Whether it’s for your home or your business, your front and boundary walls are more than just a physical barrier; it is also the first impression everyone will get of your property. Not only do boundary and front walls provide security and privacy, but they are an important aspect in setting the tone for your property, and that all important kerb appeal.
Whether you are a homeowner or business owner, selecting the right front and boundary wall design is essential to creating a welcoming yet secure environment.
So, what do you need to consider when choosing the right front and boundary wall design for your property?
Purpose and Functionality
Before getting too far into design options, it’s important to identify and understand the primary purposes and functionalities of your front and boundary wall.
Key considerations include:
- Security: If security is your top priority, opt for a design that is sturdy and difficult to climb. Materials like concrete or wrought iron can be great choices.
- Privacy: If privacy is important, go for a design that offers ample coverage. Solid walls or wooden fencing can be effective.
- Aesthetics: If you’re looking to enhance the kerb appeal, choose a design that complements the overall architecture of your property and aligns with your personal style.
Material Selection
The choice of material is a big factor in determining the durability, appearance, and maintenance requirements of your front and boundary wall, as well as your budget.
- Brick: Brick walls are classic, sturdy, and require minimal maintenance. They can be designed in various styles, from traditional to modern.
- Concrete: Concrete walls are robust and highly customisable in terms of texture and finish. They can be plain or stamped and coloured for added visual appeal.
- Wood: Wooden fences provide a warm and natural look. Red Gum, Ironbark and Jarrah are popular choices due to their resistance to decay and insects, as well as being an aesthetically pleasing hardwood.
- Wrought Iron: Wrought iron designs can be both functional and decorative, adding elegance to your property.
Design and Style
The design and style of your front and boundary wall should blend with the architectural design of your property. If your property has a traditional design, consider brick or stone walls with decorative elements. On the other hand, for modern homes or businesses, sleek and minimalistic designs with clean lines and neutral colours can be ideal.
If you want to make a statement, ornamental designs or wrought iron fencing can be both functional and eye-catching.
Don’t be afraid to mix materials and styles to create a unique look that reflects your personality.
Height and Dimensions
The height and dimensions of your front and boundary wall should be in accordance with local regulations and ordinances. It’s important to ensure that the wall is the right height – too short and it provides inadequate security and privacy, and too tall it can obstruct views, obstruct natural light flow and appear imposing.
Lighting and Security Features
Consider adding lighting and security features to your front and boundary wall. Outdoor lighting not only enhances the aesthetics but also improves safety. Security measures such as gates, intercoms, or surveillance cameras can provide an added layer of protection.
What Budget do you Need for a Boundary Fence?
The budget for a boundary fence can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the material you choose, the length and height of the fence, the complexity of the design, and your location. Because of the complexity of budgeting for a boundary fence, you should reach out to an experienced Perth landscaper who has a range of options when it comes to boundary walls and fences.
The longer and taller the fence, the more materials you will need, which will impact the overall cost. Additionally, taller fences may require stronger posts and more robust construction. The complexity of the design also plays a large role in the budget, as more decorative elements can add to the cost, as can gates and custom features.
One of the big benefits of hiring a landscaping team is that if there are any permits required for your boundary fence construction, these can be included in the overall quote, so you have no unexpected costs that may derail your project.
While budget is a crucial consideration, it’s equally important to invest in a fence that meets your functional and aesthetic requirements and stands the test of time. A well-constructed fence can add value to your property and provide security and privacy for years to come.
Is Hardwood Timber a Good Option for a Perth Boundary Fence?
Hardwood timber is an excellent choice for a boundary fence, with many homeowners and business owners choosing to use this material on its own, or in combination with other materials for a modern look.
So why choose hardwood timber for your new boundary wall?
- Durability: Hardwood timber is known for its natural resistance to rot and insects. This makes it a durable choice for a boundary fence that can withstand the elements and the test of time. With proper maintenance, hardwood fences can last for decades.
- Strength: Hardwood timbers are inherently strong and robust. This makes them suitable for building tall and sturdy boundary walls that provide security and privacy. They can withstand strong winds and other environmental stressors without warping or bowing.
- Low Maintenance: Hardwood timber requires relatively low maintenance compared to other materials like metal. Occasional staining or sealing can help preserve its appearance, but it won’t need the same level of maintenance as some other fencing options.
- Natural Beauty: Hardwood timber is prized for its natural beauty. It has an attractive grain pattern and warm, rich colours that can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your property.
- Environmentally Friendly: Many hardwoods used for fencing, such as ironbark and red gum, can be sourced from sustainable forests. Choosing sustainably harvested timber is an environmentally responsible choice. Additionally, wood is biodegradable, which means it won’t end up in landfill.
- Customisation: Hardwood timber can be easily customised to most designs and styles. Whether you want a traditional picket fence, a solid privacy fence, or a decorative design, hardwood timber can be adapted to your specific preferences.
- Value Addition: A well-maintained hardwood fence can add value to your property. It enhances curb appeal and can be an attractive feature for potential buyers, making it a worthwhile investment.
- Natural Insulation: Wood is a natural insulator, providing some acoustic and thermal benefits. For those on a busy road, it can help reduce noise and provide a moderate degree of temperature control, which can be advantageous in both residential and commercial properties.
Timber has its advantages when it comes to boundary and front walls, but it can be more expensive up front than other materials. The benefit however is that its durability means it often outweighs the initial cost as you won’t need to be replacing it anytime soon.
Your landscaper can give you some tips on maintaining a timber boundary wall including how often to stain or seal the timber to protect it from moisture and UV damage.
Plants for your Boundary Wall Design
Front and boundary walls are a great way to add a little privacy to your home, as well as change the aesthetics, but the addition of gardens and plants can really elevate the look of the externals of your home or business.
When choosing plants for a boundary wall, it is essential to consider the climate zone and environmental conditions. In Perth, we can look at plants that grow well in both coastal areas and more arid areas.
Coastal plants are those that can handle salt-laden winds, and general coastal conditions, and may include:
- Bottlebrush (Callistemon): These native Australian shrubs or small trees produce vibrant red or pink flowers and are well-suited to coastal areas.
- Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos): These unique plants with vibrant tubular flowers are hardy and thrive in sandy coastal soils.
- Agapanthus: This perennial produces large, attractive globes of blue or white flowers and is excellent for coastal gardens.
- Coastal Rosemary (Westringia fruticosa): A hardy, salt-tolerant shrub with small, attractive leaves and white or purple flowers.
Plants that are suitable for arid regions are those that can survive on little rainfall. These are also perfect for those who might forget to water their plants from time to time. The best drought-tolerant plants to look at in Perth include:
- Eremophila: These native Australian shrubs come in a variety of colours and are well-adapted to arid conditions.
- Grevillea: Grevillea species are popular for their unique flowers and ability to thrive in low-water environments.
- Banksia: Banksias are iconic Australian plants known for their distinctive flower spikes and drought resistance.
- Lomandra: A hardy grass-like plant that is both drought-resistant and low-maintenance.
Building Front and Boundary Walls in Perth
Front and boundary walls are a great addition to most homes and businesses in the Perth region, and working with experienced landscapers can make the project flow much smoother. Whether you already have an idea of what you are looking for, or you’re starting from scratch, our friendly team can help you out.