A Guide to Choosing the Right Fence for Your Garden

A Guide to Choosing the Right Fence for Your Garden

A fence does more than mark your boundary. It adds security, privacy, and aesthetic appeal. Choosing the appropriate fence for your garden means balancing style, function, maintenance and cost.

What to think about before choosing a fence

1. Purpose and function
Decide what you primarily want from the fence. Do you need privacy, security, wind protection, or just an attractive boundary? Some fences are better suited for style, others for robustness.

2. Material options and durability

• Timber is classic, relatively affordable, and easy to work with – but requires ongoing treatment.
• Composite fencing combines wood with plastics and resins, offering better weather resistance and lower maintenance.
• Vinyl/PVC options are low maintenance but may not suit every aesthetic or local planning requirement.
• Metal or steel fencing grants strength and minimal upkeep but often costs more and may require coatings to resist corrosion.

3. Style and design
You might choose picket fences, closeboard panels, horizontal slats, trellis tops, or a combination of forms. Your garden’s layout, surrounding architecture, and local character should guide your choice.

4. Height, posts and foundations
Bigger fences require more robust posts and foundations. In exposed windy locations, deeper post foundations or concrete footings are often essential.

5. Maintenance and lifespan
Composite and treated materials typically last longer with less upkeep. Timber may need annual staining or treatment to ward off rot. Consider future costs, not just initial outlay.

6. Local planning and building regulations
In some areas, restrictions apply to fence height, appearance or proximity to boundaries. Always check with your council.

When composite fencing or decking make sense

If your goal is longevity and low maintenance, composite fencing is often a smart option. Not only is it rot-resistant and fade-resilient, but it also tends to remain stable through weather changes. For a cohesive garden look, you may pair fencing with composite decking to extend usable outdoor space.

Finding a local fencing provider

For homeowners in and around Wiltshire and nearby counties, FenceDeck is a typical  regional contractor that provides a comprehensive range of fencing and decking services. Their home page gives an overview of their reach. They maintain dedicated local service areas, such as Bradford-on-Avon, Devizes, Chippenham, Trowbridge, and Warminster, and they offer general services, traditional fencing, composite fencing, decking, and composite decking.

Companies like FenceDeck are an example of how local contractors typically structure their offerings across territory and product lines.

Matching your needs to the right fence

Need	Recommended Type	Why
Low maintenance	Composite fencing or composite decking	Resists rot, fading, warping
Rustic or traditional look	Timber fencing	Natural aesthetics, easy to custom-cut
Secure boundary	Closeboard or metal fencing	Fewer gaps, stronger structure
Cohesive garden flow	Matching fencing & decking	Uniform materials and style

Tips before commissioning a fence

• Ask for examples of past work in your town or region
• Request material samples to see how colour and texture age
• Ensure foundations and posts are properly sized
• Get clear warranties and maintenance expectations
• Check whether your property boundary is clearly defined