What Type of Fence Provides the Most Privacy?
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) recently reported that over 85 0,000 households all over the country were targets of household crimes between 2022 and 2023. Of these, 44% involved attempted and successful break-ins. Granted, the figure is consistent with the downward trend of household crime since 2008-09, but it’s still happening.
Break-ins will keep occurring as long as houses present themselves as an easy target for criminals. It doesn’t help that many houses forego fencing, which gives criminals a good view of the interior to help them plan their break-ins. After all, they need to get in, swipe as much as they can, and get out before anyone realises.
If the chilling thought of being burglarised at home convinces you to fence your property, a fencing contractor like Grays Fences & Gates can offer some good privacy fence ideas. As to which of these best suits your privacy needs, that’s what we’re here to discuss. The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think.
What is a Privacy Fence?
Privacy fences are characterised by their height and, more importantly, lack of gaps. Such a design works both ways: it won’t let anyone outside peer into your home, but it also won’t let you take a look outside unless you step out.
A privacy fence’s height is dictated by rules set by local councils or shires, which defer to state regulations. Under Regulation 89 of Building Regulations 2018, any fence erected for the front yard must be no higher than:
1.5 metres |
2.0 metres |
|---|---|
| If the fence is located within three metres of any road or street | If the fence is located within three metres of an arterial road or freeway |
Height limits only apply within the state of Victoria.
Technically, the Building Regulations allow homeowners to erect fences exceeding two metres. However, Regulation 90 requires a minimum setback or horizontal distance from the building. Households rarely need such a high fence, not just because their lots don’t have an extra metre or two to spare but also because it increases the risk of falling.
Top Privacy Fence Options
Naturally, some of our fencing options, like the chain link fence or white picket fence, won’t do here because their gaps defeat the purpose of ensuring privacy. Here’s a comparison of the most typical privacy fencing solutions in the market.
Timber
As we discussed in a previous post, timber fences are one of the more cost-effective options to enhance your home’s backyard privacy. These fences almost always use treated timber to hold their own against the elements and thwart infestation by wood-feeding insects. The plinth boards can be arranged together, leaving no gaps for criminals or passersby to peer through.
Compared to other fencing options on this list, a wooden fence may fall short in some areas, such as durability. That said, this shouldn’t imply that timber privacy slats are barely resilient at all. It has been used for most of human history and will continue to be one of the most reliable privacy fence materials.
Brushwood
Brushwood is one of a kind because of its properties. When fashioned into a privacy screen fence, this ubiquitous plant’s branches can form a barrier that not only keeps prying eyes out of your backyard oasis but also reduces incoming noise from outside. Although not enough to block out noise entirely, it’s a feature that can help homeowners enjoy peace and quiet.
You may be tempted to go for a brushwood backyard fence if you live in a heavily wooded area. However, we strongly recommend having a garden hose or any means of fighting fires nearby in case the brushwood smoulders or catches fire.
COLORBOND®
Designed to be used in Australia’s climate extremes, COLORBOND® privacy fences score high marks in durability and security. In terms of affordability, it’s between low-cost timber and high-cost brushwood, so you can expect to get your money’s worth. And as the name says, the fence’s colour is bonded to the steel, so repainting won’t be necessary, at least for several decades.
A metal fence is often more durable than other types and can also serve as a security fence. Despite these advantages, COLORBOND® fencing might appear dull to some people. If you want the right privacy fence to blend well with the landscape, the other two options may be a more suitable fit.
Below are other pros and cons of the different privacy fence styles worth knowing.
Type |
Pros |
Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Timber |
|
|
| Brushwood |
|
|
| COLORBOND® |
|
|
As for the level of privacy they provide, they all equally prevent anyone from looking into the property. A COLORBOND® privacy fence can serve as a security fence, making it a great deterrent for criminals. It doesn’t require regular maintenance unlike wood fences. On the other hand, lattice fences made of timber can add aesthetic appeal and decorative elements while still providing some privacy for homes with different architectural styles. The brushwood fence has the advantage of noise reduction, but basing your pick on this factor alone isn’t the best way to choose the perfect privacy fence.
Keep in mind that whatever kind of high fence you choose, whether a wood fence or a composite fence, it will most likely be your fence for the rest of your life, which is why it’s important to take every factor, especially the right materials, into consideration.
The Lowdown
As pricey as they may seem, the best fence from the right fencing contractor practically pays themselves over time by hiding your home from potential burglars. Yet, even if there’s no immediate threat to your abode, they’re still worth investing in. They have everything you want in a fence: extra aesthetic appeal for your outdoor space, all-weather durability, and security, giving you and your family much-needed peace of mind.
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Oct 28, 2024
