In general, concrete fencing is better than most types of fencing when you talk of cost, maintenance, and sustaining harsh weather conditions. Depending on the type of fencing you install such as some plastics and untreated wood, it may, or may not endure extreme environmental conditions and regional climatic changes. This is why concrete fencing is so popular because of its advantages and long-lasting lifespan. Once installed, you may not necessarily spend extra money on maintaining the fence in painting, weathering, and replacing rotted sections.
However, what should you keep in mind before you install concrete fencing in your gardens?
Aspects to Consider Before Installation
- Some things to consider are the soil topography, type of garden/yards, the structure of materials, and your choice.
Concrete installation is considered rigid in structure and style to some extent. Unlike wooden work, you may not express concrete styles beyond some extension. It is important to consider the need for concrete fencing; if you desire a bright, air-free, and open garden, concrete fencing may not be the better option. However, if all of these qualities are not your concern but you’re much more attracted to a long-lasting fence that can withstand any weather conditions, you may settle for the concrete fence.
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- Another thing you should consider is the main contents of your garden.
If you plan to install an all-around fence, make sure the soil has little or no roots from big trees. The first step in a concrete fence installation is laying concrete into the soil. This process gives the utmost stability and longevity to the concrete wall. Deep dirt-digging, forge, and concretion are the basic steps to making a concrete fence. First of all, if thick deep roots surround the garden, it may cause extra loads on the project. Also, the tree roots may grow and later become an obstacle (dirt, ironworks, and concretion) that holds the foundation. Root’s impact on the concrete fence contributes to wall cracking.
- Also, ensure the soil topography supports your project.
For example, a rough and water-filled area has low support for a concrete fence. Thus, there is a need for extra work during the installation process. Once you figure out the topography has these features, the construction company or engineer ensures the necessary steps are put in place. In short, the installation of concrete fencing demands supervision and expert screening. Although concretes are good enough to withstand external forces; however, if the foundational works are not properly aligned.
A home wall fence is different from a garden fence. For the garden, the walls are usually close to the cultivated plants, especially in the case of a medium-size garden. So, if the wall collapse, it will damage your plants greatly. Therefore, it is highly recommended to plan the basics first before you continue with the installation. Make sure you figure out the need for concrete walls. If the topography and other conditions do not support a concrete wall, you may use wooden walls. If all conditions are considered, you should be familiar with the various shapes and styles of concrete fencing.
- Lastly Consider Price.
Depending on what type of concrete fencing you would like to install, they will have a upfront cost. You may have cost associated with installing which can be steep where sometimes choosing a lesser expensive option can be better, but longevity may lack such as wood and plastic fencing. Also remember concrete fencing and walls can be labor intense and can have planning cost such as surveys and permits depending on the scope of the project. Many choose the do it yourself which consists of posts and rails, but you still need some knowhow skills associated with installation. Regardless, it’s ultimately up to you and the look your trying to achieve.
If your looking for more of a natural fencing look for your home and garden check out this article. Building and Growing Bamboo as a Privacy Fence (Pros and Cons)
Do concrete fences come in different shapes and styles?
Stucco and Brick concrete fencing
Block-like concrete walls are more flexible than traditional brickwork since they can be utilized in high temperatures, providing excellent and creative artistry. This wall makes concrete the decent decision where a traditional look is wanted. Naturally, a high level of craft is needed to make an excellent and diverse style with concrete walls.
However, working with a block, brick, and stucco reduces stress and improves accuracy. You may go for brick and stucco if you want high-level concrete styles to pack with designs and craftsmanship. Concrete walls produced using materials form of brick and stucco join the look and feel of the customary wall with the advantages of a pre-projected fence. Stucco fences are also appropriate for traditional locations, with bullnose caps making the installations appear more elegant since they easily rhyme with your environment.
Wood and Rail concrete fencing
Part rail concrete fence frameworks look like wood grain made with finished subtleties. Not at all like normal and treated wood, the rails needn’t bother with painting and won’t break down from termite invasions, decaying, or breaking. And this makes the “wood-rail” works different from ordinary woodworks. They also long and withstand harsh environmental conditions.
