| Metal fencing is chosen both for its practicality and | | | | Wire fences are the ideal way to build a secure |
| its beauty. There are two types of garden metal | | | | barrier against animals and other unwanted |
| fencing. The first is the utilitarian wire mesh type, | | | | intruders, in areas where aesthetically pleasing |
| such as chain-link fencing. Cheap, strong and | | | | fence panels aren't needed. You will need to dig |
| versatile, it is sold in rolls and is erected between | | | | holes and cement the fence-posts in place, but |
| fence posts. It can be put up and taken down in a | | | | after that it's relatively easy. Once creepers etc |
| very short period of time, so is ideal for creating | | | | start growing, the fence becomes invisible, but will |
| a temporary enclosure. Chain-link fences have a | | | | offer 100% privacy and security. |
| wide range of applications, being used in schools, | | | | Today, there are many types of chain-link fencing |
| sports grounds, parks and industrial areas as well | | | | in various sizes and thicknesses. As well as |
| as domestic gardens. | | | | heavy-duty galvanised, you can buy lightweight |
| The second type of garden metal fencing is the | | | | silver or synthetically-covered garden metal |
| ornamental type. This is solid and long lasting, and | | | | fencing that is attractive enough to have on show |
| ranges from elaborate wrought iron designs to | | | | – for example, to separate off a games area |
| functional park railings. Traditionally, wrought iron | | | | or vegetable patch. |
| fencing was built in situ and was very heavy. | | | | Decorative garden fencing is available in several |
| Today, lightweight alloy panels are used which, | | | | styles, and is generally sold in 6ft lengths. The |
| when painted, look just the same but are | | | | most popular height is 2 – 3ft, which is fixed |
| resistant to corrosion - and far easier to erect. | | | | to a low brick or stone wall equipped with pillars at |
| Decorative garden metal fencing may be erected | | | | regular intervals. However, it is possible to buy |
| freestanding, or fitted on top of a wall. Most | | | | heights of 6 feet or more, with sheer railings that |
| people today choose the latter, both to keep | | | | are impossible to scale. |
| costs down and because it is more in keeping | | | | If you like the idea, but not the potential hazard |
| with today's modern houses and smaller front | | | | of spear-point railings, then buy the Kensington. |
| gardens. It is possible to buy matching metal | | | | Less austere than the Victorian original, it has |
| fencing and driveway gates, which looks very | | | | short spears (called dog pickets) enclosed by |
| upmarket indeed. | | | | attractive rounded arches. If you prefer a more |
| Many people who buy fencing from us at Wickes | | | | flamboyant look, the Chelsea is an ornamental, |
| DIY take a tip from their local park, and combine | | | | wrought-iron style that is equally at home |
| both ornamental and chain-link fencing on their | | | | enclosing a garden feature as it is enclosing a |
| properties. Ornamental ironwork is used in areas | | | | front garden. |
| that are on view, for example the front garden, | | | | We at Wickes DIY sell these, plus many other |
| and chain-link fencing kept for out-of-sight areas in | | | | garden metal fencing ideas, at our stores across |
| need of a high level of security – for example, | | | | the UK. |
| the bottom of the rear garden. | | | | |