable. Rarely breaks. Protects the area well.
disadvantages to this type of fence, but there are not many of them. Of course, it is still quite flimsy and may not seem the most reliable. It also requires quite a lot of materials and fasteners. There are also cases where such a fence in small settlements has become a victim of vandals who steal metal.
Recommendations for installation
The design of a European picket fence consists of many metal strips that are attached next to each other on logs. It is necessary to position the picket fence as vertically as possible, so when installing it is better to use a special template. Installation will not be quick, and you will need a lot of materials. Just fastening elements, such as screws, will require more than 20 pieces per meter of fence. The screws must have a press washer or you can use rivets. Keep an eye on the gaps; their width can be adjusted, but it should be as uniform as possible.
Euro picket fence with 5 cm intervals
The fence elements themselves should be used with rolled edges, in other words, they should not be sharp. This will help avoid cuts. This is especially important if there are children or animals in the house.
Choose the color of the European picket fence to your taste. It is desirable that it be the same outside and inside, but see for yourself, this is not so important.
Chain-link fence
Another very well-known and popular type of fencing is a chain-link fence. This type of fence is known to any summer resident. It happens that such a fence is placed around the entire territory with the exception of the front part. A fence made of more presentable material is installed on the front side. This is the main disadvantage of a chain-link fence, but nevertheless this fence is still popular, if not in private residential construction, then certainly in country house construction.
Chain-link fence
When installing a chain-link fence, posts made of various materials are used. These can be metal, reinforced concrete or wooden poles. Making a foundation for such a fence is also not very difficult. Installation time does not take much time, and most importantly, even a beginner in the construction craft can perform it.
This is not to say that this is a bad fence, but it does not look very presentable or aesthetically pleasing. This option is often chosen by people for whom low cost is important. Or who has very incurious neighbors and a desire to grow climbing plants on such a fence. Despite the fact that a chain-link fence is the most budget-friendly type of metal fence, it can also be used quite practically. It is mainly used to mark two adjacent plots or is placed at the end of the plot, especially if there is a beautiful view. It’s understandable, why spend money to hide beauty from yourself.
Chain-link fence is easy to install
Many craftsmen make a work of art from such seemingly unrespectable material. All you need to do is add reinforcement and then such a fence is already able to withstand the weight of plants that climb the fence. It looks very nice. And if this is also flowering vegetation, then you can’t take your eyes off such a fence.
Chain-link fence with climbing plants
Pros and cons of a chain-link fence
Well, let's summarize all the advantages of a chain-link fence, not counting its low cost and ease of installation.
- Lets sunlight through and does not block the view.
- The area is naturally ventilated.
- It is very easy to install; anyone can do it, without special skills or equipment.
- The service life of such a fence is also not short. If you take a wooden fence, then a chain-link fence will last 2-3 times longer. About 15-20 years, which is not bad for its price.
Of course, such a fence also has disadvantages. Apart from the fact that its view, to put it mildly, is not the most magnificent, such a fence will not protect you from prying eyes. Not suitable for those who like to be alone - that's for sure. It also does not provide protection, and if its integrity is damaged, it can also be dangerous for children and animals.
Sketch of a chain-link fence with climbing plants
When choosing material for a chain-link fence, you also need to be careful. A hot-dip galvanized mesh would be better suited. This mesh will last longer than the usual one by 5-7 years. Another nuance is that a chain-link mesh without a special coating will quickly rust and become unusable. To avoid this, usually choose a galvanized mesh option or a mesh with a protective polymer layer. The so-called Eurogrid. Basically, this is the basic thing you need to know about chain link fencing in order to make decisions when choosing a fence for you.
Wooden fence
A wooden fence is also considered one of the most budget-friendly. If desired, such a fence can be made not only at a low price, but also turn this fence into a real work of art. A wooden fence can be made of almost any design and still save good money.
