First and foremost, when erecting a fence the obvious and perhaps most important thing to do is to decide what type of fence will suit your needs. There are 6 main types of fencing that you can use:

1. Closeboard
2. Palisade
3. Overlap
4. Trellis
5. Post & Rail
6. Wire

By understanding what each of these types of fencing look like and are suitable for, you will be able to get the best type of fence to suit your needs.

Closeboard fencing is made from overlapped boards of timber.

Closeboard fence panels provide complete privacy and are the strongest of the 6 main types of fence.

Palisade fencing is your more traditional looking sort of fence.

This is a type of picket fence which, unlike closeboard fence panels, offer both visibility and also security in equal amounts.

Overlap Fencing is similar to Closeboard Panels in that they are constructed from overlapping boards of timber, but they overlap horizontally whereas closeboard overlaps are vertical.

Again, like Closeboard Panels, Overlap Fencing offers maximum privacy and security by screening off your garden from prying eyes.

Trellis fencing can be used in two ways; on its own or built in front or above other fence panels. On its own, trellis offers security, but privacy levels are low due to its diamond/square shaped cuts.

It does have the benefit of providing a good framework for growing climbing plants up which can increase the privacy of your garden by blocking out the spaces in between the wooden laths.

Post and Rail consists of wooden posts with two or three rails.

Galvanised wire netting can be added to secure against animals. Make sure the posts and rails are pressure treated.

Wire fencing is used more for security reasons than aesthetics.

The cheapest type is constructed using posts and plastic coated wire, or it can be galvanised. However, it is only suitable to define a boundary.

Galvanised chain link with angle iron posts can make a smart looking fence.

There are many different options available. Some of the most common are cedar, redwood and pine. There are also manufactured substitutes available.

Cedar naturally resists moisture, rot and insects, so it's a classic for fences. It's easy to seal or stain.

If left untreated, it weathers to a distinguished silvery gray.

Redwood is naturally insect and rot resistant. Redwood provides a beautiful and long-lasting fence surface.

Redwood has an open-celled structure and contains little or no pitch or resins. This enables redwood to absorb and retain all types of finishes extremely well.

Pine is a popular soft wood, pale in colour and easy to work with.

When treated for outdoor use with arsenic-free treatment, it resists rot and termites.

Composite fencing is a mixture of recycled wood fibers in a resin base. The appearance is similar to natural wood and comes in a variety of colours. The textured surface comes in Cedar, Redwood, and Tuscan Walnut.

Composite Fencing offers a lower-maintenance alternative to wood and comes in a heavy weight material that helps resist warping, cracking or splitting.

Vinyl is a resilient product, extruded from a plastic-based substance. Because vinyl fencing never needs painting or staining, you'll enjoy low-maintenance beauty for a lifetime.

Vinyl won't fade, crack or peel. Easy-to-install kits and pre-assembled panels add comfort and elegance to your backyard while providing privacy and security.