Garden Fence - Research

Research your options and needs before buying a Garden Fence

When it comes to keeping pets in and intruders out, sheltering us from wind, keeping down the sound of traffic, blocking out nosy neighbors, or simply beautifying your garden, you can't beat a fence.

Many of us choose to have fencing because it creates separation between areas and adds structure to the garden. If you are a keen DIY handyperson, constructing a fence can be a moderately easy project to tackle.

Fences can be built in a variety of styles and from a wide selection of materials to suit your budget, and are an ideal spot from which to grow climbing plants, or attach spotlights or decorations. A fence adds resale value to your property and is a functional and individual addition to your garden.

However, when you are actually buying a garden fence the number of different options may be confusing and it can be difficult to decide which is your best buy. The Buyz123 three step guide - Research, Evaluation, Purchase - is designed to assist you in this buying process.

The Research step firstly involves investigating essential features of garden fences available on the market, and secondly identifying your actual needs in a garden fence.

In the Evaluation step you focus on how well the different features of individual garden fences meet your needs, and then how well the most suitable garden fences compare in detail, one to another.

Finally, in the Purchase step, the issues considered are: what to look for when actually buying the garden fence, what questions to ask and what information you should seek on warranty, customer service, and after-sales support.

As you work though the Buyz123 purchase strategy you will clarify your thoughts about your intended purchase, confidently compare garden fences one to another, and then purchase a garden fence that really does meet your needs.

Step: 1 Research

In order to end up with the garden fence best suited to your needs, you have to clearly understand what you are looking for and what options are available to you. This is done by researching in two areas.

Firstly, you research the market to find out what kinds of garden fences are available, familiarizing yourself with the different features, styles and price ranges etc. Secondly, you examine your own unique requirements in a garden fence.

Research the market: Fencing essentials

The first part of the research step is to investigate just what's available in the garden fence market. The range of options can seem daunting, but you can make a good start by understanding the following major features:

Type: You can decide to build a ten-foot high 'fortress' fence around your castle, or a pretty picket fence. The type of fence you choose should draw on the style of your home and surroundings. Once you start leafing through magazines and driving around the neighborhood for ideas, you will find there is a huge selection of fencing to suit every type of home, from contemporary to rustic, traditional to Heritage-listed.

Materials: There are many types of materials commonly used in fencing. These include timber, steel, stone, brick, wire, and natural choices like bamboo, brushwood and cane. Timber is a good all round choice and can be painted or stained, while steel and aluminum fences usually come as large panels to be fitted between fence posts, or slender panels to serve as vertical louvers.

Stone fences are traditional and long-lasting, while brick and cement fences are commonly used for more modern homes. Wire fences are perfect for tennis courts and the like, allowing plenty of air and light through, however they do not block the wind or add privacy.

Brush fencing is becoming more popular with those who like the natural look and you can even use it as a type of cladding on your existing fence in some cases. Bamboo is perfect for small areas where you require privacy. A popular option is to bind together varying lengths of bamboo for a unique look. Lattice, or trellis, is a popular choice for fencing as it acts as a screen to hide unattractive areas, is ideal for growing climbing plants over, and is affordable.

Size: Fences can be built in all shapes and sizes and are of use to everyone, whether you have a very small garden or a rambling country garden. Cosy cottages usually suit pint-size picket fences, while many homes have fences up to six foot high. Naturally, those with mansions usually place a strong emphasis on privacy and security and can get away with higher, more impenetrable fences.

Cost: Depending on the materials you choose for your fence, prices range from very affordable for a lattice fence, to extremely labor intensive and costly for an extensive stone wall. Of course there are many options between the two, popular choices being colorbond or brushwood.

Research your needs: Questions to ask yourself

Now it's time to determine what your requirements are in a garden fence. For example, will you use the garden fence as a decorative divider in your garden, or just to keep the dog out of the vegetable beds?

You can start this process by considering the following questions - as well as any others you think of yourself - and recording your answers.

What has been my experience with garden fences?
	Work out what you did or didn't like about the garden fence. You may be looking for one exactly like it, hoping to upgrade, or even trying to avoid any particular features that you found inconvenient.

What is the main purpose of the fence?
	Maybe you need a fence to keep children and pets in, and stray animals and intruders out, and you need a functional, yet attractive one. Perhaps you want a fence for your pool or a tennis court fence. You could want a fence to grow climbing plants over, or one that you can hang lanterns on or string colored lights along.

How long do I want the fence to last?
	You may want your fence to last twenty years or more, and to add value to your home or, if you have budgeting constraints, you could modify and rebuild as your budget allows. If you will be moving house within a short time, you may not want to spend a large amount on your fence.

What size and style of fence should I construct?
	You might want your fence to be the attraction of the neighborhood or prefer it to merge naturally into its surroundings. Fences come in a vast range of styles so you can choose a fence to suit your home, be it modern, contemporary or rustic. Fences and garden dividers are made to suit large and small gardens, or you could have a street-front fortress wall.

Do I want a fence that I can 'build and forget'?
	Depending on environmental and climate factors, and the materials it is constructed from, some fences require regular maintenance to keep them looking good. If you are not willing to carry out regular maintenance on your fence (cleaning, painting, timber staining, anti-rusting), then make certain you

choose a low maintenance one.

Will I need planning permission?
	It is quite likely you will require a permit to build your fence. If you are unsure of the local regulations, it pays to check with your local authorities or planning office before you begin building your fence. Talk to your neighbors and tell them of your plans; if you are on good terms, and discuss the design and materials with them, they will often pay half of the expenses.

Understanding your needs is the key to a successful purchase and you can revisit your list of needs at any time during the buying process.

Once you complete this Research step, having informed yourself about the essentials of garden fences and identified your needs, you are ready to move on to the next step: Evaluation.


Buyz123.com Research Links:

About Fences

Article on Fencing

Guides/Tutorials

Interactive Fencing Guide

Interactive stone wall tutorial

Types

Natural fencing

Wrought Iron fencing

Timber Fencing

Living Fences

Willow and Bamboo Fencing

Cedar Fencing