As mentioned above, security fencing is one of the oldest types of fencing. It was first used to keep out intruders from a fortified house, and this is still a major consideration for many home owners today. But there are now a very wide range of types of security fencing available and the choice is largely a question of how much security is needed mixed with the how decorative the fence needs to be, if at all. Chain link fencing is very secure, especially when constructed to a high level, though it has very few decorative features and for this reason this fencing type is largely confined to commercial installations such as factories and warehouses, though it can be used in a domestic setting, and the image can be softened somewhat by allowing climbing plants and creepers to cling to it.
For extra security a chain link fence can be topped with barbed wire, though again this is really only needed for the most high-security locations. A good compromise can be to use concrete panel fencing, which can be highly secure, but can be painted or decorated in a way that helps it to fit in with natural surroundings, something particularly important when building security fencing for a garden, where the fence will be surrounded by vegetation. Again, climbing plants can be used to disguise the harsh security look of the fence.
For a secure fence that fits in perfectly with greenery, wood fencing is probably the best choice, especially if strong wooden panels are used, which can be very secure but aesthetic into the bargain. A wooden panel fence has the advantage of also being easy to install, especially when the panels fit into grooves on concrete fence posts. But for an extremely secure fence, a traditional wooden slat fence can be the best. These tend to be more expensive, since they need to be built by a fencing specialist, who will cut the wood to suit the landscape and the level of security required. The posts are usually wooden stakes, and the fence can easily be erected to 6-feet in height. If pine wood is used, or some other light wood such as cedar, the appearance will usually fit in well with the surrounding greenery, though the appearance can be darkened by using a commercial wood stain, or even a wood preservative such as creosote.
Decorative Fencing
If security is not a concern, there’s a wide choice of decorative fencing materials available. One of the most common types of decorative fencing is the ubiquitous picket fence. This offers practically no security whatsoever, but is a very pleasing way to mark the boundary of your land. For a little more security, a higher vinyl fence or bamboo fence can do the job. A bamboo fence, if high enough, can provide decent security though with the natural looks of wood to make for a pleasing effect. The other useful thing about bamboo fencing is that it can be built in such a way as to allow the light to pass through, which can really add to the visual effect of your garden.
One of the most traditional types of decorative fence is that made from cast iron railings, a type which can add a look of grandeur to any situation, especially if used with decorative finials. The downside of this type is the expense, which can easily run into several thousand dollars.
Fencing Materials
The choice of fencing materials is now so broad that just choosing the materials for the fence can be a job in itself. Natural materials are still common and popular. Wood has long been a favorite fencing material, with bamboo, pine and cedar fencing being among the choices. But there are some good fencing material options from among the synthetic materials. Vinyl is popular, since it is inexpensive and can be long-lasting. It also comes in many styles, including lattice and mesh styles. Metal fencing can offer security as well as good looks, and among this type are aluminum fencing, which has the advantages of being lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to maintain. All of these types are readily available from online suppliers or local fencing stores.
As can be seen, there is a huge number of choices in the types and styles of fencing available to the modern home owner or commercial property owner. The main choice to make is whether security is the most important consideration, in which case a strong fencing material such as chain link may be the best choice, or whether decorative fencing is what is needed, in which case a softer material such as bamboo or a simple picket fence may suffice. Once this decision has been made, there is a huge range of choices as to which fencing material will do the job. Take a look at some of our other fencing articles to get a great idea of what is available, and possible for your garden.
