A fence is distinguished from a wall by the specific materials used in its construction. A fence, in particularly, are usually lighter in construction compared to walls which are normally made from heavy and robust materials.

Fences are erected for the following primary reasons:

• Marking boundaries
• Security
• Privacy
• Decoration
• Agricultural purposes – to keep livestock safe and predators out

Fences differ in size, strength and design and can both be temporary or permanent in nature. The type of fencing materials used, however, indicates the primary use thereof.

Types of Fencing Materials

A variety of fencing materials are readily available to the consumer market. Fencing materials can include the following:

• Glass
• Wood
• Stone
• Rock
• Cement
• Wire
• Chain link
• Aluminium
• Metal
• Wrought iron
• Vinyl
• hedge
• Electric fencing

Glass fencing, for example, is one of the more contemporary ways to fence in or around the home as it doesn’t intrude on space, and is highly durable and rust free. Chain link and wrought iron don’t do much for privacy, but is effective in keeping introducers out while hedge and bamboo fences are great for privacy, but can easily be felled. A fence can even be constructed from a combination of materials including electricity to deter intruders and set off alarms. Wire, such as barbed wire, on the other hand works great as temporary fences which, in the case of emergencies can be erected very quickly.
Each material has its benefits and therefore your choice plays an important role.

Fencing Considerations

There are a few considerations which have to be kept in mind when choosing fencing materials. These include:

• Purpose
• Budget
• Climate
• Risks
• Legal aspects

The purpose is a primary consideration. If the wrong fencing materials are used, valuable resources such as money, time and energy would have been wasted. The various materials are priced differently and are based on ease of availability, manufacturing requirements, demand and supply. Glass and electrical fencing, for example, have obvious risks involved and therefore are subject to much more stringent manufacturing and installation standards, compared to hedge fences for example. In residential areas, certain fencing materials may not be allowed while fence dimensions will have to comply with other regulations such as maximum height etc. It would therefore be wise to attain which regulations apply, and where necessary, council approval obtained. Certain materials such as wood may just not be compatible with the climate type, and could demand higher maintenance and incur higher costs.

Installation and Maintenance

The function or purpose of the fence will gauge whether a professional should be hired to erect it, or whether it is small enough to handle as a D.I.Y project. Garden fences could be easily made in a short period of time, where no to low maintenance may be required.

Larger projects, especially involving fences being erected for security or agricultural purposes, should be left to the professionals. Detailed warranties, guarantees, safety and installation practices accompany such fencing types as it protects both the service provider and the client.

Fence posts are normally erected at set intervals in order to provide a surface on which the fencing material is attached. Different fencing materials will have different maintenance requirements and should be fully understood.

Choosing a Supplier

As with any purchase, thought should be given to the possible choice in supplier, and here the function of the fence again plays a primary role. Obtain various quotes for similar products and compare prices, warrantees and guarantees offered. Reputable suppliers will know their products and will ensure that feasible advice is given when required. Determine your needs, and invest in planning before making a choice in fencing material.