Important Rules To Consider If You Want To Install A Timber Slat Fence

If you are looking for a functional divider between your property and your neighbor’s, one that will suit your commercial business, or perhaps just for your garden or improved security, the first option on your list should be a timber slat fence. It is a cost effective and popular choice among Australian homeowners who wish to keep their outdoor living space and entire property private and safe. It looks perfect and functional. Additionally, it allows better airflow can add privacy to a certain area like your pool. However, just like with other types of building work, every local government has their own set of rules and regulations. You might have to secure building permits depending on your situation and certain conditions.

Check The Regulations

You can save significant amount of time and money with just a quick check with your local council for ordinances about installing a fence. Keep in mind that different councils may have different regulations governing the height of the fence or perhaps the space between the slat. All these may even depend on where you are located. Different suburbs may have different fence height requirements and allowable gap between slats. The latter is usually governed by regulations related to visual visibility. For instance a front slat fence that is more than 1.2 meters in height should be 50% permeable and a front fence that about 100mm slats must have a gap spacing of a maximum of 50mm.

Slat fencing is governed by specific rules especially when it is to be used in corner blocks or around a pool. By checking with your local council, you will get a list of all laws governing setbacks, distances, slat gaps, allowable heights, and more.

Think About Your Neighbors

When you have determined the rules for your planned slat fence, the next thing you have to consider aside from knowing how to build a timber slat fence is to talk to your neighbors. Are you expecting your neighbor to share costs for the installation of slatted fence panels or perhaps a double slatted fence? There are States that have a fencing law that regulates dividing fences, details the procedure involved in sharing the costs for its installation, and describes methods of handling disputes.

Don’t forget to take into account important factors like if the slat fence that you want to install will not interfere with the view of your neighbor of a special feature, perhaps the ocean. You also need to reassure your neighbor that the dividing fence you wish to install will not encroach on their property. You have to discuss your fencing installation plans with your neighbors beforehand and make sure they are in agreement before install slatted fences panels or a double slatted fence. It is also advisable to get this discussion in writing so you can avoid potential legal problems later on.

Choosing Your Slat Fencing Materials

The next thing you have to do is choose the ideal slat fencing materials that works best for your fence design. The most common options in the Australian market include timber slat fence and composite timber. However, there is a wide range of materials for you to choose from apart from those two like aluminium and steel. They are available in different colours and in terms of the style, you can choose between a horizontal, vertical, or picket fence. Keep in mind that if you are residing in a heritage protected suburb, you may not be able to use some types of materials like bamboo. Don’t forget to check with your local council for these kinds of restrictions. Screen fences also require gates so be sure to check all the products available for your fencing project.

A new natural timber slat fence can provide you the benefits of affordability and beauty. However, even with its stunning decorative features, you will find that using this kind of material for your fence or decking project comes with a lifetime of maintenance and upkeep including repainting, oiling, and staining. Depending on the site where it is installed, you need to do all these regularly if you want to keep its appearance in the coming years looking like it was when it was first built. It also has low resistance to the elements and has a tendency of retaining water and moisture. However, even with regular upkeep, natural timber slat fence remains susceptible to warping, rotting, and mold growth due to weather damage and varying conditions.

Composite timber on the other hand, has become a popular and easy alternative to a regular timber slat fence. Its appearance and finish is similar to real timber but without the problems associated with using natural wood. Although it is more expensive than a natural timber slat fence, you never have to worry about repainting, oiling, and resealing. Just make sure to search for a company that offers high quality and durable products.

Also, if plan to diy this project, you must have the knowledge, skills, and tools to get it done. Check the area, take measurements and call or visit home and garden improvement stores or shops to get the supply you need. You must also have a good idea of the maintenance requirements of your fence after it is built like having it treated. You should know how to properly install the posts, timber fencing panels and boards, and fencing gates. If you don’t want to deal with all these, please call and hire a friendly service provider who can create your required timber fencing at a price you can afford.

Feel free to contact Futurewood now if you need more details about timber slat fence or other screen fencing projects either via phone or email. Our team is always ready to provide the best customer support to all our clients. We will do our best to cater to your requests, answer your questions, or help you find the best product, color and finish for your fence installation project.