This month is the ideal time to start embarking on some DIY projects in the garden. The bank holiday weekends mean that many people have more time to spare in the garden – and installing new fencing is at the top of many people’s priorities. But which type do you need? Here Lumberjacks, who supply high-quality fencing products for customers in Ipswich and across Suffolk, provide some answers.
For Security
If your main priority is to stop people looking in, then you should be opting for lap or closeboard panels. These are both solid structures that you can’t see through, and they offer plenty of protection and shelter for your plants and garden furniture.
Their size (they generally are sold in 6ft heights) as well as their solidity also means they should act as a genuine deterrent for any inquisitive pets or young children who may not understand the dangers of the world beyond the garden.
If you are particularly privacy conscious you could also add some decorative panels on top of either type for extra height - and improve the garden’s overall appearance at the same time.
For Decoration
If security is less of an issue – for instance, if you live in a low-crime area, or there is someone at home all the time – then you should be looking at more decorative products which provide more visual interest than a simple series of panels.
Trellises (which can in a diamond, arch or rectangular shape) may not provide as much security and stability in extreme weather as closeboard or lap panels, but they do allow you to grow plants up and through them. You can also use them to provide internal borders in your garden.
And our rounded top panels can be used as picket fences, which is particularly popular in front gardens (although you can still use them in the back garden too). They offer plenty of kerb appeal by making your home stand out from any neighbouring properties.
For Durability
Closeboard panels, which are also sometimes referred to as feather edge panels, will generally offer the best durability – they are built from thick, overlapping vertical boards and reinforced with a strong frame. They are designed to last years without sagging, snapping, or needing frequent ongoing maintenance.
However, there is no reason why, provided they have been properly installed and well looked after, that you shouldn’t get years of use out of your panels, whatever type they are.
Fencing Panel Accessories from Lumberjacks
At Lumberjacks we stock a variety of accessories to help you prolong the life of your fences. These include Durapost, galvanised steel posts which are 80% lighter than concrete. This means they are very easy to install – and the good news is they are suitable to use with all types of fencing. They should also resist wind speeds of up to 110 mph and are guaranteed (for at least 15 years) against rotting, splitting or warping.
We also stock a variety of wood treatments to help you keep your panels in pristine condition.
Contacting Lumberjacks
If you still aren’t sure which type is best for you, you can always call in at our Ipswich base and we will be happy to answer any queries – or you can reach us online by completing the form on this page.
And when it comes to the practicalities of actually putting up your fences, we can help there as well – you can download our fencing ‘how to’ guide here. It’s also well worth your while checking out our special offers page, whether you are installing fence panels or have another garden project on the go.
