We will analyze in detail which building materials and structures are most suitable for delimiting private areas. You will find an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of various types of fencing, and up-to-date information on prices for 2024.
1. Range of fencing materials
We invite you to familiarize yourself with a selection of fences for private homes, distributed by price category from the most affordable to the exclusive.
1.1 Metal mesh-chain link
An economical choice is a metal mesh. The recommended mesh size is 35 to 55 mm. Larger meshes may allow small animals to enter the area. It is recommended to choose a galvanized mesh, which increases the durability of the product to 10 years.
The price is affordable, from 7$ per linear meter, including poles and installation. DIY installation is possible. Optimal use: for summer cottages, educational and sports grounds, as well as animal enclosures.
Advantages:
- the most affordable method of fencing;
- ease of installation;
- does not create shading for plants;
- can be used as a support for climbing plants.
Flaws:
- limited period of use;
- does not provide confidentiality;
- may not seem visually appealing enough.
1.2 Slate
An economical option is flat or corrugated sheets of asbestos concrete. Most often used as a roofing material, but is also suitable for making temporary or permanent fences for the home.
The cost is economical, starting from 8$ per sheet. Do-it-yourself installation is possible. Ideal for budget cottages and warehouses.
Advantages:
- affordability, especially when using used slate;
- cold resistance;
- not subject to corrosion and decay;
- complete blocking of visibility from the street.
Flaws:
- requires the installation of powerful supports due to its weight;
- easily damaged by impact;
- When damaged, it releases asbestos dust, which hurts health.
1.3 Wooden fence for a country house
Using wood as a fencing material offers a variety of aesthetically pleasing and functional options:
- Alpine weaving style;
- blinds made from slats installed at different angles;
- wicker fences for a private homemade of willow or walnut branches;
- simple horizontal panels in ranch style;
- decorative grilles made of wooden bars;
- a traditional palisade made from vertically placed stakes.
Wooden elements are often made of spruce, pine, or larch, which are known for their strength and durability. These materials are readily available in America and are popular due to their attractive appearance and ease of installation. Wooden fences for private homes can be harmoniously combined with stone, metal, or brick.
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The cost is moderate, starting from 15$ per meter including installation. Self-installation is possible. Suitable for any style and budget.
Advantages:
- environmentally friendly, natural material;
- large selection of textures and shapes;
- the ability to completely close off an area from prying eyes;
- good ventilation and light transmission.
Flaws:
- fire resistance;
- the need for regular processing to prevent spoilage;
- risk of deformation due to changes in temperature and humidity.
1.4 Profiled sheeting
Profiled sheeting is a wave or corrugated metal sheet. Most often, they are mounted vertically, but they can also be installed horizontally using additional reinforcements. Supports for profiled sheeting can be made of steel pipes or brick.
The cost is average, starting from 16$Â for a galvanized sheet. Independent installation of spans is possible, but it is better to have the gates installed by professionals. Suitable for small summer cottages or in combination with brick supports for large private houses.
Advantages:
- a variety of colors including cherry, chocolate, and moss shades;
- the possibility of creating high fences up to 6 m;
- the long service life of up to 50 years;
- easy to dismantle.
Flaws:
- instability in strong winds without proper support;
- shading of nearby plants;
- creation of a greenhouse effect due to a lack of air permeability.
1.5 Polycarbonate fencing
Polycarbonate is a lightweight, modern material that looks like translucent glass but is much stronger due to built-in stiffeners. It may seem fragile, but it is stable enough to withstand even a ball hit. Metal profiles are often used to strengthen fences for a country house made of polycarbonate, and wrought iron elements are used for decorative improvement. Due to its low weight, polycarbonate does not require the installation of a complex and expensive foundation.
The cost starts from 18$ including materials, posts, logs, and installation. Self-installation is possible if you can handle drilling equipment for deep driving of supports. Suitable for summer residents and owners of country houses, due to the ability to choose different degrees of transparency.
