Fencing for a modern infield is no longer just a means of physical protection of the territory, as was customary in the very recent past. It is also part of the decoration, which to one degree or another should emphasize the individuality and style created by the owners of the estate. An average person, when he hears about fences for a summer residence, no longer has the image of a blank wall in his head blocking any possibility of penetrating a controlled territory. Similar views are gradually disappearing, giving way to the decorative component of the elevation of the site.
Today, any person, based on their own desires and capabilities, can erect a fence of a site of arbitrary shape, of various materials and various strengths, focusing purely on their taste and their own capabilities. And among all this diversity there is a simple but elegant solution - a wicker fence. This type of fencing has several obvious advantages, but, unfortunately, is not without drawbacks.
The advantages of this solution
Among them are the following:
- Low cost. For the construction of such a design does not require large financial investments. But it should be borne in mind that much depends on the choice of the main material. For example, when using branches of shrubs, money may not be needed at all, but in the manufacture of fencing from metal rods, financial costs are indispensable.
- Decorative component. A wicker fence is a beautiful and elegant fence, which is an indisputable element of decorating a personal plot.
- Easy to manufacture. At first glance, the creation of such a decorative fence looks like a laborious and complex process. But this is far from the case. The main thing is to understand the technology, then the construction of the fence will not cause serious difficulties on the part of the contractor.
The disadvantages of this design
The following are distinguished:
- Short term of operation. This statement is true to a greater extent for fences made of tree branches. And the thinner the branches are used in construction, the less their service life.
- Low resistance to mechanical stress. Again, this problem only occurs when branches of shrubs and trees are used as the main building material, and also depends on their thickness.
- The complexity of the repair. In the event of any defect, it is necessary to disassemble a part of the weave, and sometimes even a whole section of the fence, to replace the damaged element.
Kinds
Such fences in most cases are classified according to two parameters:
- High. The height of this species reaches 2 meters. Such a fence is a capital building. For its stability and durability, reliable fixation of the posts to which the wattle fence will be mounted is required.
- Medium. Their size is about 1 meter in height, and the main purpose is zoning of the site in landscape design.
- Low. This species is used to enclose flower beds, flower beds and is purely decorative in nature. The height of the section varies from 50 to 70 centimeters.
- By the method of weaving:
- Horizontal. The most common type. They are quite simple to equip and more durable compared to the next type of wicker fences.
- Vertical. A more complicated version of the wicker fence in terms of manufacturing.
- Mixed. The most complex form of fencing, but at the same time allows you to get a more attractive look of the finished structure. The main disadvantage of this weaving is its high complexity. But the result is worth the effort.
What a wicker fence is made of
In general, the choice of material depends on many factors. This is its reliability, cost, ease of processing, availability. But speaking generally, then any flexible material can be used to equip this type of fence. This can be branches of bushes, boards, PVC pipes and even metal rods. There are no restrictions. The main thing is that the material succumbs to at least the slightest bending.
Option of boards
This type of fence combines both decorative and protective functions. Most often, this type of wicker fence is erected as the main fence for the site. Much less often - for zoning.
Wicker fence from the boards is a capital structure, so you need to pay close attention to the installation process of sectional posts. They should at least be concreted. Otherwise, it is likely that the fence will begin to collapse over time.
As the main building material for wicker fence from boards, planed boards are most often used, although unprocessed lumber is often used. The design of the fence is held due to the stress created by wicker boards. This is enough to securely fix the fence elements. But often the boards are additionally attached to the support posts with nails or screws to achieve maximum strength of the fence.
From the vine
Vine refers to flexible long branches of shrubs and trees. They are often used in the construction of fences and even residential premises. And the main factor that determined the popularity of the vine was its elasticity. And the result obtained in the end pleases with its naturalness and beautiful image of antiquity.
Due to the properties of the vine, making a fence from it is a fairly simple event. But still, one significant drawback should be taken into account: the material itself is short-lived. Therefore, when erecting a wicker fence from a rod, several preparatory measures should be performed that can increase such operational characteristics of the hedge as durability and reliability, as well as simplify the manufacturing process itself.
- First, you should pay attention to the size of the rods that will be used for the construction of the fence. If this is a small fence for enclosing flower beds, flower beds or zoning the plot, then branches with a diameter of 1-2 cm are suitable for its construction. If it is planned to equip a massive fence, it is preferable to use branches with a diameter of more than 2 cm.
