Seven Mixed Fencing Design Materials
Mixed fencing utilizes more than one type of building material. If you choose to go this route when building a fence it can add functionality, give it a unique touch, and make it more cost-efficient. For example, you can add gabion or concrete sections if you have a part of your fence that you want to transition into a retaining wall. Or, you could merge a wooden privacy fence with bamboo to add cost-efficiency while maintaining a natural look. These are some of the most popular materials for creating a mixed fencing project, whether its a large six foot privacy barrier or a smaller traditional front-yard fence.
Metal sheeting
There are three common ways to add metal sheeting to a fence: corrugated metal, laser-cut metal sheets, and solid metal sheets. Corrugated metal is the cheaper option of the three. It looks great placed next to hanging vines or within wood framing. Laser-cut privacy screens & solid metal sheets are more expensive and harder to install due to their weight. The advantage that laser-cut sheets offer is an endless amount of customization. There are plenty of pre-etched designs available, and fully custom patterns can be made if none suit your tastes. If you want part of your yard to feel more open, sections of laser-cut sheeting will work perfectly. Solid metal sheeting appeals to a more minimalist approach and is a real asset when building a privacy fence. The height or spacing of sheets can be changed gradually throughout the fence to replace the visual interest added by laser cutting.
Solid concrete
Concrete’s affordability, low maintenance, and quick installation make it an appealing choice for use in fence design. It can act as a sturdy base for wood planks and prevent pets from digging their way around your perimeter. Concrete fence partitions can be patterned or static(where they benefit the most from mixing materials). Concrete is one of the most durable fencing options across the board. It offers benefits like top-notch soundproofing and class A fire resistance.
Bamboo
Adding bamboo partitions to a fence is a simple and rewarding affair. It’s cheap, resilient, & relatively easy to install due to its lightness. You can add wood/metal siding or caps for a seamless connection to an adjacent part of the fence, while giving additional support to the bamboo portion. Bamboo is a much more sustainable resource than wood, so if you’re looking for a natural, yet ecologically minded, option for solid fencing then bamboo is your go to!
Frosted Glass
Glass can have a higher cost than many of the design options on this list. Unless you’re protecting a view, or building a pool-side fence, constructing a glass fence may not be the most cost-efficient option. That being said, it will make an excellent addition to a fencing design when done right. Many fences that incorporate glass designs are frosted, meaning they disperse the light that comes in and have a cloudy appearance. The half-visible view outwards of frosted glass may be just the thing to add a bit of openness without sacrificing privacy. Frosted Glass can be made with sand-blasting or acid-etching, and the difference is not in-substantial. So look into the pros/cons of each before making a final decision.
Green Walls
Incorporating green walls is one of the most basic ways to accomplish a mixed-design style fence. Not only can they totally replace portions of a fence, but they can be added on to almost any material you choose. Climbing Vines can be interwoven through lattice, horizontal slats, or patterned sheet metal. Living walls can help you grow your garden upwards while making your space cooler & more relaxed. Green Walls are the most high-maintenance fencing option out there. Caring for them can be a real challenge, and it gets harder the larger the wall gets. Opting to use mixed materials will relieve you of some of these duties while still adding a verdant sheen to your yard.
Lattice
Open, inviting, and homely, lattice fencing is a classic way to accent horizontal or vertical wooden fencing. It’s a great pick if you’re looking to allow for outside/inside vegetation to cross over boundaries. Combine with greenery for a stunning trellised garden. Or one step further: maybe a bridge between traditional wood fence & full on living wall! Lattice top portions are often used to let breeze & light in to a tall privacy fence. They also work great in vertical portions, opening up the space in a similar way to laser-cut metal sheeting.
Gabions
Gabions, like green walls & wood can add an excellent natural feeling to fence design. They are cheap, relatively easy to install, and require zero maintenance. Gabions make a fantastic match with green walls. As nearby vines or roots wander into a gabion wall they add extra stability & resiniance by filling the gaps in the rocks/other filler. Gabions are also a terrific fit for designs that are low-maintenance and long lasting. They gain character over time much like weathering a horizontal Ipe fence or a rusting laser-cut gate. Mixed fencing options add curb appeal and individuality to any property
