Don’t Sit On The Fence

You may think fences are boring and not an important element of your garden. However, you would be wrong! There are lots of benefits of a good fence from creating a boundary and keeping your garden secure to creating a beautiful backdrop and being a design feature in itself. Here are just a few of the styles we can design and build to transform your boundaries…

Fences are important backdrops in garden transformations

Vertically slatted fence

Probably the most common of fences, and most often the fence of choice in new developments. The vertical slatted fence can give a good, neutral back drop to your garden. If you are looking for additional security and privacy, we recommend considering double slatting your fence. Or, if you want something just a little different, try varying the widths of the slats you use – have a section of normal widths with a section of narrower slats in between to create a “designer” look very simply.

Vertically slatted fence

Horizontally slatted fence

Horizontal fences immediately give a more modern, designer feel to a garden. Whether you splash out on beautiful cedar wood or simply use soft wood in a horizontal pattern rather than the usual verticals, you will create a fantastic modern background. To finish off the “designer look” leave gaps between each slats. As with verticals, these can be single or double slatted.

Horizontally slatted fence

Raised fence

In some instances it can be a good idea to create a raised fence. This is normally when you already have an attractive boundary such as an old wall but you would like more privacy above this feature. By putting the fence on “stilts” we can raise the height of your boundary without losing an important feature within your garden.

Raised fence

Ranch style fencing

Another common choice, the ranch style fence can provide a rustic charm to a garden. A good choice in more rural settings  where it is built with gaps in a “post and rail style” and is suitable where privacy is less of an issue and you can avoid the feeling of being hemmed in. They are commonly used in urban environments with no gaps between the slats giving more privacy. However, the ranch fence is an easy one to scale so not great from a security perspective.

Ranch style fence

Screen fencing

Using fencing to create a screen can hide a multitude of sins. Whether its the back of an old garage, your utility area or just an ugly view, a screen can immediately turn the ugly into the beautiful and create a look more expected in the Côte d’Azur. You can choose your materials and colour but whatever you choose you can be assured of an immediate solution to your problem.

A screen fence

Trellis fence

Trellis is a great way to add height and interest to a fence or create a boundary. It can be added to an existing boundary to give additional privacy without being too imposing. Or use trellis panels to screen off certain areas of the garden or to create “rooms”. Growing climbers up the trellis makes it look even prettier and adds to your privacy.

A trellis fence

Log fence

Log fences are fantastic if you don’t need to create too much of a screen between you and your neighbours. Or they can be a feature within the garden. They are perfect if you are fortunate enough to live somewhere with no neighbours beyond as the log fence creates a boundary which blends perfectly with the views beyond.  Consider short versions of this as a boundary to a kids’ play area.

A log fence

Bespoke fence

Particularly in front gardens, you may want to create a real statement which will wow the neighbours – and that is where a bespoke option may be just the answer. It may be different types of timbers, different shapes of timber,  curving, different paint colour – there are a whole host of options out there and you can be sure to stand out from the rest.

A bespoke fence

Picket fence

For many, the picket fence is the epitomy of middle-class suburban life and has a colonial feel to it. Traditionally painted white, the picket fence remains a popular choice in the UK as well as in the States.

A picket fence

Willow or bamboo panels

Willow and bamboo fences have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their easy construction and affordability and can add a rustic feel to your garden. They can be bought in panels and attached to uprights to create a natural backdrop to your garden. They can be used as a boundary or as a screen within the garden. The bamboo panels can be quite lightweight so may not be as long lasting as other options. As they are lightweight they need to be secured to a rigid framework.  You can get lots of other timber fence panels too, to suit taste and budget. They won’t last as long as a hand made fence though so bear that in mind.

A willow fence

Perspex sheets

If you are looking to create a very contemporary garden and you want something a bit different, why not consider introducing some coloured perspex sheets into your garden. They will certainly create a wow-factor and look particularly impressive at night when lit up. These are most effective used as features within the garden. You can also use clear perspex effectively on balconies.

Perspex panels

There are, of course, many more fences you can consider and they can easily be adapted to create a designer look or to suit your lifestyle. From fences with climbing walls and inset blackboards to inbuilt designer shelving or green walls there are countless ways to make your fence unique. We are happy to meet with you to discuss your needs and agree a fence which will suit the style of your garden and meet your requirements – just don’t sit on the fence!

Best wishes,

All at Vialii