Fence Design
Fencing and gates can be constructed from many different materials including timber, brick, steel, iron, brushwood, glass, stone even natural planting or prefabricated materials. For some, fences are a matter of art and there are no limitations on the materials or styles that can be used.
Before choosing a design for your fence, you first need to determine your requirements. Fences are not only used as a boundary or divider, but are often designed with a special purpose. Some common requirements for fence design include:
Aesthetics – most commonly for front or courtyard fencing, decorative fencing can improve the look, or change the look of your home. Decorative fencing often takes advantage of a combination of different materials (such as brick piers and timber pickets), to form formal or traditional designs, often reflecting features already present in your home. A book is often judged by its cover, just as your home is judged by the first impression of a visitor. One of the best and quickest ways to add value and immediate appeal to your property is to construct a new decorative front fence and gate, maybe combined with an entrance arbor or pergola. See our online shop for more plans and ideas.
Privacy – privacy is a two way thing, and in most situations, is appreciated by both parties. If you have a concern regarding privacy first speak to your neighbours as you will most probably find they hold the same concerns. If you and your neighbour are in agreement, and no other properties are affected, in most cases you do not require further approvals before construction. The degree of privacy required will in some way affect the design and materials of the proposed privacy screen. For example, a solid screen could be made from solid material such as brick and stone, or a lightweight timber screen such as horizontal slat or latticedesigns are usually constructed from timber.
Sound – todays most common cause of neighbourhood disputes stem from inappropriate sound, (noise). The most efficient material to reduce sound levels will depend upon the frequency of the sounds. A common misunderstanding is that the more solid the fence the more sound it will stop. Soundwaves vary in length, the higher the note the shorter the wavelength of that note, or, the lower the note, the longer the wavelength. To best way to reduce sound levels is by using a mixture of materials in the design allowing for the absorbtion and reflection of all of the soundwaves. A solid brick fence or similar will reflect high frquency sounds but transmits low frequency sounds. A brushwood, stacked timber or natural plant fence will absorb low frequency sounds.
Safety – such as pool fencing must be constructed in accordance with local council by-laws. Pool or safety fencing should be used not only around pools but around any significant risk, (such as cliffs, verandahs, external stairwells etc). The design of safety fencing should take into account these basic principles (in addition to local council requirements). They should be designed so that they are a minimum of 1.2 metres in height with out any horizontal foot holds. Vertical picket closely spaced or solid glass is most commonly used although any design that meets this standard could be used. Horizontal slats can be used as long as the spacing between the slats does not exceed 10mm. Care should be taken around salt water pools to protect steel fittings and surfaces from corrosion.
Security – one of the most common requirements of a fence is to add security. Security means piece of mind and when it comes to designing a fence for your property security should be considered. Basic security starts with the height and type of finish on the external side of the fence. Other measures including vertical spiked top pickets, lockable gates, electronic entrance security or intercoms should be considered at the design stage. Items such as lighting, intercoms, automatic door openers etc., should be included in the design to allow for required wiring or services.
Retaining – properly designed retaining walls are used to retain changes in ground level. A fence alone is not strong enough to withhold more than a couple of inches of soil. For neighbouring properties where the ground levels are different heights, the ground must be retained by a retaining wall. Retaining walls can be constructed from timber, brick, stone, block, concrete or other similar materials. Retaining walls over 1 metre high, or walls that are to take excessive loads should be designed by a structural engineer.
After deciding on your preferred design, consult your neighbours. Most disputes regarding fences arise from a lack of communication. Information on your rights and obligations can be found under the ‘Dividing Fences Act, (NSW, QLD, VIC)’. Consult the local council regarding the proposed fencing material to check its suitability for the area. For example, Some Councils ban the use of brushwood fencing (for fire reasons), other local councils may have restrictions on height or materials used for front fences and gates.
Generally, boundary or dividing fences are allowed up to 1.8m high without approval. With front fences, a development application may have to be lodged for fencing exceeding one metre in height.
Design your fence by combining illustrations or photographs from our website. Plans for construction can be found in our online shop for those who like to do it themselves.
Brushwood Fencing.
Brushwood fencing ‘Melaleuca Uncinata’, (also known as brush, broombrush and natural bush fencing) has fantastic insect resistant qualities and is very durable with an expected lifespan of up to 20 years. Its natural appearance makes small spaces feel larger. Brushwood fencing rates highly for its sound reduction properties and is often used in townhouses to reduce reflective noise. Click on the pictures for more information.
Tea-tree Fences & Screens
Tea Tree, ‘Melaleuca’, (also known as paperbark), is suitable for external application without chemical preservatives or special treatments. The high oil content of Tea Tree provides a long lasting and durable protection against decay and helps maintain the rugged good looks without fading or cracking. Unique in appearance, nothing matches the beauty of Tea Tree fencing.
Paling Fences.
Paling fences are available in both treated pine and hardwood and can be built in heights up to 2.1m. (Most councils require approval for dividing fences over 1.8 metres). Paling fences are available in three designs, standard paling, lapped paling and lap and cap paling. Click on the pictures for more information.
Picket Fences.
Picket fences can be constructed using wood, aluminium or steel and can incorporate wood or brick posts in a range of styles and finishes. Picket fences can be ‘open’ or ‘closed’ designs (with or without a frame and capping) and are usually supplied primed and ready for a top coat of paint. Closed picket designs are also referred to as balustrades and are usually located around pergola or outdoor structures.
Frameless Glass.
Retain your view! 10mm or 12mm Toughened Glass Safety Pool Fencing can secure your pool areas without hiding the view!! Glass pool fencing is installed with anodised stainless steel fittings for durability, ease if installation and good looks. Click on the pictures for more information.
Balistrades and Handrails.
Balustrades are defined as having a top handrail, pickets and a bottom rail suspended above the ground or floor. Suitable for verandahs, pergolas, gazebos, stairs and external structures, balustrades are supported by posts or walls at either end. Pre-primed and treated handrails and balistrades are available for both internal and external applications. Balustrades are suitable for Federation, Victorian, Heritage or contemporary designs.
Horizontal Slat Screens and Fences.
Slat screens can be fixed over existing walls and fences and are ideal for privacy screens and shade screens. Modernise your home with the new range of stained timber screens and fences!
Decks and Pergola’s.
All Day Fencing can combine your fence, pergola and decks to create a uniform transformation of your property. Choose or match your preferred style from our menu and call or email us for a quotation.
Huts and Gazebos
All Day Fencing can manufacture and install pacific styled huts, gazebos and pergolas. We also thatch existing pergolas, gazebos and features for entertainment areas. DIY kits available.
Timber Gates
All Day Fencing manufacture a range of gates from simple wood panelling to solid timber gates in Federation, Victorian, Colonial and modern designs. Constructed from primed and treated timbers these gates are long lasting and attractive.
Retaining Walls
Retaining walls may look like simple stacked stone, block, or logs. But in fact, they’re carefully engineered systems that wage an ongoing battle with gravity. They restrain tons of saturated soil that would otherwise slump and slide away from a foundation or damage the surrounding landscape.
Fencing Supplies
All Day Fencing supply tea-tree, brushwood and timber fencing supplies to the Sydney Metropolitan area. We supply brushwood and tea-tree bundles for builders, tradesmen and handymen when in season. Call for an obligation free quote.
Do It Yourself building plans and guides
Do it yourself and save with our range of construction guides and plans for all external projects around the home. Download plans, illustrations, construction guides and more from our online store.
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