Wooden fence - environmentally friendly and not expensive
This fence is considered environmentally friendly and natural. A wooden fence looks rich, although its cost is not so high. Although, if you take into account the fact that the fence is made of strong wood, then such a fence can cost many times more than any other. But if you make a fence from available materials, it will not cost much. The advantages of a wooden fence include the following:
Pros and cons of a wooden fence
- Natural look and environmental friendliness.
- Easy installation method.
- Beautiful view, can be made in any design. Great creativity for design.
Such a fence also has its disadvantages quite widely. A wooden fence requires regular and constant treatment to prevent wood rotting. The fence will have to be constantly repaired and maintained. The service life of such a fence is not the longest, since the wood is susceptible to damage by pests, and in general the fence can easily ignite. Therefore, when caring for a wooden fence, it must be treated with various solutions to prevent rot and pests.
Treating a wooden fence with a special solution
The owners manage to build a wooden fence with their own hands, which further reduces the final price of the fence. For production, you can use edged and planed boards. Before you start building the fence, mark the area with pegs. Next you need to calculate what the height of the fence will be. After this, the boards are prepared. The suitable length for boards should not exceed 2.5 meters. According to the markings, you need to install supports; they can be installed using different technologies, but most often they are reinforced with concrete. Then we align all the supports and attach the beams with nails or screws.
The picket fence will also look very unique. It will not take much time to install it, and the strength and reliability of such a fence is very acceptable. But here it’s up to you to choose. Let's repeat, there are a lot of wooden fence designs.
Wooden fence for a country house
Polycarbonate fence
Polycarbonate is a lightweight but quite durable material. It is often used in the construction of greenhouses, but this material can also be suitable for fencing. True, it is used mainly in combination with other materials, such as wood, concrete or metal. And thanks to modern construction technologies, complex composition elements can be realized. The fence will be not only strong and reliable, but also very beautiful and unusual. Here are the main advantages of polycarbonate fences
- It has excellent sound insulation and heat resistance.
- It has low weight and high strength.
- Requires virtually no maintenance.
The disadvantage of a polycarbonate fence is the fact that without a special UV layer, it quickly deteriorates and can quickly lose its attractive appearance. And most importantly, the material is quite fragile and is resistant to impacts and scratches.
Polycarbonate fence with a combination of metal
Polycarbonate has recently become widely used in private construction. It is used for the construction of canopies, greenhouses, greenhouses and gazebos. This is due to the fact that the material has excellent properties, is easy to install and has a low price. Although when using polycarbonate in combination with other materials, for example, stone, concrete, metal, the price of such products will be much higher. When using polycarbonate, it is important to remember that this material tends to expand when heated. This means that it is necessary to leave a small gap between the sheets and supports. This is necessary so that the sheets do not crack when exposed to the sun.
Fence made of 3D sections
Do you not like to feel cramped within the confines of a blank fence, do you like to contemplate beautiful views from the windows of the first floor of your house, but at the same time do you like to feel safe? Then a fence that uses 3D sections is perfect for you. This approach allows you to build a very durable and reliable structure that looks beautiful. It also gives a feeling of freedom, lightness and spaciousness. Here are some more advantages of such a fence:
- Such a fence is built from ready-made sections, which allows the structure to be erected very quickly. The installation time ranges from one to three days.
- The service life of such fences is very long. Serves 50 to 65 years, while remaining unchanged.
- The design is very reliable and provides protection against penetration into the area.
Fence using 3D sections
There are a lot of advantages of such a fence, but not everyone likes the appearance of such a fence, so when choosing such a design, look in advance at what it looks like, at least in photographs. And only after that make a decision.
Plastic fence
Fencing made of polyvinyl chloride or plastic has quickly gained popularity. This is due to the fact that such material is very accessible, and assembly is very easy and does not require much effort. The cost of such a design is minimal, but it looks very aesthetically pleasing. It has many different types of structures, ranging from blind ones to intricately shaped hedges. It is very easy to install such a fence. No special care is required for the fence. And most importantly, the design itself is very durable and quite reliable. Here are some more advantages to consider when choosing a fence for your site.
