A do-it-yourself wooden fence is one of the most budget options for fencing a country house, garden or summer cottage. Despite the large selection of building materials, wood is still very popular with private construction.
About wooden fences
Wooden fences differ in height, translucency, design of sections, type of construction. Sections are made with a height of 1.5 to 2.2 m. Depending on the filling of the spans, the translucency of the fence is in the range of 0% to 50%.
Fences are built on wooden or metal supports, on screw piles, less often on a concrete foundation with brick or stone pillars. The type of foundation depends on the wind load in the building area, the type and characteristics of the soil, and the construction budget.
If a classic picket fence can be installed on poles with driving or concreting, then a high solid fence with large windage will need a more solid foundation. In areas with subsidence or wet soil prone to frost heaving, it is recommended to place the sections on a pile foundation. A high solid wooden fence on metal poles is more suitable for a private house. Blind sections can only be placed on the front side of the yard. Between the sections, you will have to build a picket fence or other fence, the translucency of which is at least 30%. However, if you get the neighbours’ written consent, you can put a blank fence along the boundary.
It is better to install translucent fences that freely let in sunlight and do not interfere with natural air circulation in the country.
Benefits of wood fences
Wood is one of the most accessible materials. When compared with fences made of metal, brick, concrete or natural stone, wooden fences will be the most inexpensive. In addition to the affordable cost, a board fence has several advantages.
- Simple and fast installation. To put up such a fence, you only need a basic set of tools and the ability to use them. It takes 1-3 days to install a fence in a country house.
- Environmental friendliness. Wooden fences do not emit toxic compounds, do not affect the condition of the soil in any way, do not heat up under the direct rays of the sun, which is very important if flowers or berry bushes grow next to the fence.
- Large selection of design options. A country cottage or country house can be fenced with a picket fence, lattice or solid fence with wrought iron decorations.
- Maintainability. A wooden fence is easy to repair. You just need to dismantle the damaged boards and put new ones in their place.
- Saving. A light wooden structure does not need a massive foundation, like a brick or concrete fence, which means you can save on foundation materials, reduce labour intensity, and reduce construction time.
Cons of wooden fences:
- Wood has a short lifespan—rain, wind, snow. Gradually destroy the structure of the tree. The average service life of wooden fences is 10-12 years.
- Constructions made from natural materials require regular treatment with antiseptics and fire retardants. To protect the fence from woodworms, mould and fungus, it must be treated with protective compounds at least once every 3 years.
Poorly dried and treated wood deforms over time – it “leads” and twists from the sun’s direct rays and high humidity.
