Choosing the right material for your wall

When thinking of putting up a fence around your home, you need to consider all factors starting from function to style and how much maintenance it will require.

If you do not live in a gated community, you will definitely need a perimeter wall several feet high as most gated communities allow for one-metre high perimeter walls.

One of the factors to consider when it comes to fencing is the material to use. This is often determined by the area where you live, your budget as well as the purpose of the fence.

The purpose can either be to ensure privacy and security or just a beautiful fence to mark your territory. Most times, the former precedes the latter but one can combine the two by having a beautiful fence that also ensures your privacy.

Security and privacy are the main functions of most fences erected by home owners which is why one needs to get the best available material to erect the fence.

A perimeter wall - like a house - can be made of any material, whether it is a stone wall, metal or the use of natural materials such as bamboo and cedar or a live fence with plants like kei apple shrubs or bougainvillea, among many other live fence materials.

Stone

This is the most common material used for perimeter walls to keep intruders out. It is a cheaper alternative to wood. The use of stone can look drab but it can be made more attractive if well finished. This can be achieved through cladding and making patterns using different coloured stones.

A perimeter fence can also be made of pre-cast concrete slabs which are arranged in different ways to create a distinct pattern.

Chain-link

Although it offers less privacy, a chain-link fence is more beneficial when the end goal is securing your home from stray animals as it is made of mesh. It is particularly common in farms as it ensures that animals that should be kept out of the compound stay out and those that should stay in like chicken and other smaller animals are kept inside.

It is also a favourite with home owners because of its affordability. It is durable and does not require frequent maintenance.

A chain-link fence can also be used in residential homes and for more privacy, one can supplement with a creeping plant or kei apple plants which grow next to the mesh.

Wood

Wood is an expensive alternative to stone and chain link but more attractive than both. Whether one is using cypress or cedar wood, ensure you treat the wood first before using it to avoid termite infestation.

Wood makes for a beautiful finish on your perimeter since there are various ways to decorate it; either by painting it with an oil-based paint or by simply applying stain to match your landscape and keep it natural.

The planks of wood can either be tightly joined together for privacy or one can leave spaces in-between if privacy is not a problem.

However, wood is susceptible to harsh weather conditions, termites and rot if left untreated, therefore requiring constant maintenance.

Bamboo is also another beautiful alternative to solid wood. Although it can withstand harsh weather conditions, it also requires treatment in order to last long.

Vinyl

The use of vinyl products is slowly replacing natural products. Vinyl has been used to manufacture various materials used in homes, from ceiling boards to flooring and now can be used for fencing. It is ideal since it is not affected by weather conditions and is also long lasting.

The only minor drawback is that vinyl may require repainting after some years to keep it looking fresh.

Plastic planks

There are several firms that have started production of plastic planks. Ecopost is one such company that uses recycled plastic to make plastic posts for sale as fencing material.

The posts can be used independently for fencing or with a chain-link or a barbed wire fence.

Plastic is a better alternative to wood since it is not prone to attack by termites and does not splinter. It also outlasts timber and will not be stolen as in the case of wood.

Plastic planks also have a smooth finish so one can also repaint them to any desired colour.

Metal

Metal rods and planks are also good perimeter wall material. They are mostly used in cases where one does not require privacy as well as in high-security areas since they work well with electric fencing.