Advantages:
- service life 20-25 years;
- excellent light transmittance does not create dense shadows;
- many options in shape, color, and degree of transparency;
- resistance to solar radiation, corrosion, and mold;
- good sound insulation properties, blocking street noise.
Flaws:
- susceptible to deformation under the influence of strong winds;
- sensitivity to damage in the form of scratches and cracks from impacts;
- the need for sealing to protect against dust and insects.
1.6 Euro picket fence
It consists of durable steel pickets, which can be painted in a single color or imitate wood. There are several ways to install them:
- single rows with gaps;
- double-sided staggered placement;
- herringbone or ladder-style laying;
- as horizontal or vertical blinds.
The increased number of stiffening ribs and thicker profile increase the strength of the structure. Euro picket fence can also serve as a support for a hedge and is resistant to water and chemicals.
The cost is above average, from 27$ per meter for one-sided painting. Self-assembly is not recommended due to the complexity of installation. Suitable for large country houses.
Advantages:
- transmission of light and air when not installed blindly;
- resistance to fungus and rot;
- ease of installation and dismantling for repairs;
- Not subject to corrosion when coated with polymer or galvanized.
Flaws:
- the need for precise measurements and complex fastening during assembly;
- significant cost compared to wooden analogs;
- a tendency to overheat when exposed to the sun for long periods.
1.7 Botanical hedges
They add charm to the yard and improve the appearance of the house from the street. These fences for private houses can be both natural and artificial. Artificial fences are created from synthetic leaves or imitation moss, and the better they imitate real vegetation, the higher their cost.
There is no single favorite among living plants, as there are many suitable species. For example, you can choose deciduous shrubs such as barberry and rhododendron, or coniferous trees such as thuja or spruce. Reeds or bamboo are also interesting options, but they are less durable and tend to catch fire quickly.
The cost depends on the type and height of the plant, usually starting from 28$ per meter. It is possible to create it yourself, but it can take from 3 to 5 years, including the fight against diseases and pests. Suitable for experienced gardeners who are ready for long-term care.
Advantages:
- harmonizes perfectly with any architecture;
- contributes to the creation of a healthy microclimate;
- the most environmentally friendly choice.
Flaws:
- slow growth to a full-fledged hedge;
- requires systematic care, including regular watering and protection from pests;
- Artificial options may fade over time in the sun.
1.8 Forged fences
Forged fences are the result of metal processing at high temperatures, which gives it additional strength and durability. Steel is usually used for forging, but in conditions of high humidity, cast iron is preferable, which is resistant to corrosion. The base of a forged fence for a country house is made first, after which decorative elements are added.
The cost starts from 40$ per meter. Self-creation is impossible, as it requires the skills of a professional blacksmith. Suitable for owners of cottages, commercial and public buildings.
Advantages:
- aesthetically attractive, sophisticated appearance;
- excellent protection against penetration;
- incredibly long service life, exceeding 50 years without special maintenance;
- provides good air circulation and sufficient lighting.
Flaws:
- the need for regular anti-corrosion treatment;
- additional use of panels may be required to ensure privacy;
- The heavy weight requires a solid foundation for installation.
1.9 Plastic fences
Plastic offers flexibility in fencing design, allowing you to create fences of various shapes, colors, and styles, including pickets, louvers, or even alpine wicker. Using a mixture of wood flour and polymers, modern plastic materials are environmentally friendly and non-toxic. Plastic fences are superior to metal and wooden counterparts in ease of installation and maintenance, as well as resistance to rotting and fading in the sun.
The cost is usually average or higher, depending on the quality of the plastic used and the complexity of the design. Can be installed independently. Suitable for anyone who wants to integrate a flexible and functional element into their landscape.
Advantages:
- ability to withstand extreme temperature fluctuations from -60 to +70°C;
- does not require complex preparation of the base for installation;
- a wealth of forms and styles for any architecture;
- fire resistance due to its unique composition.
Flaws:
- susceptible to damage from impacts, prone to scratches and dents;
- the importance of choosing a quality product to avoid counterfeits.
