fences

[Jen]

I am faced with having to paint the outside of an IP, which is ok, but at the same time, the cruddy brick fence will soon need re-doing in the not-too-distant future.

What are people's opinions on the best fence - cost and look? Although admittedly I haven't thought too hard yet as it is early stages and I am visiting the house in a day or so to get a better idea, I was thinking of getting the house painted white with a different coloured trim and then getting a matching coloured ARC fence. The house is a 70's style, weatherboard home.

What have other people done?

[geoffw]

People really seem to go for picket fences. The do look good- and I presume don't cost too much to do.

But be careful. You know what they say. It won't get better if you picket :D

[Gee Cee]

Hi there. I imagine you are talking about the front fence. Is it structurally sound?

You could bag & paint it. :)

What i have done previously is had bricks bagged and painted. Then bolted aluminium fencing similar to pool area fencing on top.

You can have this type of fence made to different heights and designs. It is powdercoated and available in most colours. Only requires occasional hose .

Also i added 2 gates across the driveway. Now good security but also good looks.

Picket fences if timber take a lot of constant maintenance. If posts are timber they tend to rot off at base. As do most timber fencing posts.

[Jen]

Very witty, GeoffW. I actually would prefer a picket fence as I think they look great but as Gee Cee noted, I thought they would take more maintenance and not last as long.

Gee Cee, the fence has been backed into by a car and has a big crack in part of it, but I think it could be easily sorted out. I'm travelling to see it tomorrow and will take detailed notice of it. (and lots of photos and measurements!)
Is bagging and painting it the same as rendering? I like your idea re- the fence up top. Also, what were your gates made out of?
Thanks!! :)

[Olly]

Some things for you to consider -

Picket fencing is also available in steel and aluminium in powdercoated colours, although because of the high metal content it's quite expensive, but is pretty much maintenance free like any other metal fencing once erected.

Mounting fencing on top of brickwork has to be done right and not bolted just to the top brick, otherwise the only thing holding it all is the first layer of concrete under the top layer of bricks.

Wooden posts will last the distance if they are done properly too. What rots wooden posts is the acids in the earth, water left pooling around the bases, dogs peeing on them etc. Although it may not look the best, you are supposed to leave the concrete around the post exposed, not cover it with dirt or grass etc.

There is also fencing on the market called Federation wire fencing which is a woven wire with a scallop top finish. You erect wooden post and rail system then staple gun the wire into place. Gates to match have ronded corners and a scrollon top. Only available in cream and green. Comes in 10m rolls and 3 heights, the highest being 1250mm.

Steel in general has had a price rise last month, is rising again on April 12 and again in June. It's likely that steel fencing will be rising in May so get in soon.

You could also ask if they have an fencing they are trying to get rid of at a cheap price (orders made at wrong colour/height/design etc).

Cheers
Olly

[Jen]

Thanks Olly,
that's good info. On viewing the fence, it will need to be completely replaced. One thing I didn't realise is that it is in an area where the train noise can be quite loud at night, so a high, solid fence may help with noise reduction. Then I have to weigh up security of not being able to see behind it. :confused: I do have a bit of thinking and research time though.

[kissfan]

Hi all. Whilst on the subject of fences, why is it that in Queensland (brisbane), most of the fences seem to be timber. It's only my opinion, but colourbond look so more appealing and obviously dont attract termites. There may be a logical answer, anyone know ??
Regards
Marty

[Jen]

Hi Marty,
I like them for side fences, but I am hesitant to put a colourbond at the front for a two reasons - kids with textas, paint, sticks etc and because it hides what is happening behind the fence - once someone uninvited gets in, they are pretty well protected from the eyes of neighbours.

[geoffw]

Hi all. Whilst on the subject of fences, why is it that in Queensland (brisbane), most of the fences seem to be timber. It's only my opinion, but colourbond look so more appealing and obviously dont attract termites. There may be a logical answer, anyone know ??
Regards
Marty$$$

Colourbond costs more than timber.

Although, strangely enough, colourbond has become extremely popular in Canberra, especially around the fire affected areas.

[Olly]

$$$

Colourbond costs more than timber.

Although, strangely enough, colourbond has become extremely popular in Canberra, especially around the fire affected areas.

I used to work for BHP's Fencing division (colorbond) and so was aware of research etc. It was found that during bush fires the houses surrounded by colorbond fences were largely untouched as long as the fire didn't come over a colorbond fence (via trees, flying embers etc) or under the fence (via grass, leaves etc). Timber fences were of course just more fuel for the fire and didn't stop it at all.

Olly

[Olly]

Thanks Olly,
that's good info. On viewing the fence, it will need to be completely replaced. One thing I didn't realise is that it is in an area where the train noise can be quite loud at night, so a high, solid fence may help with noise reduction. Then I have to weigh up security of not being able to see behind it. :confused: I do have a bit of thinking and research time though.

What about planting a few trees - they are good noise barriers. Trees about 4-5 mtrs that grow a trunk of a 2-3 metres then foliage, so it doesn't obscure views in & out - for security reasons. Just a thought...........

Olly

[Thommo]

What about planting a few trees - they are good noise barriers. Trees about 4-5 mtrs that grow a trunk of a 2-3 metres then foliage, so it doesn't obscure views in & out - for security reasons. Just a thought...........

Olly
You may consider a mass planting of christmas palms (Veichia Merrillii). They are a compact palm which tends to only grow as tall as they need to. ie on their own they remain squat but will grow tall beside large trees.

They are called christmas palms because they get a large bright red seed at xmas (nthn hemi). The crown is reasonably dense and could work as a sound barrier.

Thommo

[Jen]

Thank you. I like the tree idea :)

[leperMessiah]

Another idea, cheaper and faster growing than trees is bamboo, and it comes in different colours and species. It can be planted close together to form a natural fence that can prevent entry and reduce sound

[Jen]

Does it take much maintenance?