Are you looking to upgrade your backyard fencing? This practical guide to choosing a backyard fence will help you make the best choice for your family and lifestyle. In this article, we’ll provide detailed advice on fencing your yard from start to finish, including how to select fencing materials, how to make sure your fencing choice fits with the needs of your family and lifestyle, and what to look for in a fencing company.
What Is The Purpose of Your Backyard Fencing?
Why is the purpose of your new fence? For best results, we recommend having a clear idea of what you wish to accomplish with your fence design. This will help you decide on the best type of fencing for your property.
Privacy
If your aim is to keep neighbours from peering into your home, your fence should be tall with few gaps. Ideally, this fence should complement the aesthetics of your home, creating a space where you can relax away from the bustle of modern life.
Security
Security fencing is the best type of fence if you want your kids and pets to be safely contained in an enclosed yard. If this is the case, we recommend making sure your choice of fence is sturdy, hard to penetrate and perhaps tall in height. A metal fence, such as wrought iron or steel, is best for this purpose.
Boundary marking
If the primary purpose of your fence is to simply mark the boundary or perimeter of your yard, you have a lot of flexibility with the design.
Enhance your curb appeal
If your goal is to boost your property’s value and enhance the appeal of your outdoor space, your priority should be to build a stylish and decorative fence that complements your home’s aesthetics. A well-designed fence can complement the unique characteristics of your home and help create a cohesive look.
Consider what aesthetics you admire in a fence and how the design might suit your home’s architectural style. For inspiration, look at details already present in your home, such as the design of your verandah, your stairs or your garden.
Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- An Art Deco design fence
- A Baroque floral, leaf and clover design
- A Victorian arrow point style fence
- A ‘gold-dipped’ look
- Consider combining multiple materials, such as white brick and polished black wrought iron
- Structured lines with flowing spirals and twists
- Consider local native flora that can be used as inspiration for your backyard fence’s design
Backyard Fencing Design and Fencing Materials
When it comes to privacy fence materials, each style has unique pros and cons.
Timber fencing
Pros
- Easy to install
- Relatively inexpensive
- Give your property a natural look
- Easy to change colour
- Can be oil-treated and stained to withstand weather
Cons
- Can become warped and flimsy from the moist Queensland climate
- Vulnerable to pests such as termites and fungi
- Prone to rotting (especially if set directly into the ground)
- Needs to be painted and coated regularly to prevent the paint from peeling
- Oil treatments need to be applied annually to ensure a long life
- Easy to snap or break
- Not fire resistant
- Must replace warped planks as needed
Masonry fencing
Pros
- Solid, durable and strong
- Low maintenance
- Fire-resistant
- For an elegant finish that saves on cost, you can install masonry brick columns with wrought iron fencing panels in between.
Cons
- Most expensive fencing option
- Labour intensive to install with a high labour cost
- Can take a long time to install
- Mortar joints can work loose and require re-pointing to stabilise and maintain the fence
Vinyl fencing
Pros
- Economical and relatively easy to install
- Easy upkeep (requires minimal cleaning)
- Resistant to peeling and cracking
- No painting required
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- Limited styles
- Not durable to high winds
- Lower-end vinyl fences can fade in the sunlight and warp
Wrought iron fencing
Pros
- Extremely durable, strong and resilient
- Classic and beautiful style
- More long-lasting than other fence types
- Can be custom-designed with intricate, ornate or creative patterns
- Able to withstand rain, hailstorms, heavy crosswinds and UV sun rays without warping or deteriorating
- Rust-resistant
- Require minimal maintenance
- Eco-friendly
- Difficult to break and offers a high level of security
- An aesthetically pleasing patina develops on wrought iron over time due to oxidation
Cons
- Difficult to DIY install, so must be installed by a qualified fencing contractor
Backyard Fencing For Dogs
Backyard fencing for dogs should be sturdy and difficult to penetrate. Since dogs cannot easily chew through metal, metal or wrought iron fencing is a great choice. There are two main considerations:
Your fence should be tall if you have a ‘jumper’ breed. The fence poles should be sunk deep into the ground to prevent your dog from digging underneath or tunnelling their way to freedom.
Fence Installation
If you want to have the perfect fence built – one that is appealing, durable, and meets all your requirements – it’s important to hire an expert to install it. Here are the most important questions to ask when interviewing and deciding which fencing contractor to hire:
- How many years of experience do you have installing fences?
- Can you customise my fence’s design?
- Do you have a long-term guarantee on your fence materials to certify their quality?
- What type of warranty is offered for the fence material?
- What type of warranty is there on workmanship?
- What is the time frame of the job from start to finish?
- Are you licensed and insured, and can you provide proof?
- Do you have a portfolio of completed projects I can see?
- Do you have a list of references I can contact?
The team at Prestige Wrought Iron has expertise in all types of backyard fencing and installation. Check out the online gallery for inspiration, or talk to a consultant about your ideal backyard fence design.