Garden Fencing Ideas: Wood panels, chain link fences and more

Which type of garden fencing is best for me?

If you want privacy from neighbors, then wood panels is the most common option. These garden fencing panels can be fitted on concrete panels and slotted concrete posts, or wood posts. If possible go for pressure treated wood as it will last longer, especially if not using a concrete base. Pressure treated wood won't need painting as often too. There will be local fence manufacturers that will sell reasonable priced panels, or there are designer panels from catalogs. The former will be far cheaper and usually does the job well enough. 

Most people will go for 6ft high garden fencing in the rear and 3 or 4ft at the front of the house. Old wood panels can be made to look better by painting them or attaching some trellis to the front and growing a climbing plant up it. Trellis is also a good idea on top of a fence to allow extra light and a nicer look. In the UK there are 2 standard types of panel: heavy duty wane lap with uneven horizontal strips, and vertical board (or feather board) with neater looking vertical strips. At the front of a house many people will go for picket fencing (vertical bars) as it is more attractive and privacy isn't such a concern at the front.

How much does a wood fence cost? Well this depends of the style of the garden fencing panels. Also height, and the ground (concrete is much harder to dig through than soil, so will cost extra). A rough estimate for a basic 6ft length garden fence panel/section is around 65 pounds or $100. Prices will quickly soar if the job is small, digging is tough, or if you require anything other than a bog standard job.

Alternative garden fencing ideas to wood panels are tailor made wood fences. These are built on site and are perfect for properties on a hill because the top doesn't need to be staggered. They are popular on building sites, but without the right tools they are time consuming to build.

Chain link fencing is the green mesh you see around tennis courts. It is mostly attached to green metal posts and can be fitted at any height (within reason). The advantage over wood panels is that this type of garden fencing is green to match foliage and trees and shrubs will actually grow through it. This makes a garden secure without having to see a fence. If it is not fitted near a hedge it is still not easy to see, but is not very strong so will bend and drop if kids will be climbing over it.

Chain link fencing is mainly used to keep dogs in, it can be attached to the ground with special staples to stop animals getting under it. However some dogs will dig under a chain link fence so it maybe worth considering an invisible dog fence too or instead. Chain link fences are usually on a par with wood panels but can be much cheaper over longer distances.

Wire mesh is a poor mans chain link. It can be bought from hardware stores and is usually attached to thin wood stakes pushed into the ground. It will always bend and sag, and rarely lasts very long. Wire mesh is fine as a temporary measure, like keeping a puppy in a certain area but there are far better long term solutions.

Vinyl fences are a new trend. They are made from new lightweight plastic fibers and actually do the job pretty well. They outlast most wood panels, but don't always look very natural. There are some decent suppliers around, so if you can see examples before buy, try them out. Do seek assurances on last ability with a vinyl fence as some seem to come with poor fittings.