How to Choose the Right Timber Fencing for Your Garden

If you want to install wood fences around your garden, then you have a few decisions to make. It's important to choose the right material, height and design. If you get this right, then your fencing will be more effective.

What do you need to consider?

What Do You Want the Fencing to Do?

Some homeowners simply see their fencing as a way of marking their property boundaries. They don't need anything extra from it. However, some people want their fencing to do a particular job. For example, you may want to use fencing to create privacy in your garden. You may want it to create a security barrier. Or, you may need it to keep your dogs on the property.

Each of these needs influences your ultimate choice of fencing. For example, if you want your fences to work as a privacy screen, then it's a good idea to use block panels that shut off the view. If you have slats with gaps in them, like picket fences, then people can still see in.

Height is also an issue. You get less privacy from over-friendly neighbours if they can pop their heads over your fence to have a chat. A taller fence shuts them out. A fence that is too low is easy for intruders to scale; it also won't keep dogs in the garden if they can jump over it.

So, think about what you want the fence to do. This helps you decide on its design, panel layout and height.

How Sturdy Does the Fencing Need to Be?

While timber fencing is sturdy if it is installed correctly, it can suffer from weather damage. For example, if a fence has to deal with high winds or severe storms, then it might not be able to stay upright.

If you do live in a windy area, then you can strengthen your fencing by choosing a wind-friendly design. Solid panels don't always withstand high winds that well — gusts have nowhere to go, and their force will focus on the panels.

However, if you install fences with slatted gaps or a picket design, then gusts will blow through these spaces. This puts less stress on the fencing. You should also consider installing concrete fence posts to add more stability.

It's also important to buy the right fencing materials. Top-quality fencing timber lasts longer than low-quality products. To find out more, talk to fencing suppliers.