Cheapest boundary fence?

[jayc89]

Our existing boundary fence is falling to bits, its approx 70m of picket fence that looks like it was put up 30 years ago and was never stained, so it's rotted. The other side of the boundary is 4 neighbouring properties. 

We plan to plant bushes, hedges, shrubs along the boundary so don't want to pay £££ for a new fence, just something to secure the boundary, and keep our dog in!

Any suggestions for a cheap and cheerful approach that will be hidden (from our side) by greenery? 

[Ferdinand]

If just to restrain the dog and keep it secure, I would suggest the system used everywhere in the 1950s - many of which are still there.

 

Concrete posts postcrete-d in, tighten-able strainer wires (use turnbuckles) mid and top, or 3 for a 2m fence, and plastic covered or galvanised chainlink mesh. At the ends / corners you want stronger posts or tensioning ground anchors to absorb the tension along the fence and keep your strainer wires tight (this is a standard technique used eg for field fences).

 

With conrete posts, make sure you have an easy way to attach your wires and fence to the posts, which probably means holes cast into the posts.

 

The lengthways tensioning is important, as a post with a horizontal force at the top may buckle.

 

Get your supplies from a trade or agricultural supplier. (The latter may not have chain-link). It may come as a system. Or you might find a local fence supplier who makes their own posts.

 

Should last 20+ years. Let the edge of your hedge grow through it stood off a bit from the main growth (trunks of hedge bushes could make it lean). Just remember where it is when trimming.

 

For "how to do it", try youtube vids.

 

For cost control, you need the right stuff bought well, not the cheap wrong stuff bought at full price..

 

F

[jayc89]

Sounds ideal, not sure how the neighbours would take to having a mesh fence at the bottom of their gardens though. 

[Jilly]

Dog proof and cheap can't really be said in the same breath, but it does depend on the dog...Rolls of chestnut paling might do the trick, or even a roll of chicken wire with intemittent 'knock in' posts would keep some dogs in but maybe not a determined escapee.

[jayc89]

1 hour ago, Jilly said:

Dog proof and cheap can't really be said in the same breath, but it does depend on the dog...Rolls of chestnut paling might do the trick, or even a roll of chicken wire with intemittent 'knock in' posts would keep some dogs in but maybe not a determined escapee.

Chicken wire would do the trick. We did consider just stapling some chicken wire to the existing fence, which might help keep it in tact for a few years more too!

[Temp]

Electric fence 🙂

[Ferdinand]

9 hours ago, jayc89 said:

Sounds ideal, not sure how the neighbours would take to having a mesh fence at the bottom of their gardens though. 

 

In a few years it would be absorbed in your hedge behind it. Then they can trim the face of your hedge 12 in into their land.

 

In those circs I would put it right on the boundary, with your hedge 12 inches behind it (ish). If they don't like it they can put something on their side.