Today’s homeowner has a wide choice of options to choose from when building perimeter walls to add privacy to a garden. Why settle for ordinary when you have the alternative to add extra appeal to your home and garden.

In a country that values its privacy and security, South Africans have adopted the practice of building high walls to offer a way to escape from high crime. While high boundary walls may act as a deterrent and offer a sense of security, they also offer a would-be burglar with the privacy they need should they gain access to the property.
We may not ever reach the stage where we can enjoy the freedom experienced in other countries, but there are a variety of modern walling solutions that offer privacy and add curb appeal while still offering a level of security, without making a homeowner feel that he is trapped behind high walls.

A common sight around many homes, vibracrete or precast concrete walls have been a fast and affordable solution for enclosing a property. Cast concrete panels are supported via concrete pillars to provide both privacy and a level of security.Nowadays you will find more attractive alternatives to the plain concrete slabs with the introduction of more decorative concrete panels and pillars.

The realistic stone effect can be manufactured in a variety of patterns to match almost any architectural style and can be customised to a specific height, or to accommodate timber or steel fencing.

Pallisade walling, whether concrete or steel, allows you to secure the boundary of a property without the need for high walls. If the area on both sides of the fence is kept free of obstructions, palisade walling or fencing offers another level of security, since would-be burglars have no place to hide.

If you are looking at this option for walling around your property, consider the alternative of having a concrete apron or base laid at the base of the fence. This rules out the possibility of being able to dig out underneath to gain access. Alternatively, have the palisade fence fitted on top of a concrete or brick wall.

While concrete palisades offer a more affordable alternative to steel fencing, they are not as attractive. However, for the lazy homeowner they do require less maintenance.

Face brick walls, while one of the more expensive solutions for a home, are also one of the most popular choices, especially when matching walls to face brick exteriors. When properly built, a face brick wall requires no maintenance and is a solution to property walls.

However, with a face brick wall you have the option to tackle this as a do-it-yourself project, or have a professional contractor do the job for you. If you do plan to do this as a DIY project, ensure that you follow building regulations as concerns height and width, and allow for solid foundations, damp-proofing and brick course reinforcement. When built properly a face brick wall is a maintenance-free.

The popularity of timber fencing for boundary walls, particularly at the front of a property, is a growing trend as homeowners look for alternatives to brick or precast walls. Timber fencing might require more maintenance to keep it looking good, but there’s no denying that is also adds timeless style and curb appeal to any home exterior.

BELOW: Sourcing reclaimed timber for use as a fencing material will cut down on the cost if you decide to opt for a timber boundary fence. Salvage yards, auction and online sales are the places to watch for these materials.

If you decide to go with the option of timber fencing, look at timber species offered for the construction and how much maintenance each species requires.

Gabions are another walling option that is growing in popularity. Again, not a cheap option but definitely one that adds curb appeal and can be incorporated into walling in so many ways.
Gabions are wire baskets filled with pebbles, rocks or stones that are stacked on top of each other to construct an extremely dry-packed stone wall. When used as retaining walls the gabions allow natural drainage without loss of strength.

Gabion baskets are available locally for the homeowner who wants to look at this as a DIY option, while several companies offer full installation services for the discerning homeowner. Not an inexpensive alternative by any means, a gabion wall is, however, distinctive and aesthetically pleasing. Installers offer a choice of rock fill, giving the homeowner the option to create a natural landscape, while some can be filled with recycled materials, or planted up with moss and soil and planted with succulents to create a soft landscaping effect

BELOW: To bring down the cost of installing a gabion wall, consider using gabions only for the lower section and installing bamboo or pole fencing for privacy at the top.

BELOW: There are many ways to soften concrete or plaster walls. Plant a screen of elegant bamboo plants.

For all your boundary wall needs, please contact Country Wide Walling today