1.10 Brick fences
Brick fences for a private home can be made of ceramic bricks made from fired clay, with unique variations in the color and texture of each block, creating visually attractive patterns. An alternative option is sand-lime bricks made from sand and lime, which provide a more uniform and easy laying, but are less resistant to water than ceramic.
The cost starts from 50$ per linear meter, excluding delivery and foundation. You can install it yourself, but the process will be lengthy. Suitable for owners of high-class residential and commercial properties.
Advantages:
- exceptional durability, possibility of use for many generations;
- resistance to weather conditions and ultraviolet radiation;
- high level of protection and privacy;
- an appearance that harmonizes with any architectural solutions;
- excellent insulation from street noise.
Flaws:
- the need for a solid foundation due to the weight of the material;
- the appearance of efflorescence on the surface over time;
- labor-intensive and time-consuming installation;
- significant costs for acquisition and installation.
1.11 The use of stone in landscape design
The fences are formed from stone fragments extracted during quarrying. Of all the options, granite elements are especially valuable for their reliability and impressive appearance. Products made of cobblestone, sandstone, limestone, and shell rock are used as a budget alternative.
The most accessible are gabions, which are metal structures filled with stones or pebbles. These structures attract the eye with their unusual texture, do not require the installation of a foundation, and go well with concrete, wood, and metal.
The cost starts from 120$ per meter of gabion 1.6 m high. Self-installation is impossible, specialized equipment and experience in masonry work are required. Perfect for owners of cottages, and religious and administrative buildings. For use as a fence for a country house, it may be too expensive.
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Advantages:
- high resistance to atmospheric influences and temperature changes;
- perpetual operation;
- fire resistance and environmental safety;
- excellent visual qualities.
Flaws:
- the need for a strong and deep foundation;
- difficulties and duration in editing.
1.12 Concrete structures in the construction of fences
Concrete allows you to implement fences for country houses of any configuration and texture, imitating the appearance of stone, brick, or wood. For this, expanded clay concrete, aerated concrete blocks, and other materials are used. Particularly popular is the Eurofence, which combines solid and transparent elements assembled into a single structure.
The cost is extremely high, from 185$ per section. Self-installation is not available and requires the use of lifting equipment. Ideal for private homes, industrial and office premises.
Advantages:
- long service life exceeding 50 years;
- vibration casting technology for creating unique patterns and textures;
- accelerated installation due to standardized sizes of elements;
- fire resistance and no need for pest control treatment.
Flaws:
- difficulties in repair;
- risk of cracks due to temperature changes and humidity;
- heavy weight requires a strong foundation.
1.13 Innovative solutions for fencing in the country
Modern country house fences are often hybrid structures. The bases are most often made of brick or natural stone, while spans and decorative elements can be made of wood, plastic, or metal. This combination of materials allows achieving harmony of strength and aesthetics, compensating for the weaknesses of some materials with the advantages of others.
The cost varies depending on the materials used. For example, a combination of wooden panels with corrugated sheets is considered an economical option, while brick structures with polycarbonate and forged elements may require significant financial investments. The possibility of self-implementation depends on the materials.
The appropriate audience varies depending on the materials used.
The advantage is the ability to create exclusive designer compositions.
Disadvantage – it is necessary to take into account the specifics of each material and provide appropriate care.
2. Planning a Fence Project for Your Home
To start planning a fence for a country house, you can use online tools for drawings of the territory. However, for accurate visualization of various options for fences for the house in real conditions, specialized software is recommended. Such a tool allows you to adapt the choice of fences to the stylistic features of your site.
The program has a function for creating a plan of an existing dacha, arranging buildings, vegetable gardens, and gardens taking into account their actual sizes, which ensures an accurate reproduction of the planned appearance of the site. The catalog includes various configurations of houses, flower beds, trees, and decorative elements that can be easily customized by changing their sizes, colors, and materials.
After finalizing the project, proceed to choose a suitable fence for a private house – be it a corrugated sheet, picket fence, chain-link, or forged elements on brick pillars. The program’s capabilities allow you to instantly change the appearance of sections, select gate leaves and wickets, and adjust small details.
