Fences have a lot of different functions, for a lot of different people. It may be to secure your property, to keep the dog or children safe, it could be for privacy or even to keep wildlife out. Whatever you need it for, it will have an impact on your home, so you need to ensure the fence provides you with the look you are going for.

What to consider when choosing a new fence

Fencing is a big investment in both time and money, some styles of fencing will also require a lot of maintenance. You need to be clear with your needs and the materials required, it’s the only way to find the fence that’s right for you and your family.

What are your fencing goals?

• How much privacy do you want? If you live in a home that has a lot of windows and you are feeling like you live in a *fish bowl* you may be considering privacy as your main goal. To block the view of your yard, wood is a great material, especially if you overlap or place the pickets close together. The downside to wood is, it will block your view out and it can make your home feel *unapproachable*, especially if you have wooden fencing completely surrounding your home. Too much wooden fencing can be off-putting and may even effect your re-sale value.
• Is your fence there for safety reasons? Perhaps you have a pool and you want to keep children safe, or you don’t want it to look like an *invitation* to unwanted guests. There are strict laws throughout Australia and many safety regulations have to be met. Tubular steel fencing is generally the most often used material as pool fencing. Just ensure it meets all safety guidelines.
• Do you have pets? A fence can keep your pet’s safe, and if you have animals such as chickens, you can let them out to explore and eat, knowing they are safe and can’t get out. Depending on your property either colour bond or wire mesh fencing is perfect. Animals can’t chew through the metal but your fence needs to be low enough to the ground and supported by poles that have been sunk into the ground deeply enough to prevent animals digging underneath
• Do you need to keep other animals out? People living in bushland areas may have the odd kangaroo show up and while they don’t generally attack people, you want to keep your children and pets safe.
• How much upkeep do you want? Wood fences can be beautiful, but you need to keep them stained, at least once a year to keep them looking at their best. Paling fences are easy to repair as you can simply replace individual boards. Metal fencing – colour bond stays looking good for years and apart from a hose down doesn’t require any maintenance at all

Fence styles –

• Glass fencing, glass balustrades and glass pool fencing – available with or without rails, framed or semi frameless, options can include aluminium or stainless-steel rails and posts, laminated safety glass and toughened or tempered safety glass
• Tubular and Aluminium fencing – flat top, loop top, loop and spear and rod top styles.
• Steel fencing
• Steel picket fencing – these styles of fence are durable and last longer than the alternate wooden picket fences.
• Tubular balustrades – while these are mostly used for stairs and balconies they can also be used for handrails and around decks, pergolas and entertaining areas. Coming in a range of powder coated colours they can be matched in beautifully with your property

Fencing is a personal choice, it is there for safety and also to make your house look good. Whether it’s a fence around a pool, around your property or for a balcony or deck, balustrades look good and add value to your home. A safe home can also look good. Today you have so many colours, designs and choices – the right fence or balustrade can bring your home to life.