Types of Fences

Fences can have much more purpose in landscape design than just boundaries. They can be made from a variety of different materials and serve a multitude of purposes. The most common fence types are:

Pool Fence
The number one purpose of any pool fence is safety. Australia has very strict laws regarding pool fence installation and materials, but this doesn't mean that a pool fence has to be an unattractive addition to your home. There are a wide variety of materials, colours and designs available to suit any home style including glass, aluminium and steel tubing.

Privacy Fence
Privacy fences are most commonly built to provide privacy for you and your family while out in your yard. They can also help screen out unpleasant sights and sounds around your property. Privacy fences can be built in a variety of materials including wood, stone, colorbond (sometimes called bluescope steel) or vinyl panelling. Some people even choose to use heavy landscaping instead of building a traditional fence. Because privacy fences are usually tall, think about any views you may be blocking if you build too high.

Garden Fence
Garden fences are often more decorative than privacy fences. They are primarily used to enhance landscape and architectural ideas or offer protection to flowerbeds and fishponds from dogs, cats or children. You can use almost any material for garden fencing but the style should be a good match with the house.

Front Fence
Front fencing enhances the curb appeal of your home. Front fences styles are generally lower in height, more decorative and designed to provide some visibility from the yard to the street. The picket style fence is a popular choice for front fences. Tubular steel and aluminium fencing is also popular because of the wide variety of colours and styles available.

Security Fence
Any type of fence can be used to establish a border but if you live in more urban areas or have had previous security problems, your fence can act as a security feature of your home. Choose a fence style with limited horizontal rails (so that people can not climb over). Also review landscape choices to ensure that you have a clear line of sight to all areas of your property.

Invisible Fence
The primary use for invisible fencing is pet containment. These fences are popular with pet owners whose animals are good fence climbers or diggers. They work off a radio signal that is transmitted through a boundary wire installed around your property. Invisible fences won't stop other animals from coming onto your property but they are a good fencing solution if you want a dog or cat and don't like the idea of a traditional fence. Invisible fences are also good if you live in an area that has residential fence restrictions.

Electric Fence
Electric fences are primarily used for animal control, but are also popular with farmers for pasture management. Electric fencing can be permanent or portable and have the ability to run off electric mains, batteries and even solar power. They can be used over large distances or small areas such as an Avery.