Deciding which type of fencing is required has to be based on both aesthetic and practical needs; no one wants to end up looking at a fence for years to come that fails to fit in with your overall garden design. If a fence doesn’t achieve the level of privacy you want or simply isn’t durable enough also need to be taken into account prior to reaching a final decision.
Prefabricated panels
Pros
Fencing panels can be one of the most economical ways of defining a boundary and can last for years in the right circumstances. With a range of options from basic horizontally overlapped larch lap panels through vertically overlap feather edge close board panels up to contemporary slatted or tongue and groove panels allows sufficient choice that can usually meet most aesthetic requirements.
Cons
Some of the cheaper options aren’t as long lasting as might be wanted and may not be suitable for exposed locations. Since panels are rectangular in shape a “stepped” look would be inevitable if garden slopes to any degree.
Close board built on site
Pros
Closeboard fencing built on site creates a very durable and long lasting boundary. Owing to a construction assembling separate components any changes in height/direction or accommodating trees etc on boundary line can be fairly easily resolved. Close board fencing follows the contours of the ground so will avoid the “stepped” look. Future replacement of any constituent parts isn’t a problem.
Cons
Initial cost is slightly higher and installation can take around 20%-30% longer than panel fencing.
Posts
Concrete or timber posts can be used whatever fencing is chosen; both will be anchored to a depth of 600mm in mixed concrete. Aesthetically timber posts would normally be chosen over concrete posts. Although whilst concrete is less attractive and slightly more expensive it will offer a far longer life.
Trellis
Standard square trellis or contemporary horizontal trellis can be installed to any fencing option. Timber dimensions, size of squares and gaps can be constructed to your requirements.