Short guide on the dimensions and parameters of fences

What should the dimensions of the fence be? How to choose the right height? What material should the fence be made out of?

These are questions that bother many land owners. Time to answer them. We have gathered all the information on the dimensions of fences for you in one place, which will help you make the right decision when choosing it. 

Building a fence comes with a lot of decisions that need to be made. Fences are built to serve many years, or at least this is the assumption of all land owners. Therefore, you should decide on the appropriate type of fence. It is also important to choose the right color – one that will harmonize with the buildings or its surroundings. But the most important part of it all is to take into account the dimensions of the fence. These parameters must be optimal enough for the fence to fully perform its functions, and at the same time be stable. We have put together some tips to help you with your property fencing design.

What functions should the fence fulfill?

To begin with, let’s recall what fencing is actually needed for. Any fence should fulfill the following functions: 

• indicate the boundaries of the property – fencing is a way to show where the plot begins and ends, which is especially important when there are other buildings, a public road or a pavement in the vicinity.
• prevent third parties from entering the plot – securing the house, people and animals staying in it is one of the main functions of the fence – it makes it difficult for potential thieves to enter the property, protects the area from wild animals, like stray dogs, cats and much larger animals (for example moose or deer staying in the area if the property is close to forests). They will encounter an obstacle in the form of a fence that will prevent them from entering the plot.
• prevent pets from escaping outside the property – this is a particularly important function if there is an animal in the house that could suddenly run out on the road and then get lost.
• provide privacy  – the fence allows you to separate yourself from the surroundings, both for residents and guests, positively influencing the image of the entire property.
• serve a decorative function – the decorative function of the fence allows you to adjust it to the building or surroundings, and then create a harmonious structure that will distinguish the entire property or, if needed, make it unnoticeable.

Dimensions and parameters of fencing. What to look for?

A fence is a very important structure that is involved in the development of the property area. Investors need to pay attention not only to its type but most of all to its dimensions. By choosing the right height, wire diameter and mesh size, the fence will fulfill its functions effectively.

The height of the fence

You should start the selection of the fencing dimensions with the basic and most important parameter, which is its height. A low fence is an incentive for potential thieves as it is easier to jump over. On the other hand, a fence that is too tall can give the impression of a hermetically closed space, which is a deterrent. Therefore, we recommend finding something in between that will be both safe and visually attractive.

Regarding the height of the fence, you should first look at the applicable regulations. In the UK, the construction of a fence that is lower than 2 meters does not have to be reported to the administrative authorities. This undoubtedly facilitates and speeds up the building of the fence. However, if the fence is higher than the aforementioned 2 meters you will have to get planning permission by the relevant UK authorities at your local land registry offices. 

Nevertheless, the height of the fence should mostly depend on the size of the plot. We strongly recommend following this golden rule:

• small properties should be surrounded by fences 1.50 – 1.55 m high 
• fences with a minimum height of 1.70 – 1.80 m are best for large properties

Wire diameter

The larger the diameter of the wire, the more solid and stiffer the fence will be. At the same time, by choosing the larger diameter, the mesh itself becomes much heavier. Because of that, you will have to place steel or wooden posts more densely to hold the weight of the fence. It is worth taking into account that a mesh with larger diameter will be useful when you keep larger animals – it is more resistant to bending. 

Mesh size

The smaller the mesh size, the stiffer but also heavier the mesh. Typical sizes are: 50, 55, 60, 65 mm. The mesh size largely depends on your needs and taste. If you want to choose a fence based on the animals you keep, go into the categories section on our website – you will find many tips on how to pick a fence according to the animal you own. 

Durability of the fence 

When choosing the right fence it is worth looking into the material it has been made out of and the production method. Our stock fencing and chain link fencing is galvanized to protect against corrosion. Such a product is resistant to weather conditions and will not rust. Good quality galvanized mesh will serve for many years, therefore the thickness of the zinc is an important parameter. A thin layer causes accelerated degradation, as even galvanized mesh can rust. This is because zinc oxidizes over time. Therefore, when choosing this type of product, pay attention to the thickness of the coating, which is determined in g / m2. The larger it is, the more durable the mesh will be. It is assumed that 7 g of zinc is oxidized per year, i.e. a thickness of 7 g / m2 will give us a guarantee against corrosion only for 12 months. For this reason, it is better to purchase a more expensive product with a zinc layer thickness of 70-80 g / m2. 

Plastic-coated mesh is very popular these days. Such a product is more durable because the PVC coating protects against harmful weather conditions. They are available in several colors that may fade when exposed to sunlight, so it is worth choosing a more expensive version, resistant to UV radiation. Of course, you can choose a cheaper uncoated fence, but experts assure that the cheaper option is unprofitable due to the much lower durability. 

Dimensions of the fence are very important when it comes to making the fencing fully functional. You can find many types of fencing on our website, in many different sizes and styles.