- Long service life of such a fence.
- Eco-friendly material that does not pollute the environment.
- Not subject to rotting or fading.
- Does not require painting or special care.
Plastic fence for a private house
But there are also disadvantages that must be taken into account. Firstly, when purchasing material you need to monitor and check quality certificates. This is due to the fact that low quality material can emit substances hazardous to health. And secondly, such a fence gets dirty very quickly, which can also be considered a disadvantage.
Hedge as a fence
Let's look at several, so to speak, unusual ways to fence your site. Hedges are not so popular in our country. This is more likely due to the fact that it has an unusual design for our mentality. But inside the site, many decide to try this type of fence. The idea is simple, to fence off some part of the site by growing special beautiful plants. Here are some advantages of such fences.
- It has an unusual and special appearance.
- It protects the area well from dust or strong winds.
- With proper care, the service life is practically unlimited.
- Strengthens the soil on the site.
The disadvantages of such a fence are also very serious. Firstly, such a fence is very unreliable and will definitely not give confidence. It may begin to grow unevenly, which will ruin the entire appearance. And secondly, it may suffer from various diseases or pests will appear. Special care that requires not only additional strength, but also money, and no small amount.
Tui. Hedge
Various special plants are used for hedges. They come in different breeds, so we won’t go into detail on this. If you wish, you can find all this on the Internet. But the time of disembarkation matters. First, you need to find out which plant suits your climatic conditions. Secondly, the period from late April to mid-May is considered favorable for planting.
Photo grid for fence
It happens that a budget fence is still intact and can perform its function, but has lost its acceptable appearance. In this case, it is not necessary to redo the entire fence. It is enough to use a photo grid on the fence. This method will not only give your fence an updated look, but will also significantly save you money. The advantages of this method include:
- Updated appearance of the fence.
- Hides all the flaws that were on the fence.
- Has good ventilation properties.
- Easily tolerates high and low temperatures.
The downside is that this does not affect the strength and reliability of the fence itself, but only improves the appearance. and even then not for long. Such an update will last 2-4 years at best.
Photo grid for the fence. Fence update
Such “wallpaper” for a fence works quite simply. A bright image is applied to the photo grid (reinforced PVC base), which, by the way, you can choose yourself. The main thing is that you like it. The design has the structure of small cells and is fastened with decorative rings. Such a photo grid can be used on fences made of many materials, for example, corrugated board, chain-link mesh, metal, concrete and wood. This method is also often used to decorate facades, gazebos and canopies.
Criteria for choosing material for making a fence
A home that is not surrounded by a fence looks vulnerable. A fence placed around the perimeter makes the picture of the site more complete. Today there are many types of materials for making fences. Which one to choose depends on the individual needs of customers: their preferences, financial capabilities, as well as the location of the property.
Before you start developing a design project for a future fence, you should decide on its key functions. It can play a decorative role and only indicate the contours of the local area, or it can be a serious barrier to the penetration of intruders or stray animals. Some owners pursue the goal of sheltering the territory from street dust or extraneous sounds. All these nuances influence the choice of material for making a fence.
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When the goals for installing a fence are identified, it is much easier to select consumables. There are many options on the market now. It will be easier to understand such diversity if you know the advantages and disadvantages of each type.
Before you do this, you need to decide what kind of fence will be - solid or not. A clear advantage of the first option is that no one from the street will see what the owners are doing on the site. However, there are also disadvantages:
- The southern side of the site will be in the shade, which can negatively affect the plants. Moreover, there will be no sun over a fairly large area, since, with the goal of making the area invisible, the height of the fence is chosen to be about two meters.
- A solid hedge is more susceptible to wind, and due to its high altitude, a sail effect is often observed.
