Fence Types

Let's start with the reason you need or want a fence around your property, this reason may be different for different people, but identifying your main requirements in the fences functionality will play a big part in the type of fence you should go for.

Privacy: This is probably the most common reason people want a fence as it allows us to have a little slice of the land that is ours and where we are free to be ourselves without the judgement of others.

​When you are relaxing in your garden you do not want everyone walking by to be able to see you and your family and a fence is a great way to keep unwanted eyes out your garden. 

Wooden or composite panel fences are best if privacy is your main priority as they offer a solid barrier to the line of site into your garden.

Metal: There are a number of popular types of metals used in fencing. Aluminium, steel, wrought iron and chain link are some of the more common types.

While chain link is cost effective and good at keeping in larger animals, it is not the best looking so is not often used in residential properties.

Steel and aluminium are great for security as they are durable and touch, making them hard to cut or break, they can also be moulded into points at the top to prevent people from climbing the fence.

Wrought Iron fences are often used where aesthetics and appearance are the most important requirement. They offer good security too but come with quite a high price tag.
The main downside of metal ences is that they are more expensive and do not offer a lot of privacy as they are typically build with gaps between each piece allowing passes by to see into the property. 

Composite: A fairly new material compared to the others, composite fences are a mixture of wood and plastic that can be moulded into a number of different shapes and designs to look almost like real wood.

​The advantages of composite are that they are lower maintenance, and a good quality one can last a long time, up to 20 years even, they are also a greener option as are usually made from recycled plastic.

The downside is that they generally cost a little more than wood but may save you money in the long run. 

Fence Styles

Wooden panel: Starting with the most popular residential fence style, we have the panel fence, which is made up of a number of wooden planks that are overlapped to form typically a 6' by 6' panel that is fixed into a post on either side.

The advantage of this fence is privacy and security as they have no gaps for wondering eyes to peer into and the height can make them difficult to climb over. 

Picket: Another wooden fence that is used more for aesthetics then for functionality, this is a popular fence for front lawns where people are more concerned with curb appeal then they are with privacy and the protection of the property. 

Trellis and Screening: A nice way to finish of a garden is by using a trellis or screening that can have plants woven through allowing for greenery to sit at the top of the fence, typically these would not be used on their own as property perimeters but are a great accompaniment for other styles.

Palisade: When security is priority, a palisade fence is the way to go, made of aluminium or steel the fence is made of vertical pales that are fixed to a horizontal beam to provide a sturdy, very difficult to penetrate fence that can also look quite pleasing if finished nicely.   

Chain link: If looks are not important but keeping animals in or out is then chain link is an affordable style of fence that can give you what you are looking for.

​Made up of wire that is woven together in a way to form links, the fence is strong and but as it is not solid, does not impose too much on a natural landscape. 

So hopefully this brief overview helps you when it comes to deciding on a type of fence but please feel free to give our Guildford fencing team and call for further advice and a free no obligations quote. 

We can also give you advice on the various different types of garden gates that you can chose from.