Hello everyone!
I’ve mentioned before that we plan to install a wooden privacy fence along the side of our property bordering the neighbor. The plan was for rounded fence panels, 180cm (71 inches) tall at the highest point and the same width.
The local DIY store gave me a quote for the materials, including delivery. Normally, this store is not particularly expensive.
The total for materials for 19.5m (64 feet) of fencing came to over 1000€. The panels themselves were about 500€, with the rest being the “miscellaneous parts.” One costly item is the wood stain planned (three times 4L (1 gallon) of Bondex long-lasting protective stain) for nearly 200€. The advisor also said we need to use H-posts and set them in concrete. He quoted a 40kg (88 lbs) bag of screed concrete for each post.
I know that here in northern Germany it’s probably better to set the posts in concrete, but do I really need 400kg (880 lbs) of concrete for a 19.5m (64 feet) wooden fence? It seems crazy to me.
With L-brackets, screws, posts, etc., the entire project came to just over 1000€, and then we still have to assemble it ourselves — and we’re not sure if we can manage that. I had originally thought of using the quick-setting concrete that only needs watering, but I expected 2–3 bags would be enough.
Do you think the quote for materials is realistic? I’m a bit shocked.
Now we’re considering alternatives. For example, I could order a mixed package of “natural hedge bouquet” with 160 plants online for about 280€, which would green up the whole garden and cost only about a quarter of what the fence would. However, the noise insulation to the neighbor’s property would probably be weaker than with a wooden fence (anyone with experience here?), and we would have to wait a few years until the plants grow tall enough to screen the view of the metal shed. But honestly, I’d almost prefer to invest a four-figure amount in greenery rather than in a fence.
What would you recommend?
I’ve mentioned before that we plan to install a wooden privacy fence along the side of our property bordering the neighbor. The plan was for rounded fence panels, 180cm (71 inches) tall at the highest point and the same width.
The local DIY store gave me a quote for the materials, including delivery. Normally, this store is not particularly expensive.
The total for materials for 19.5m (64 feet) of fencing came to over 1000€. The panels themselves were about 500€, with the rest being the “miscellaneous parts.” One costly item is the wood stain planned (three times 4L (1 gallon) of Bondex long-lasting protective stain) for nearly 200€. The advisor also said we need to use H-posts and set them in concrete. He quoted a 40kg (88 lbs) bag of screed concrete for each post.
I know that here in northern Germany it’s probably better to set the posts in concrete, but do I really need 400kg (880 lbs) of concrete for a 19.5m (64 feet) wooden fence? It seems crazy to me.
With L-brackets, screws, posts, etc., the entire project came to just over 1000€, and then we still have to assemble it ourselves — and we’re not sure if we can manage that. I had originally thought of using the quick-setting concrete that only needs watering, but I expected 2–3 bags would be enough.
Do you think the quote for materials is realistic? I’m a bit shocked.
Now we’re considering alternatives. For example, I could order a mixed package of “natural hedge bouquet” with 160 plants online for about 280€, which would green up the whole garden and cost only about a quarter of what the fence would. However, the noise insulation to the neighbor’s property would probably be weaker than with a wooden fence (anyone with experience here?), and we would have to wait a few years until the plants grow tall enough to screen the view of the metal shed. But honestly, I’d almost prefer to invest a four-figure amount in greenery rather than in a fence.
What would you recommend?
M
motorradsilke29 May 2021 18:30If you want to use plants, just check classified ads. You can find larger plants there, but you might need to dig them up yourself.
Thank you for the suggestions and the lovely photos – it looks very nice, Haydee!
Even if I choose plants instead of a fence, I would still need to mark the boundary somehow. Of course, it’s not absolutely necessary, but it would feel better to have a clear line running along it. Currently, the properties are still completely open to each other, which bothers me visually.
Do you have any ideas?
