in this article
A fence is both the border and the face of your property – therefore fencing installation should be planned carefully.
Whether you want an ornamental fence, a wooden picket fence for the front of your property, or a less visible chain link fence for the back garden – it’s important to have it professionally installed. There are a huge variety of fencing designs, materials and options available to suit the design of your home and garden.
Types of fencing
The style of your fencing depends on its use, as well as on the desired design which should match the overall look of your home. The fence function is an even more important consideration, as it determines the demands regarding durability, strength, size and visibility. Among the most common fence types are:
- Chain link fences: fairly cheap and durable, they usually come in a coloured plastic coating. Mainly installed in less visible areas like the back yard.
- Picket fences: picket fences can come in wood or vinyl, often in plain white or in natural wood colours – but any colour is possible.
- Ornamental fences: this type is normally made of metal, often in bespoke designs. Ornamental fences will mostly be found at the front of the property.
- Walls: walls provide visual protection and are often stronger than fences. They can be made of bamboo, wood, concrete, rocks or other material.
- Railings: smaller fences that can be used for decks, pools or other separated areas. Railings come in most common materials like wood, metal or uPVC.
Materials for fencing
Wood, metal or uPVC will be used for most regular fences, while other materials can be used for walls or 
for rather individual fences. Depending on the material you choose there are different demands regarding maintenance and design possibilities:
- Wood fences: For a natural appearance, usually wood fences are the right choice. Wood can be used for picket fences or for railings as well. Wood will require maintenance, such as painting and sealing, to protect the fence from weather and humidity.
- Metal fences: there are different types of metal fences for different areas like the front or the back yard, such as ornamental or chain link fences. The metal can be coated or coloured for durability and for individual designs. Depending on the price range and other factors like weight, the materials used for the fence can include steel or aluminium.
- uPVC fences: uPVC fences do not require a lot of maintenance, they merely have to be cleaned on a regular basis. This makes them the most durable choice for fencing installation. UPVC fencing can also include a metal core for increased strength.
For individual designs and ideas there is a range of other materials, such as such as bamboo or reed fencing that combine visual protection with an organic look. Stone walls and decorated concrete walls can fit perfectly with your garden design.
Fencing installation Cost
The cost of fencing depends largely on how much and what type of material you choose. Aluminium ornamental fences can come as cheap as £50 per segment of about 1 metre length, while steel ornamental fences will cost about twice as much. Chain link fence comes in rolls of about 15 metres length that can be as cheap as £40 each.
UPVC fences start around £40 for a two metre segment. A segment of wood fence will cost from around £20 depending on the design and on the type of wood you choose. Additional costs include posts and gates. Specialists for fencing installation can advise you on costs and help you find the right fence. Digging the post holes and installing a fence on uneven ground requires experience and is a lot of work, therefore it is advisable to hire a professional fencer.
image credit: RemodelingGuy.net, owtdoor.com