When I’m doing something for the zillionth time in my life and know that it won’t be the last, like washing the kitchen floor or doing the ironing, in moments of extreme ennui I always ask myself “Well, pansyface, what else would you be doing if you weren’t doing this? Discovering the answer to the world’s population problem? Designing a non-polluting means of public transport? Writing a best selling novel? Right, OK, so just get on with it.”
I'm not sure I entirely understand but it made me smile all the same
I've had 45 years of creosote, later wood coat, fence panels, splinters, brushes, Jeyes fluid, spray units and such things.
I have this nag at the back of my mind that none of this will be remembered and that now may be the time to make life a little easier ... where it's possible. I'm hoping upvc fences might, just might be a step forward. I can handle a bucket, warm water and a car brush once a year
There are brands which use composites including 75% recycled material to make plastic fences and they have a no maintenance guarantee of 20 years. If the costs of purchase and installation are similar or not much greater than those of standard wooden fencing I'd think the plastic would be a good choice.
You'd have to think very carefully about style and go for a neutral colour that won't drive you mad, wishing you hadn't picked stark white or shocking pink or whatever.
Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
"The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
And there's always metal fences with permanent colour treatments that are guaranteed for twenty years...maybe a better choice than adding more plastic out there? @Atacama
There are brands which use composites including 75% recycled material to make plastic fences and they have a no maintenance guarantee of 20 years. If the costs of purchase and installation are similar or not much greater than those of standard wooden fencing I'd think the plastic would be a good choice.
You'd have to think very carefully about style and go for a neutral colour that won't drive you mad, wishing you hadn't picked stark white or shocking pink or whatever.
Totally agree ... if there's a recycled percentage and the form and function are real then I'm more open minded to the concept than I have been.
Although I joke some in the posts above, I really have spent a huge amount of days/weeks doing wood fence renovations ... a disproportionate amount. Is a little down to my OCD tendencies and I don't regret that at all. However at 55, I'm trying to take a practical view on the remaining days available! .... happy to put the effort into new exciting work but repetitive stuff like painting fences? Somewhat less so.
100% agree though, it needs be the right aesthetic as well as function. Our outer perimeter has a lot of climbing roses, established wisteria, clematis, etc on wires and wood/concrete posts at higher level ... say 8 foot. And the fences have seen better days although just holding in there. The concrete posts however have had a aluminium chestnut cladding and capping system fitted and are 100% immaculate. This makes the case for a slot in product very strong. We at that optimum point to replace and upgrade before the growth dominates.
Interested to know more about these brands and options that folks have. Have looked at a few today and have a few samples on the way. Also cost is higher but I'm ok with that so long as the solution is a solid and sustainable one.
And there's always metal fences with permanent colour treatments that are guaranteed for twenty years...maybe a better choice than adding more plastic out there? @Atacama
Interesting George. You have any details of makes, brands? There need be solid ones in our instance rather than mesh solutions.
I've also heard of systems that are wood based and plastic or metal covered but I think those are U.S suppliers.
Being interested in metal fencing myself, Mr google just found this site which looks to have reasonable prices for aluminium fencing (eg a 1.8m high x 2.35m wide panel inc. posts is £125): https://colourfence.co.uk/garden-fencing/
A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
Being interested in metal fencing myself, Mr google just found this site which looks to have reasonable prices for aluminium fencing (eg a 1.8m high x 2.35m wide panel inc. posts is £125): https://colourfence.co.uk/garden-fencing/
Have to say George that's interesting stuff. And not so expensive on a life cycle basis.
Not sure if the system allow the usage of existing concrete posts which is a negative for our specific situation but otherwise looks very solid indeed.
Thanks for sharing that. Going to read further and contact them see if we can use existing posts. Will continue the search for the plastic/composite solution in parallel.
I contacted a company based in Derby in UK called Liniar and they kindly sent a large box of samples of their fencing and decking products in all the colours. They were also very helpful on the phone.
I have to say they are remarkably robust and well made. I had a concern that they would be lacking in structure and prone to day to day damage. Not so, they are very robust.
Here's a link to the liniar site that may be useful for folks going through the same consideration curve I am just now....
I think part of the problem is that unlike their wooden counterparts, these systems are not so easy to find to look at.
It appears all of them are prone to some degree of fade but pretty much as wood products do as well. Not such a problem so long as you know what to expect and all the sites provide photo samples of new and older products.
I'm beginning to be won over by the concept. And given their projected life span, environmentally it appears to be an 'ok' solution as well .... I think.
Posts
I've had 45 years of creosote, later wood coat, fence panels, splinters, brushes, Jeyes fluid, spray units and such things.
I have this nag at the back of my mind that none of this will be remembered and that now may be the time to make life a little easier ... where it's possible. I'm hoping upvc fences might, just might be a step forward. I can handle a bucket, warm water and a car brush once a year
You'd have to think very carefully about style and go for a neutral colour that won't drive you mad, wishing you hadn't picked stark white or shocking pink or whatever.
Although I joke some in the posts above, I really have spent a huge amount of days/weeks doing wood fence renovations ... a disproportionate amount. Is a little down to my OCD tendencies and I don't regret that at all. However at 55, I'm trying to take a practical view on the remaining days available!
100% agree though, it needs be the right aesthetic as well as function. Our outer perimeter has a lot of climbing roses, established wisteria, clematis, etc on wires and wood/concrete posts at higher level ... say 8 foot. And the fences have seen better days although just holding in there. The concrete posts however have had a aluminium chestnut cladding and capping system fitted and are 100% immaculate. This makes the case for a slot in product very strong. We at that optimum point to replace and upgrade before the growth dominates.
Interested to know more about these brands and options that folks have. Have looked at a few today and have a few samples on the way. Also cost is higher but I'm ok with that so long as the solution is a solid and sustainable one.
I've also heard of systems that are wood based and plastic or metal covered but I think those are U.S suppliers.
Interested in alternative such as you mention.
Not sure if the system allow the usage of existing concrete posts which is a negative for our specific situation but otherwise looks very solid indeed.
Thanks for sharing that. Going to read further and contact them see if we can use existing posts. Will continue the search for the plastic/composite solution in parallel.
Looks like they use concrete posts.....
This lot offer composite wood and plastic panels that slot into posts
http://www.nationalcomposite.co.uk/fencing/
I'm sure there are many more out there.
Many thanks for the suggestions Obelixx. I am reading these as we speak.
I have to say they are remarkably robust and well made. I had a concern that they would be lacking in structure and prone to day to day damage. Not so, they are very robust.
Here's a link to the liniar site that may be useful for folks going through the same consideration curve I am just now....
https://www.liniar.co.uk/fencing/liniar-composite-fencing/
I think part of the problem is that unlike their wooden counterparts, these systems are not so easy to find to look at.
It appears all of them are prone to some degree of fade but pretty much as wood products do as well. Not such a problem so long as you know what to expect and all the sites provide photo samples of new and older products.
I'm beginning to be won over by the concept. And given their projected life span, environmentally it appears to be an 'ok' solution as well .... I think.