I was vaguely thinking about installing a low brick wall (maybe about 30-40cm high (12-16 inches)) and where the shed visually disturbs us, simply raising the wall a bit higher (gradually up to 180cm (6 feet) so it’s somewhat out of sight). But that would probably be just as expensive as a fence if I have to buy the bricks myself.
Even if I choose plants instead of a fence, I would still need to mark the boundary somehow. Of course, it’s not absolutely necessary, but it would feel better to have a clear line running along it. Currently, the properties are still completely open to each other, which bothers me visually.
Do you have any ideas?
I was vaguely thinking about installing a low brick wall (maybe about 30-40cm high (12-16 inches)) and where the shed visually disturbs us, simply raising the wall a bit higher (gradually up to 180cm (6 feet) so it’s somewhat out of sight). But that would probably be just as expensive as a fence if I have to buy the bricks myself.
P
pagoni202029 May 2021 21:16I’m not familiar with those fence panels, but most panels from home improvement stores are made of thin wood and are fastened with short staples; that’s why they often come loose quickly. I would skip painting altogether because otherwise, you’ll constantly need to repaint, and if the paint isn’t opaque, you’ll quickly see where the wood has darkened.
I always find it difficult to work with such long and tall fence structures. First, they need to be installed precisely, and second, visually they look like a wall, even though they are made of wood. I don’t like these long “walls” at all, even if they are currently quite popular.
You should probably separate the issues of sound and privacy because such a structure doesn’t provide sound insulation. At our previous house, we had a 20m (66 feet) boundary, where we installed wooden posts and filled the gaps with boards. It’s not difficult work, and a 20mm (0.8 inch) thick wood doesn’t rot as quickly as the wood in fence panels. You can use the cheapest wood available; I would avoid paint or treatments, so it will just age a bit faster... We had a slope stabilization made of pressure-treated wood, which I was told would last 4-5 years. After 12 years, it was still there and will last for more years.
In front of that board fence, we planted thuja trees because they were inexpensive at 100-140cm (39-55 inches) tall. They have a reputation as cemetery trees, but I liked them because they always looked like a big green cushion, eventually growing over 250cm (98 inches) tall 😀 and very dense; I thought it was great and really affordable. The board fence behind them still stands (25 years) and was planted with greenery on both sides.
If I understand you correctly, you would like to work on this yourself, so I would look for ideas that you can implement on your own. Ready-made home improvement store systems don’t count for me in that case.
I always find it difficult to work with such long and tall fence structures. First, they need to be installed precisely, and second, visually they look like a wall, even though they are made of wood. I don’t like these long “walls” at all, even if they are currently quite popular.
You should probably separate the issues of sound and privacy because such a structure doesn’t provide sound insulation. At our previous house, we had a 20m (66 feet) boundary, where we installed wooden posts and filled the gaps with boards. It’s not difficult work, and a 20mm (0.8 inch) thick wood doesn’t rot as quickly as the wood in fence panels. You can use the cheapest wood available; I would avoid paint or treatments, so it will just age a bit faster... We had a slope stabilization made of pressure-treated wood, which I was told would last 4-5 years. After 12 years, it was still there and will last for more years.
In front of that board fence, we planted thuja trees because they were inexpensive at 100-140cm (39-55 inches) tall. They have a reputation as cemetery trees, but I liked them because they always looked like a big green cushion, eventually growing over 250cm (98 inches) tall 😀 and very dense; I thought it was great and really affordable. The board fence behind them still stands (25 years) and was planted with greenery on both sides.
If I understand you correctly, you would like to work on this yourself, so I would look for ideas that you can implement on your own. Ready-made home improvement store systems don’t count for me in that case.
I would also recommend combining a brick wall with plants. Both are often available for free or for a small price on local classifieds like eBay Kleinanzeigen, usually for pickup only. You could then create a somewhat Mediterranean-style look. It’s quite amazing what people sometimes give away. You just need to keep an eye out and be patient. Having a trailer and a suitable vehicle is, of course, very helpful for this 😉
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