Oft overlooked, your garden fence can do much to either enhance or detract from the overall appearance of your home. No matter how impressive your home might be, nothing looks worse than an unsightly or neglected fence. Peeling paint, rusted metal and buckling panels are just some of the telltale signs that tell you it is time to replace your fence!

It is ironic that many folks skimp on their fence and gates. After all, these are the first things that guests and friends notice about your house. By investing in a stylish, good quality fence, you improve and beautify your home and garden enormously.

Ideally, your fence should be stylish, tasteful and in-keeping with the look and era of your home. Your fence should also give you privacy and enhance the architecture and aesthetic of your home and landscaping. Moreover it should be practical and durable, and able to withstand the ravages of both time and the elements!

Selecting the right fence for your garden takes time. There are literally hundreds of different fencing materials on the market today to consider. Pre-planning and forethought can save you time and money.

The first thing you need to think about is the purpose of your fence. If you are aiming for total privacy, or have pets or small children, you may want to opt for a high fence. Other people simply want low fences to contain or delineate their property.

In addition to dimensions, you need to select the style and material. Fences range from traditional timber paneling, picket fences, wrought iron or metal, through to stone, aluminum and no-frills wire. The choice of materials is literally enough to make anyone's head spin.

The best fences are those that complement the house and landscape of the property. For instance, the sleek simple lines of iron and aluminum fences work well with contemporary and highly modern homes. On the other hand, split rail fences are the natural choice for ranch-style houses. For more traditional cottages, nothing beats a low wooden picket fence.

If your fence is looking worse for the wear, perhaps it is time to show your home you love it, by investing in a new one. There is no doubt it will completely revamp your house and garden.