20 Jul Exploring the Different Types of Fencing for Your Garden Landscaping
A garden fence that can withstand the harsh outback sun and the wild coastal storms while complementing your Hydrangea bushes—now, that’s a tricky thing to find. Believe me, I’ve been there, squinting against the glare of glossy brochures, comparing wood types, lattice designs, and paint finishes till they all blurred into a single, indistinguishable fencepost. Do I go for the timeless charm of the Picket, which might just send me on a painting spree every few summers? Or maybe a Hardifence for its well-known resilience, but then again, does it really speak ‘me’? What about Colorbond, with its range of modern hues, but do I want my fence to steal the thunder from my carefully curated rose collection? It’s like being stuck in a maze of wooden panels and steel sheets with no gate in sight.
Just when I thought I had nailed myself into a proverbial fencing conundrum, the answer appeared, almost magically, amidst the maze. It turns out, Australia’s fencing market is as diverse as its flora. It doesn’t matter if you’re protecting your herb garden in Perth or setting a boundary for your backyard barbie spot in Brisbane, there’s a fence for every need, every style, and every Aussie weather tantrum. So, join me as I take you on a journey, exploring the sturdy, the stylish, and the downright practical options in garden fencing. Because, after all, your fence is more than just the frame to your garden’s masterpiece—it’s part of the masterpiece itself. Let’s find that missing piece in your landscaping puzzle, the perfect fence for your unique Australian garden.
1. Wood Fencing
There’s a charm about wooden fences that simply can’t be replicated. Whether you’re eyeing a quaint cottage look or a more robust, ranch-style perimeter, wood fencing is like the old, trusty claw hammer in your toolbox – it’s been around forever, it’s versatile, and it can add an unbeatable touch of character to your garden landscape.
Just as you would rummage through the aisles of your local hardware store, deliberating over which shade of white to paint your living room, choosing the right wood for your fence can be equally, if not more, daunting. From the stalwart pine and the fragrant cedar, to the resilient redwood, the affordable cypress, or the dense spruce, each has its own strengths and hues to harmonize with your Aussie garden.
But, let’s not overlook the caveat of wood fencing—it’s like that beautiful, rustic, wooden dining table that everyone adores but demands your time and elbow grease. Wooden fences do require maintenance. They need to be treated, stained or painted to prevent decay and damage from insects or harsh weather. That said, when maintained well, they’re like that well-polished antique wooden armoire, aging gracefully, and even taking on a more distinguished character over time.
Here’s another twist. Wood fencing can be a bit like a house renovation project—you get the fun of customization, but also the nagging decisions that go along with it. From board on board, split rail, to picket or privacy fences, the design choices can seem endless. However, that also means you get to create a unique look that’s tailored to your home and garden, much like choosing the right crown molding to finish off a room.
Just like the seasoned home-improver who wouldn’t lay a new deck without considering the local climate, when opting for a wood fence, you need to factor in your area’s weather conditions. In Australia’s diverse climate, a wood fence might require a little extra TLC. The fierce Aussie sun, coastal sea-spray or the dry inland air can be challenging on your fence, so picking the right wood species and proper treatment is crucial.
2. Vinyl Fencing
In the gardening world, I’ve always thought of vinyl fencing as the chameleon of garden bordering. Like the colour-changing creature itself, vinyl fences can adapt to almost any style, shape, and colour you want. It’s like having a trusty multi-tool in your shed that could become a saw, a screwdriver, or a pair of pliers whenever you need.
So, what makes this fence our garden’s best dressed? Just like that crisp white shirt or that little black dress in your wardrobe, vinyl fencing is versatile, fitting seamlessly whether you’re going for a minimalist modern aesthetic, a warm cottage look, or a regal Victorian feel. The range of styles is vast. You want a classic picket fence, or perhaps a privacy fence with lattice detail? Vinyl fencing has got you covered. And the colour palette? It’s like stepping into an artist’s studio, with every hue from earth tones to white to even a daring black.