If strong winds often blow at the site where a solid fence is installed, then a number of auxiliary measures will have to be taken (except in cases where the material for making the fence is brick or stone):
- reinforced fixation of support pillars: they are dug deeper and concreted;
- a strip of shallow foundation is poured under the fence, to which it is subsequently attached.
A fence that is visible will cost the owners less, and it will be much easier to install - you don’t need to think about strengthening it against the wind, and a large height in this case simply doesn’t make sense. Therefore, if the views of passers-by do not affect your peace of mind, then you can safely install a fence of this type. In addition, in the summer, you can hide from prying eyes, for example, behind the branches of grapes.
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Let's take a closer look at what materials can be used to create a street fencing canvas.
Metal picket fence (Euro picket fence)
Metal picket fence is one of the most popular materials for building fences today. It is affordable, easy to install, and allows you to create a strong and durable fence.
A Euro picket fence is a structure that combines three types of elements: support posts, 2-3 transverse joists and metal strips attached to them. Pickets can have a height from 1.5 to 2 m, the width varies, but the optimal parameter is 120 mm, the shape also comes in different shapes - M-shaped, U-shaped or semicircular.
The strength of the planks is determined by the height of the profile and the thickness of the metal from which they are made, and their durability is determined by the applied coating. Metal strips can be galvanized (this is the most inexpensive option), painted with glossy or matte powder paint, or coated with a polymer composition, which makes the material more expensive, but extends its service life to 50 years.
The pickets are attached to the joists using self-tapping screws or special rivets - even a non-professional can assemble such a fence. The planks can be mounted closely or with a gap between them. To ensure greater security and privacy, they often choose a double-sided staggered fastening method - such a fence will be more expensive, but will look neat on both sides, and will also better protect the area from the wind and prying eyes.
The main parameter that affects the price and service life of a Euro picket fence is its coating.
- Simple galvanized metal strips will cost 30% less and will last 10-15 years.
- Pickets, painted in standard colors (gray, brown) with glossy or matte paint, are in the average price range and retain their working qualities for up to 20-30 years.
- The most expensive and durable would be a fence made of pickets coated with a protective layer of pural, plastisol or PVDF. Pickets with such a coating can last 50 years or more.
You can choose a European picket fence with a decorative wood-look coating - this is also a strong and durable option, which is achieved thanks to the technology of applying a pattern. The galvanized steel sheet is coated with a primer, polyester, a pattern is applied to it, which is protected on top with a polymer - a six-layer coating is obtained that ensures resistance to damage.
So, to summarize: what are the advantages and disadvantages of a metal picket fence?
pros:
- durability of the structure (minimum service life 15-20 years);
- simplicity and speed of installation;
- large selection of coatings and colors, different design options for sections;
- good air exchange and light transmission (when installing pickets in one row, there will be enough light for plants planted near the fence);
- lack of special care, ease of repair;
- resistance to any external influences, including fire;
- wide price range.
Disadvantages (manifest when trying to reduce the cost of the design):
- high visibility of the area when the planks are installed in one row with gaps;
- inexpensive galvanized euro picket fence is less resistant to corrosion;
- wide slats made of thin metal (0.45 mm) can deform under load and are less resistant to wind;
- vertical installation of a large number of elements requires strict adherence to the level, which can cause difficulties if there is no experience.
Advantages and disadvantages of wooden fences
Wood is a beautiful, natural and very inexpensive material, compared to alternatives. Wooden fences are easy to install, because you can install them yourself with a minimum set of tools and fasteners. This applies to both a high continuous fence around the site and small local fences.
Wood definitely requires proper care and is not as durable as metal or brick. It will have to be painted or coated with a protective impregnation annually. But individual damaged sections can be easily replaced without changing the entire structure.
Wooden fences are good for decorating courtyard buildings, flower beds or front gardens. They can be used to separate beds or even make a pen for animals. Depending on the technology, the fence can be transparent, decorative, translucent or solid.
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