There is no doubt that decking and fencing – or even one of these two improvements to a property – play a major role in enhancing the functionality, enjoyment and aesthetic appeal of your home. Benefits such as privacy, security, and additional living areas are, to some homeowners, non-negotiable in their lives. I can attest to this, having transformed an open wilderness surrounding a previous home into a beautiful and private garden which added much appreciated space, peace and enjoyment to the home. Whilst my main concern at the beginning of the project was to create a definitive private boundary between our home and our neighbours and passers-by, it naturally progressed into a major project which took three years of careful planning and implementation, resolving pesky but inevitable mistakes, and constant upgrades in thinking and long-term plans as the process evolved. The whole process, for me, involved both fencing and decking extensions to create the perfect space that became my “happy place”. Fortunately, decking and fencing offer a variety of styles and materials that can be customised to meet your specific needs and style.
Looking at Fencing First …
Fencing is available in a variety of materials, suited either to providing and enhancing natural beauty or delivering rugged protection from intrusion, and each of these requirements can be met, either individually or in combination with each other.
Some of these options include:
- Wood Fencing. This type of fencing offers a natural and timeless appeal and comes in a variety of different woodgrains and lifespans. It is extremely versatile and can be stained, varnished or painted to suit the surrounding area. However, it does require regular maintenance to prevent or delay decay, pest infestation and weather damage.
- Vinyl Fencing, which holds appeal because of its low-maintenance requirements, durability and resistance to weathering and natural pests. It is available in various styles and colours. It is perfect for a clean, uncluttered and modern look.
- Metal Fencing: This fencing comes with various options, such as aluminium, steel and heavier wrought iron. Metal fencing offers strength and security, requires minimal maintenance if properly protected upfront and can even be powder-coated for additional durability.
- Composite Fencing: Being composed of a combination of wood fibres and plastic, this type of fencing is environmentally friendly, durable and low-maintenance. Its additional appeal is that it presents a wood-like appearance without the problems of constant maintenance.
It is important, for safety reasons, for households with children or pets to include adequate fencing to create a secure, enclosed area in which they can safely play and explore. Pool fencing, for example, ensures safety while complementing the pool area’s appeal. Fencing need not necessarily create a sense of imprisonment, however, as decorative fencing, like low-height picket or lattice designs, is a good choice for boundary fencing, providing a slightly sentimental look that complements any landscaping or house style, but unfortunately provides an inadequate security barrier.
Moving on to Decking …
A deck provides an expanded living/dining/entertainment area outside of your home’s interior space, which is a workable and comprehensive solution to the fact that homes and apartments are becoming smaller as our population continues to expand and available space decreases. Decks can be positioned at ground level in the garden or form raised structures leading off upper floors. Raised decks are double-faceted since the ground or garden below them can also be effectively utilised. Decks allow one to take full advantage of the beauty and fresh air of the outdoors whilst enjoying the comfort and convenience of a well-designed and safe additional living area.
The Real Benefits of Decking
Due to its versatility in material and design options, decking has many advantages, mainly:
- By providing additional outdoor living space by providing a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor areas.
- By increasing the value of the property. This speaks for itself, provided that the deck is thoughtfully designed and maintained to a high standard, ensuring its safety and durability.
- By allowing for personal customisation: Whether it is a single- or multi-level design, the best use of space and convenience of a deck can be attained through built-in seating or cooking areas and the inclusion of customised planters which bring nature and beauty to raised decks, thereby offering the option of a real, actively growing garden to the structure. Entertaining after dark can easily be accomplished by the addition of built-in lighting, and decorative safety railings will keep you and your guests safe from accidental falls on high-level decks.
As with fencing, there are a variety of materials available, each offering specific benefits, such as:
- Traditional Wood Decking, offering natural beauty and timeless appeal, no matter what the style of the house may be. As with fencing, wood demands regular and comprehensive maintenance, such as staining and sealing, to protect it from the elements.
- Composite Decking, often used for fencing because of its low-maintenance requirements and durability due to its natural resistance to rot, mould and insect infestation, is perhaps one of the most convenient, economical and time-saving choices. It is extremely versatile as this type of decking is available in a variety of colours and finishes and mimics the appearance of real wood.
- PVC (polyvinyl chloride) Decking has all the benefits one could ask for, being durable, weather-resistant, cost-effective and easy to maintain.
- Aluminium Decking. The advantage of this material is that it is lightweight, strong, and resistant to rust, rot, and weather damage. It’s an ideal choice for modern designs and regions with extreme weather conditions.
Wrapping Up:
Fencing and decking are both great options to enhance your outdoor space, providing both functionality and visual appeal. Whether you’re looking for privacy, security, or simply a welcoming, aesthetically pleasing and safe outdoor space, there are numerous styles, materials, and design options to accomplish this. By choosing the appropriate materials and employing professional specialists to build your fence or deck, you will not only enhance your property’s value but also add lasting enjoyment for years ahead.