But enough with the aesthetics. How does vinyl fencing hold up in the harsh Australian sun? Well, this is no wilting flower. These fences are a sunflower standing tall against the heat. They are built to last, with a resistance to the sun’s UV rays that leaves traditional wooden fences greying and weather-worn. This toughness isn’t just skin deep. Vinyl fences are five times stronger than their wooden counterparts and four times more flexible. Now, that’s a fencing Hercules.
The installation of a vinyl fence is a breeze—just imagine it as a pleasant Saturday afternoon DIY project. Most come in pre-assembled panels, so all you need is to secure the posts and attach the panels. It’s as easy as assembling a flat-pack bookshelf, but with the satisfaction of seeing your garden transform before your eyes.
Now, no fence is perfect, and vinyl is no exception. While it requires less elbow grease in the maintenance department than say a timber fence that constantly needs a touch-up, it’s not completely hands-off. Picture it as a low-maintenance houseplant. It doesn’t need daily watering, but you will need to give it a good hose down occasionally to keep it looking fresh. It might be a bit more costly upfront than some other materials, but this is a buy once, relax forever kind of deal. Consider it an investment in endless backyard BBQs without the fuss of constant fence repairs.
So, when you’re planning your Australian garden haven, think of vinyl fencing as your faithful sidekick or is your in New Zealand go to fencing Christchruch. The chameleon that can match your style, the sunflower that can face the heat, and the multi-tool that’s got the strength and flexibility to handle what life throws its way. For a fence that works just as hard at looking good as it does at standing strong, vinyl is hard to beat.
3. Colorbond Steel Fencing
I admit, when it comes to fencing, there’s a certain nostalgic appeal to the classic wooden picket or the sturdy brick wall. But you know what? When I found Colorbond Steel Fencing, I had to bid adieu to my nostalgic tendencies. Why? Imagine finding a fencing solution as durable as a redwood and as sturdy as a brick wall, yet sleeker and more colorful. That’s Colorbond for you, folks! Akin to finding a contractor who can transform your landscaping Wellington into a magazine-cover oasis.
Consider this: your fence is the first line of defense against the elements, prying eyes, and those cheeky neighborhood pets. It’s got to be tough, yes. But who says tough can’t also be stylish? With Colorbond, you don’t have to compromise.
Colorbond Steel Fencing is a marvel, offering the resilience of steel, but with a range of colors that would put a rainbow to shame. It’s like the perfect power-tool – reliable, versatile, and good-looking to boot. From a chic Slate Grey to a vibrant Red Ochre, you’ve got options to make your garden’s outer shell pop or blend, whatever suits your aesthetics.
Now, let’s talk about maintenance. One word – minimal. It’s the kind of low-effort, high-reward situation that us home improvement folks dream about. Much like laying down artificial turf – set it and forget it, but still get the satisfaction of a pristine lawn. Thanks to its baked-on paint finish and tough steel base, Colorbond fencing stands up against the elements like a champion. It won’t warp in the heat or rot in the damp – it’s your ever-ready, all-weather garden sentinel.
The durability of Colorbond Steel Fencing is stellar. They are the last line of defense, after all, akin to a top-notch security system for your home. I like to think of it as a loyal Doberman – tough and protective, always there for you, no matter what. And the bonus? No need to replace these fences every couple of years. They’re a long-term companion for your garden, offering you peace of mind and giving you more time to focus on the fun part – your landscaping projects.
4. Chain Link Fencing
We often look at our home improvement choices like a garden party buffet – you want a little bit of everything. You want something that looks good, but you also need it to do the work. Just like the potato salad that holds its own next to the gourmet quiche, the Chain Link Fencing might not win the beauty pageant, but it’s the dependable stalwart of the fencing world.
Chain Link Fencing is that solid go-to, like your trusty drill you wouldn’t dream of replacing. It’s as versatile as a Swiss Army Knife, perfectly at home guarding your rose beds, marking property lines, or providing a safe space for your bounding labrador. From urban backyards to rural expanses, chain link fences are a mainstay, doing the heavy lifting when it comes to secure, low-maintenance options.
