Make an entrance
First impressions count, so they say, and often that starts at your front fence.
If you have one, a front fence sets the tone for the entire façade of the home. An opportunity to really wow visitors, or potential buyers if you’re selling, it brings that all-important curb appeal to your property.
Options are endless, including wood, stone, wrought iron, concrete block, plaster, hedging, and combinations of these. While it’s important for a fence to provide privacy and security, it also needs to match and enhance the look and the feel of your home, to add curb appeal. Heritage homes, such as Victorian, Edwardian, and Federation styles, look better with a timber picket or wrought iron fence, while a modern brick house would look best with a brick, aluminium or composite fence. If it’s a beach bach, a driftwood fence may be appropriate. The idea is to look for a fence that complements your home while considering climate, the level of upkeep, and your budget.
Check out some of these:
Timber pickets – ideal for a period home, they’re traditionally constructed from evenly spaced timber boards attached to horizontal rails in a style dating back to the 1620s. The tops of the timber boards were originally pointed to deter intruders, but modern versions are simply decorative. A square picket fence is one contemporary interpretation.
Brick – if you want a timeless, durable option, brick will do the trick, although it’s one of the more expensive choices, both in material and labour costs. Brick is versatile and can be combined with wood, and aluminium for a more modern iteration. Bricks can also be recycled.
Concrete – a widely used building material, concrete is a sturdy choice that creates seclusion and privacy. A great match for a concrete house, it will act as a sound barrier, making it an excellent option for homes on busy roads. Pre-cast concrete fencing options make it relatively affordable, and customisable with cut-outs and curves to suit your home.
Stone – textural and inviting, stone makes an ultra-strong fence, while at the same time its various hues create a warm and inviting look and feel. A front fence made entirely of stone is not for everyone, however using it as a feature in combination with wood, concrete, and aluminium can add huge visual impact.
Aluminium – a strong, versatile option, aluminium is corrosion and rust-resistant, making it an exceptional choice for coastal areas. Powder-coated surfaces require little maintenance or upkeep, and aluminium is also lightweight and easy to mould to almost any kind of application. DIY fence panels in a myriad of colours are readily available.
Composite – usually made from a combination of wood fibres (or sawdust) and plastic, composite fencing is durable and weatherproof, with the aesthetic qualities of wood. Available in a range of colours and styles, it’s an option to suit almost any type of home, modern, or heritage.
Hedges – revamping a structurally sound fence with plants is a lovely green option to add privacy, shade, and act as a sound barrier. Try a classic, manicured hedge or a fast-growing climbing plant.
