Come on, who gets excited about home improvements? Fencing is not exactly the most exciting of topics. It’s not as glamorous as a new kitchen or as cossetting as a loft conversion, for example. But let me explain this, good metal fencing is as good as a good pair of trousers. However, you may not pay much attention to that fact until it is missing, and in the garden world, it is the king of fence materials. Okay, so having said all of that, let’s move on to discussing fencing and what the hype is all about.
A Look at the Iron Age of Garden Boundaries
The old days of steel fencing were the rusty chain-link that made everything look like a prison compound. Metal fencing is available in a much wider range of designs than one might expect, from the smooth, polished aluminium of the contemporary designs to the old-fashioned, handcrafted look of wrought iron designs.
Why Metal, You Ask?
Let me count the ways –
1. Hard as old boots: Wood on the other hand, can rot, warp or become home to five-star bug hotel which is not the case for metal fencing.
2. It’s low maintenance: No this once-a-year painting or treating the trees crap. Rinse it off every now and then and that’s all there is to it.
3. Security: Well, any fence for that matter is something a half-way decent thief would be able to get past. But metal? That will only slow them down even more than a traffic jam on the M25 Motorway.
4. Durability: Metal fence is one of the best investments one can make because it is durable; a good metal fence will outlive most mortgages. It’s the tortoise in the race against the wooden hares.
Types of Metal Fencing: Many a times people are left with a dilemma of what to choose.
Now, before you go thinking all metal fences are created equal, let’s break down some of the options
– Wrought Iron: The time-tested Option
Imagine Victorian mansions and Mayfair estates and Hyde Park. Wrought iron fencing is the Rolls Royce of the fencing world: It is beautiful, strong and, chances are, it will be with you longer than you will be with it.
– Aluminium: The Lightweight Contender
This is not to say that just because the smartphone is featherweight that it is weak. It is durable, does not rust and gives the elegance of the iron fence at a cheap price.
– Steel: The above discussions lead to the conclusion of this paper which can be referred to as the Jack of All Trades.
Cheap, long-lasting and stronger than a piece of two pounds of beef. Steel fencing is available in various designs and it is possible to paint it in any colour you desire. Mint green, anyone?
– Chain-link: The Unsung Hero
I know, I know. It’s not the prettiest. However, as for the practical use and the reasonable price, I would recommend you to go for a chain-link fence. Although, it is quite useful for growing climbers if one wishes to add some green to the space.
Installation: DIY or SOS?
Which, before you go all Grand Designs on your garden, is where a word of caution is needed. For the simple reason that installing metal fencing isn’t quite the same as knocking together a flat-pack wardrobe: it requires a solid flat surface and quite a lot of muscle power.
If you are able to use a spirit level and do not mind some work then feel free to try it out. However, for the other people like us, the laymen, it is advisable that it is left to the experts. However, one cannot help but think that there are few things worse than a crooked fence – or at least, few things worse than a crooked fence, unless of course it’s a crooked haircut.
The Great British Weather: Friend or foe?
Let me make one thing clear; we are a country that has one of the most unpredictable weather conditions just like the soap opera EastEnders. No matter which types you will select, make sure that the metal fencing is suitable for our rather specific climate.
However, make sure to get fencing that has good rust protection because if the material is not protected in any way, the next best thing is galvanized or powder coated steel. Also, think about how stable they will be in strong winds; you certainly don’t want your fence to lean like the Tower of Pisa once the wind picks up.
So, here we have briefly reviewed the main types of metal fencing and got to know them better. Wrought iron, which is a traditional design, or aluminium, which has its own kind of appeal, can make a huge difference to your garden.
Remember, the same way in which one has to choose a new hairstyle which may seem quite plain initially, but once it is right, it brings out the best in your property. Slow down and research and before you know it all the people in the neighbourhood will be green with envy. Don’t be shocked if the neighbours begin leaning over your newly installed fence to have a glimpse of your creation. After all, as they say: good fences make good neighbours we say, don’t we?
