Fences - seems easy. Grab a few panels and a hammer, and away you go, surely?
Sadly, it’s not quite like that. There’s a lot that goes into some quality fence building - not least understanding the regulations involved.
Before you go off all gung-ho and likely to make a costly mistake, let us help you out.
Planning Your Fence
Fences have been the cause of many neighbour disputes - some of which have ended quite nastily. So, planning is a crucial step.
Check the Regulations
We can’t tell you the exact regulations you’ll face because your locality can change the specifics. But as a general rule of thumb, you need to understand that there will be height restrictions and other planning permissions.
Height restrictions tend to be 1m high in a front garden (that is about 3ft in old money) and 2m (6ft) in the back. Happily, the panels that you can buy will be suited for this regulation.
You will need planning permission if you want to erect a fence taller than this, and that includes the top trellis, so don’t make the mistake of adding some additional fencing on the top of the main structure and thinking you’ll get away with it!
If the building next to you is a listed building, there may be other restrictions, too. It is always best to check with the local council planning department just to make sure, as it can be expensive - and frustrating - to take down - especially if you did a good job putting it up!
Check Your Property Boundaries
It’s a funny thing, but people can get especially fired up over even a few cm of encroachment. It’s important to make sure you have checked the building plans not only to check a property’s boundary but also to make sure you’re actually responsible for the fence! People assume that you’re responsible for the left-hand fence, but this is actually a myth, and it can vary depending on the agreement at the time. Look for a “T” or “H” mark on the plans to signify your fence responsibilities.
If you’re not certain, then seek professional help. A quick consultation is a lot cheaper than a dragged out border dispute!
Speak to Your Neighbours
Not only is this polite - it’s sensible. A quick chat with your neighbours will clear the air, and make sure they’re on board with the work (most of the time, they will be, after all, they’re getting a new fence, too, and they don’t have to pay for it!).
Selecting Your Fence
When choosing your fence, think about the following:
- The size of your garden - A dominating fence is just that: dominating! You don’t want an imposing structure that shadows and ruins your garden. Think about what actually suits you before going ahead.
- The style of your home - If you have a particular style for your home, then it’s wise to get a fence to match. Good fence aesthetics will add value to your property.
- Your budget - Many people will put budget first, but we recommend against that. While budget is a key element of any project, do consider how the fence will look and feel rather than just plumping for the cheapest materials. Fence materials like solid oak posts or quality Thermo Ayous panels make a lot of difference.
- Maintenance - A fence isn’t simply a put-it-up-and-forget project. If it was, you wouldn’t be replacing the old one! Looking after your fence means coating it to protect it from the weather, plus the occasional weeding around it or other clean-up. Consider what the maintenance will be before ploughing ahead.
- Planning restrictions - We’ve mentioned this above, but when thinking about the style and materials of your fence, have another think about any planning restrictions.
Choosing from the Common Fence Styles
There are as many different fence styles as there are fences, but we’re assuming you’re not looking to put up a barbed wire monstrosity that makes your home feel like a prison!
When it comes to pleasing fences that enhance a home, the following are the most common:
Vertical Board Fencing (including Closeboard or Featheredge)
Made with tight boards placed side-by-side, this fence type creates a strong and durable barrier. The closeboard type uses overlapping boards, with featheredge fencing using tapered panels for easier overlapping.
Larchlap (also known as Overlap Fencing)
These are horizontal overlapping boards, typically fixed to vertical oak posts. The horizontal design and overlap allows rainwater to fall away easily, making them less likely to rot. They are also cost-effective and easy to install.
Picket or Palisade Fencing
Picket fences don’t have to be white, but that’s the type you probably think of! Vertical wooden boards (they’re the ‘pickets’) are evenly spaced and attached to horizontal bars. Great for marking the boundary, but not as private as other types.
Slatted Panel Fencing
A modern and contemporary aesthetic, slatted panels are horizontal strips fixed to vertical oak posts. With plenty of flexibility in the size of slats and gaps, these can be tailored to fit many design preferences.
Lattice or Trellis Fencing
Lattices are criss-cross patterns of thin wooden strips, typically used as decorative fencing that supports growing vine-like plants. Great for light passages and developing the landscaping of your garden, not so good for private barriers between neighbours.
Tongue and Groove Fencing
Made with wooden boards with interlocking edges, tongue and groove boards are fitted tightly together, making a solid fence panel. Excellent for privacy and for noise reduction.
Choosing Your Materials
Fence Battens and Panels
You need to pick the right materials for your fence panels. While hardwoods make good supports (oak posts are a favourite!), really, you want to consider larch, western red cedar, or thermo-ayous when it comes to the panel. At EO Burton, we always have these versatile materials in stock.
- Larch is naturally durable and weather-resistant. It has a beautiful reddish-brown colour that ages gracefully.
- Western Red Cedar is low maintenance as it’s naturally resistant to rot, decay, and even insects thanks to its oils and tannins. The distinctive warm colour adds elegance to the outside of any home.
- Thermo-Ayous is a thermally-modified wood for enhanced durability and stability. Providing a sleek, modern appearance, it’s low maintenance and strongly resistant to rot and insects.
Posts
When it comes to posts, we recommend beautiful wooden oak posts - we even wrote a recent blog about them, which you can read here.
But you don’t have to use wood. Concrete is another durable material that will keep your fence in place for many years, even decades.
Treatments
Don’t forget you’re going to need to treat and paint or stain your fence - not only to make it look just perfect but also to increase its longevity.
Your fence is an investment, so it’s worth spending the little extra money and time to give it an extended lease of life.
A great range of stains and oils are available - speak to us at E O Burton to learn more.
It’s Fencing Time!
Armed with this expertise, your fencing project should go forward smoothly, but if you do have any questions or are unsure about any aspect of putting up a fence, don’t hesitate to contact us and speak to one of our experts.