Fencing a rural property can be a significant expense and one that needs considerable planning and thought.
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Finding a solution that is reliable and that will last can be tricky.
Having lived on a horse stud and owned horses, fencing contractor Adam Cross, from Ironbark Fencing, said there are plenty of pros and cons of rural fencing.
Mr Cross has been providing the “equestrian elite” with rural fencing solutions for more than a decade.
The majority of property owners were looking for traditional hardwood post and rail fences that were safe and aesthetically pleasing, Mr Cross said.
“Post and rail fences are great to keep horses and other livestock in,” Mr Cross said.
“They are very safe and strong and to look at not much beats a good hardwood post and rail fence.”
Mr Cross said post and rail was still the most popular fencing choice for equestrian and rural properties.
He said a lot of people also used it as a frontage fence as it had significant curb appeal:
“Adding wire mesh is also popular as it keeps dogs from getting in and it also stops their dogs from getting out.
“There is no doubt a good quality post and rail fence adds security and value to any property,” Mr Cross said.
“If they are made out of good quality hardwood then they should last 30-odd years.”
Another popular rural fencing option is PVC.
Jackie Hanslo, general manager of Polvin Fencing Systems, said PVC started to be marketed in Australia around 2005.
“PVC fencing once installed, requires only minimal maintenance and the occasional clean,” Ms Hanslo said.
“PVC fencing is also similar in price to a timber fence without the ongoing maintenance.”
PVC picket fencing has become very popular in suburban homes as it looks very neat and requires no painting, will not rot, rust or be eaten by termites and immediately improves the street appeal according to Ms Hanslo.
“PVC post and rail is also very popular on small rural acreages, especially for horses as it is very safe,” she said.
“The rails are designed to pop out of the posts on impact, reducing the chance of injury to your horse.”
Ms Hanslo said a good quality PVC fence should last in excess of 50 years.