Pre-projected rails and posts look more reasonable when bigger regions are fenced. Do you have an extended garden or yards? This may be suitable for you. Likewise, with genuine wood rail walls, substantial variants are accessible in 2-, 3-and 4-rail styles with presents up to 5 feet high. Concrete may likewise be shaped to the desiring shapes of the gardener – this type of concrete work is highly versatile. If you have your garden in your house, you may make different plans since this type of concrete could be utilized as security fencing up to 15 feet high.
Additionally, if your looking for concrete railing that gives a ranch style appearance , check out this company, thearchitectdepot.com
Stonewall style
Many different natural stone looks are possible through pre-formed concrete stone fencing. Used in the garden and elegant perimeter applications such as gated community enclosures, concrete stone fences can achieve an expensive look at a fraction of the cost.
Many sub-varieties are available, including cobblestone, laid stack stone, split face block, and river stone. Individual contractors will have their molds resulting in various looks to mimic natural stone. Concrete decorative fencing is often used in upscale communities and residential applications.
Precast concrete style
Precast concrete style – the walls come in many forms. These styles are reinforced with steel ribs, and others are solid panels. The controlled environment of a factory allows the precast walls to set and cure no matter what the weather.
One such website that caters to individuals looking for precast fencing is stackwall.com. They specialize in creating a variety of different forms to choose from. Check them out.
Colored walls
Colored concrete walls are available in all the poured concrete techniques and some of the pre-made panels. This works especially well with the stamped concrete in the shapes of stones, giving them a more realistic coloring.
Advantages of concrete fencing
- Soundproof
Concrete fencing is applicable if you want a sound-free environment. It is easy to get distracted if you live close to a busy road, as the case may be. If you have your garden within a busy area, concrete fencing may be a suitable choice for you. Also, if you operate some noisy equipment at home but need a cool spot for relaxation, you may install concrete walls around your garden, which may serve as a relaxation spot.
- Low maintenance fee
Another advantage is the low cost of maintaining the wall after a long installation. You don’t need much money to maintain a concrete wall. If the installation is properly done, you may not perform any repair or adjustment for an extended period. Installing concrete fencing means long-time enjoyment, low cost, and durability.
- Withstand environmental forces and harsh weather, and highly durable
External forces and harsh weather are the main contributors to the weathering around us. Although human factors also contribute, the major ones are these two. Weathering occurs with walls; you should prepare concrete walls, especially in areas with major occurrences.
- They are affordable
Concrete posts are likewise reasonable, particularly when contrasted with steel or specialty wooden models. They are affordable when considering the expense of supplanting less tough fence posts over the long run. With a concrete fence, you may likely not replace the wall for a long time after the first installation. However, fragile materials like wood may suffer termite attacks or harsh environmental conditions.
Disadvantages of concrete fencing
- Rigid and permanent
Unless you have other reasons to consider concrete walls, a concrete wall may not be suitable for you if you are a versatile individual and love an adjustable wall. The wall is highly rigid and permanent. Once installed, it stayed in the assumed position for an extended period. Unless there is a need to reconstruct the wall, concrete walls remain intact even for years.
- Less homey look
Houses and woods are compatible, even in style and decorations. However, concrete walls are less homey. Always think and resolve your choice before you decide on installing concrete walls.
- Wall cracking
Shrinkage is the main cause of cracking. As concrete hardens and dries, it shrinks. This is due to the evaporation of excess mixing water. The wetter or soupier the concrete mix, the greater the shrinkage. Although many types of cracking, like heavy cracks and premature cracks, still follow the same shrinkage principles. Also, if not properly sealed, water overtime will penetrate where some parts can fail.
Final Thoughts
Installation of concrete walls may not be as expensive as other decorative works. This is an extra advantage if you need to consider the cost of erecting a fence around your gardens. As much as the advantages supersede some disadvantages, as listed above, you must carefully choose since the walls will be for a long time.
