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What are the factors which affect the cost of timber fencing?

There are three main factors which can impact on the cost and there are:-

• The length of the fence run so how much fencing you need
• The quality of the timber so the type of wood used
• Who installs the fencing, fencers usually charge a daily rate which varies from around £100 to £150

Don’t forget to add on the charges for waste disposal of the old fencing.

Wooden fencing

Wooden fencing is one of the most universally popular choices for most homes and in fact, some regulations may insist on it. Local housing rules or listed building requirements may only allow wooden fences in particular areas. As with any fencing, there are some distinct pros and cons.

The Pros

• Timber fencing has a natural look and makes the perfect backdrop for trees, shrubs and flowers
• Timber can be painted or stained to suit garden design
• There are lots of different options on styling
• It is usually the most affordable option for most households

The Cons

• Environmental validity is becoming an increasing problem and cheap fencing is not usually sourced from sustainable forests. There can also be other harmful factors such as the milling process and the transportation
• The quality can vary enormously and many reputable fencers will not install garden centre timber fencing because of this
• Timber will weather quickly and soon appear old and tatty without regular care and maintenance including wood treatment and staining
• It can be vulnerable to high winds during winter weather
• It will rot and warp and can easily be damaged by insects
• Overall, timber fencing has a shorter shelf life than other materials like metal or plastic
• The timber sections are heavily reliant on the wooden posts which support them

Is timber the only fencing choice?

Timber is the most common fencing choice but there are other alternatives including:-

• Vinyl PVC
• Aluminium
• Wire
• Wrought iron
• Picket fencing

Each fencing material has distinct advantages and disadvantages.

Vinyl/uPVC

uPVC fencing is still not the game-changer that many thought it would be and there are several reasons for this. Although vinyl fencing can pass for wood at a distance and is virtually maintenance-free, it will rapidly stain and become mildewed and these marks are virtually impossible to remove and there is no paint material available which can be used to disguise them. It also expands and contracts in response to temperature changes which can make it brittle and liable to damage. And the same environmental questions surround vinyl fencing as many other types of fencing.

Aluminium fencing

The great thing about aluminium fencing is that is not expensive and it lasts a lifetime with very little upkeep. It is easy to install but not perhaps as tough for security purposes as some other types of fencing. Aluminium fencing is environmentally friendly but some people just prefer the more traditional look of wood.

Wire

Wire fencing is also sometimes called woven wire fencing and it can be really ornate and elegant which surprises many householders. A wire fence can provide a boundary but also allow people to see the garden so some people like it at the front of the house – it is the complete opposite to the closed-in feel of timber which provides a solid barrier and therefore lots of privacy. Wire can be nice if you have a back garden which borders open countryside as it allows the garden to appear to flow seamlessly into the horizon. Wire fencing can be powder coated in different colours including cream, heritage green, black, white and silver and you can also add matching gates to complete the look. Wire fencing is relatively inexpensive but the main drawback with wire is the issue of privacy so if you want seclusion then it is not the fence choice for you.

Wrought Iron

Wrought iron fencing can really look the part but it is an expensive option. It can offer a beautiful look for period and heritage homes and also affords a high level of security. The drawbacks to wrought iron fencing are its general availability – you will probably have to commission someone to make it for you – and it does rust so it can prove to be high maintenance if you want to keep it looking its best. Wrought iron is also most ideal on a level site as it is difficult to install to follow gradient; a mild slope is not a problem but anything steeper will prove a challenge.

Picket fencing

Picket fencing sometimes also called palisade fencing is a very traditional style of fencing made from wooden picket pales which are attached to a rail with small gaps left between the pales. Usually used for front gardens, a picket fence offers demarcation but without creating a solid barrier so allowing light to pass through it yet is still secure enough for children and pets. Picket fencing is associated with character properties in villages but can actually work well in an urban setting as it is a softer style than some of the alternatives and marks out a garden or area without boxing it in. Picket fencing can have pointed or rounded tops and is either installed pale by pale or purchased as pre-made picket fence panels which can slide into slotted posts called Jakposts, the latter clearly being both easier and quicker. A picket fence works well on uneven slopes as the individual pales can be staggered according to the gradient.