- Harvested vine should be cleaned of bark.
- Rods should be soaked in hot water before weaving or decomposed in a melted bath. Such a step will give the branches greater flexibility, which will greatly simplify the process of installing the fence.
From willow
This option can be called the classic and the most popular. This is due to the wide distribution of willow and the operational properties of its branches - they are flexible and durable.
The construction of the fence in this case is carried out by analogy with the above. That is, the branches are cleaned of bark, soaked in water and fixed in place. Since the willow branches are very malleable, it is possible to make vertical, horizontal and complex mixed knits from them with a minimum expenditure of force. The wicker willow fence will turn out to be unusually beautiful.
From metal
Iron is a very strong material. There are no complaints about its operational properties. Therefore, many fences for summer cottages are made of metal structures. Such fences will last for many years, reliably performing protective functions.
Usually, when they talk about a metal fence, they immediately imagine a fence made of corrugated board, and then forged. In the first case, we get a relatively inexpensive, but already familiar option. In the second case, the price scares away, despite the high aesthetics of the finished design. But there is another not very expensive, but at the same time a nice option - a wicker fence made of metal rods. Let's consider it in more detail.
The construction of a wicker fence made of metal is carried out by analogy with a wicker fence made of boards, only in this case the installation of poles deserves even more attention. This design will be much heavier, so the guides must be tightly fixed. In this case, a reliable foundation is required.
For high-quality fastening weaving often resort to the services of welders. Using an inverter, metal rods are fixed to the posts. Although there is an alternative - the rods can be mounted using wire. But this option is less reliable.
From the ropes
Very interesting solution! It is usually used as a decorative fence of flower beds, flower beds or for zoning of the territory. Such fences will be a real decoration for any site.
To create a fence, columns are installed, usually at a small distance, so that in the case of a rope stretching, the general appearance of the structure is not much damaged. And then between them weave a fence.
Important! Do not use too thin a rope, otherwise creating a fence can turn into a long and tiring work. The best option is the use of a rope with a diameter of 1-2 cm.
PVC pipe construction
An unusual but interesting solution for enclosing a land plot. This material has a number of advantages, thanks to which its use for the construction of a wicker fence looks very attractive:
- Durability. PVC pipes are characterized by a long service life, which means that the fence made from them will last for many years. Moreover, such pipes do not fade in the sun and do not undergo changes under the influence of the environment.
- Easy installation. This material has a small mass, easy to bend. Work with him does not require special tools and skills from the performer.
- Availability. PVC pipes can be found in any hardware store, and it can be products of different diameters. And their cost is low, which undoubtedly makes them even more attractive building material for the construction of a reliable and durable fence.
How to make a wicker fence with your own hands? Generalized Instruction
There is nothing complicated in self-installation of such a design. Consider the two most common options:
- Material preparation. At this stage, the main building material is being prepared for further work.
- Installation of pillars.
- Weaving. In the horizontal direction, the fence is woven. Branches, boards or other flexible material bends around each subsequent post from different sides.
- Vertical weaving. When constructing such a fence, all steps are almost identical to the previous version. There are only two differences. The first - after installing the poles, the crossbars are mounted. The second - branches, boards, pipes or other building material from which the fence is mounted, are installed not in the horizontal direction, but in the vertical, around the cross-pieces.
How to increase the service life
The durability of the building is one of the most important issues in any construction. And for some materials from which wicker fencing is made, this issue is especially relevant, which cannot be ignored.
Wicker fence made of branches or boards should be treated with a suitable antiseptic. This will significantly increase its operational characteristics, and such a fence will serve a much longer period. It is possible to paint or varnish such a fence. It will also reduce the harmful effects of the environment, making the wood last longer.
The metal fence should be treated with an anticorrosive agent without fail. It can be painted or varnished for metal. Such measures will help to avoid premature rust on the structure.
How to decorate the resulting design
In itself, such a fence is already an ornament for the site, which will attract eyes and delight the owners with its beauty. But there may always be a desire to make it even more original. And to achieve this effect, you can offer some tips:
- Large stones can be laid along the fence.
- Create an image of antiquity. To do this, you can hang a cartwheel wheel, clay pots, bast shoes and even a birch broom on the fence.
- Pots with fresh flowers can be hung on the fence. This will add bright colors to the overall look of the hedge.
- Another interesting option is to hang dried vegetables or artificial copies on the fence.
- Plant climbing plants. In the summer, such a fence will look very impressive.