A fence is more than just a boundary, it’s an extension of your home’s personality and a key element your landscape design. When thoughtfully designed, a fence can enhance your landscape, complement your home’s architecture, and elevate the overall aesthetic of your property. It’s not just about meeting council requirements or providing security; it’s about crafting a frame that draws attention to your garden, pathways, and outdoor living areas.
The right fence integrates seamlessly into your landscape design, adding elegance, charm, and a sense of sanctuary. Whether you’re aiming for sleek modern lines or rustic, timeless appeal, the fence you choose will play a defining role in shaping the character and flow of your outdoor space
Here are some inspiring fencing options and design considerations to help you make the perfect choice:
Vertical/steel uprights
Allowing for a custom design, vertical steel uprights can provide aesthetic appeal to your property, by using different materials, colours and design. When you draw these options into any architectural design, there is unlimited scope for a unique fence with a high visual impact – from simple, functional structures to intricate and ornate designs. It is also extremely heat-resistant and insulative, which makes it a popular choice for Perth landscaping as it will most liked be exposed to high temperatures or intense sunlight.
Cost: $$$$
Wrought iron
A classic and elegant choice for property boundaries, it is known for its strength and decorative appeal. It adds a timeless and sophisticated look to a garden, enhancing curb appeal. It also provides a strong barrier while allowing for visibility and longevity, increasing security and cost-effectiveness over time. Available in various styles and heights, it allows for personalised designs to fit architectural themes. Wrought iron fencing combines beauty and functionality, making it a popular choice for those looking to enhance their property’s appearance while ensuring security.
Cost: $$$
Breeze blocks
A perfect combination of functionality and aesthetics, breeze blocks can elevate your outdoor spaces. These innovative profile blocks can transform your fencing, feature walls, and screen walls – they exude sophistication while offering durability. They can easily be incorporated into a variety of designs – whether you prefer a modern, minimalist look or a more traditional, vintage feel, these blocks can seamlessly complement your landscape design vision. They are resistant to weather, pests, and decay, ensuring a long lifespan with minimal maintenance, while providing effective noise reduction and a solid barrier, enhancing privacy and security around a property.
Cost: $$$
Masonry walls/with or without infill
Strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal are some of the key features of this fully customisable option. It is the best choice for a front boundary that needs to be visually permeable above a certain height and presents an opportunity to tie in the boundary with the home finishes and design. There are lots of options for brick style, textures and finishes and it can also be home to a secure letterbox. Perth landscapers favour this option when wanting to enhance the garden design while also keeping the property secure.
Cost: $$$
Aluminum and infill
When considering aluminium fencing, the options are endless, ranging from prefabricated to custom designs that can be tailored to meet various landscape needs. Aluminium can be powder-coated in a variety of colors, allowing homeowners to select from a broad spectrum of style options. This material is extremely durable and typically features a visually permeable design, ensuring both security and aesthetic appeal. Additionally, aluminium fencing does not rust and is lightweight, making it a practical choice. However, it’s essential to select the right type, as it must comply with council standards for permeability. Consulting with your landscape designer is advisable to ensure appropriateness before construction.
For specific applications like pool enclosures, aluminium fencing adheres to safety regulations while maintaining visibility of the pool area. Aluminium slat fencing is another modern option, offering customisable spacing for privacy and light filtration.
Cost: $$
Picket
This classic and charming type of fence, typically made from wood or vinyl/PVC boards is perfect for character properties. It usually ranges from 3 to 4 feet in height, making it good for low fencing and can be used for in-fill. Although less expensive than other options on installation, maintenance must be considered, as long-term wear and tear is expected.
Cost: $$
Glass
A modern and stylish option for property boundaries or pool enclosures, it offers a sleek, unobtrusive look while clearly defining boundaries. It is designed to withstand impact and weather conditions, and only requires minimal upkeep, which makes it popular with Perth landscapers. It allows for natural light to flow through, brightening outdoor spaces, and frosted or tinted options can be considered if additional privacy is preferred.
Cost: $$
Limestone
Aesthetically pleasing to the eye while being robust and strong in structure, limestone fencing blends well with the Perth environment and can add significant value to any property. It can come variety of colours and textures, ranging from light cream to darker hues, giving a rustic and elegant look to your landscape design. Limestone is strong and resistant to weathering, making it a long-lasting choice and generally requires minimal upkeep, aside from occasional cleaning to remove dirt or moss.
Cost: $$
Colorbond
TDL recommends Colorbond for its durability, low-maintenance qualities, and cost-effectiveness. If you’re looking for a visually solid option that ensures privacy, Colorbond is an excellent choice for securing the rear and sides of your property. Available in a range of trusted colours like Monument and Woodland Grey, it blends seamlessly into the background, allowing the plants and landscaping in front to ‘pop’.
Cost: $
Pine lap/timber lap
Pinelap fencing is a versatile and cost-effective option that offers both privacy and aesthetic appeal. Its natural texture and customisable finish make it a great choice for various landscape designs. By applying a coat of paint or stain, you can tailor the fence to suit your home’s exterior, enhancing its appearance while providing added protection against weathering. One of the major advantages of Pinelap is its affordability, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious homeowners. The overlapping design also ensures solid privacy and helps reduce noise, making it ideal for properties in busy areas. Like all timber fences, it will require maintenance, such as sealing, staining, or painting, to protect it from the elements and prevent rot or termite damage. Despite the upkeep, its combination of adaptability, affordability, and natural charm makes Pinelap a practical and attractive fencing solution.
Cost: $
Cyclone/chain mesh
Known for its durability, visibility, and low maintenance requirements, this cost-effective statement fencing allows for nearly full visual permeability and for plants to be grown directly onto it. Internally, chain mesh fencing can keep sensitive items secure, delineate pedestrian walkways, or simply add an extra layer of security and peace of mind. Chain mesh fencing is easy to install and repair, along with being easy to add or customise as your needs change. Keep in mind, it is not suitable for most residential applications and should only be used in a residential setting with landscape designer supervision.
Cost: $
Planted hedging
A planted hedge provides a natural screen, helping to shield your property from neighbours and passersby while enhancing the landscape with greenery, flowers, and varied textures, creating a soft and inviting look. It acts as a barrier against wind, protecting gardens and outdoor areas, and can also attract Perth’s local birdlife. It adds a touch of natural class to any property and can be tailored to a desired height and density based on the chosen plants and trimming practices. Maintenance of planted hedges is necessary to reach and preserve a desired shape and density and it will need regular watering and fertilisation – these factors should be considered when contemplating this environmental-friendly option.
Cost: $
With so many fencing options and combinations available, it can feel overwhelming to select the right one that complements your home design, suits your lifestyle, and fits your budget. Engaging a landscape designer early in the process is key to ensuring the best results.
TDL’s landscape architects and designers are here to help. We take a comprehensive approach, not only advising you on fencing options but also designing and constructing your entire landscape with a cohesive vision. From the initial concept sketch to construction and ongoing maintenance, our team of skilled designers, landscapers, and horticulturalists are uniquely positioned to bring your outdoor space to life.
Get in touch with us today to discuss how we can create the perfect landscape for your home.