The strength of a chain link fence lies in its simplicity. Much like the durable screws we love for our woodworking projects, chain link fences come in a range of gauges. From lightweight 14-gauge for casual residential use to heavy-duty 6-gauge for industrial settings. Just as you’d choose a screw, you choose the gauge that fits your needs.
Coating options? We’ve got those too. Like the varnish on your freshly refurbished hardwood floor, coating on a chain link fence not only prolongs its life but adds that much-needed style. Galvanised for longevity, vinyl-coated for aesthetics, or even powder-coated for a bit of both.
When it comes to cost-effectiveness, chain link fencing is that bargain power tool with surprising versatility. It’s an inexpensive, robust option that, with the right maintenance, can serve you for 10-20 years. It’s the DIY spirit in fence form – functional, economical, and long-lasting.
But what about privacy? Chain link fences may be the open-plan kitchen of the fence world, but with some clever add-ons, it’s easy to create a sense of seclusion. Slats, shade clothes, or even a fast-growing vine can transform your chain link fence into a private haven.
However, a chain link fence is like our beloved garden gnome, it’s not to everyone’s aesthetic taste. It’s got an industrial edge, a simplicity that doesn’t scream ‘high design’. Yet, it’s this very practicality and resilience that earns it a steady stream of respect in the landscaping world.
5. Composite Fencing
Have you ever experienced the thrill of standing at the paint aisle, dizzy from the endless options of white? Eggshell, ivory, chalk, pearl? It’s similar to that daunting moment when you’re exploring the vast world of fencing options. Do you go traditional with wood? Or do you stick with the tried-and-true strength of metal? However, there’s a new kid on the block which might just tick all your boxes – composite fencing.
Composite fencing is a bit like the secret ingredient in grandma’s legendary apple pie. It’s a blend of different materials, typically plastic and wood, moulded together under heat and pressure to create a fencing material that boasts the best of both worlds. This Frankenstein-esque fence gives you the warmth and aesthetic charm of timber with the durability of plastic. It’s the yin and yang of fencing materials.
And the pros? They are as numerous as power tools in a seasoned DIY enthusiast’s garage.
One, it’s resistant to everything your typical Aussie weather can throw at it. The scorching summer sun or the occasional downpour, composite fencing stands firm. Say goodbye to rot, insects, and warping. It’s like decking out your garden with its very own superhero shield.
Two, it’s practically maintenance-free. No need for those labor-intensive and time-consuming treatments that other fences demand. It’s like having a self-cleaning oven — put it up, give it the occasional clean, and it’s as good as new.
Three, it’s as green as your well-manicured lawn. Composite fencing utilises recycled plastic and wood, reducing the need for new raw materials. It’s a nod to Mother Earth every time you gaze out of your kitchen window.
But, just like a renovation reality TV show, there’s always a bit of drama. The downside? Composite fencing tends to be a bit pricier upfront than its purebred cousins. It’s the high thread count Egyptian cotton sheets of the fencing world. But remember, quality and durability come with a price tag.
Compared to other materials, it’s like the multitool in your shed. It has the appeal and versatility of wood, the low-maintenance and resilience of vinyl, and the eco-friendliness to boot. Its Superman qualities of being strong and practically immune to damage make it far superior to its kryptonite equivalents.
Conclusion
So, here we are, standing in front of a wall of options at our local hardware heaven, scratching our heads and wondering which one to get. Truth is, you can’t go wrong with any of the aforementioned fencing option. They’ve all got a fair dinkum Aussie spirit in them. Just like your backyard, they’re tough, ready to take on anything, and damn good looking. It’s not about finding the ‘best’ fence—it’s about finding the best fence for you. And once you’ve figured that out, you’ll realise you’ve won the backyard battlefield before the first post even hits the ground