Specify more than height
Coating, wire gauge, mesh opening, framework diameter and post spacing affect durability and stiffness. Gates need their own frame and hinge specification.
Plan the bottom edge
Pets and wildlife may push under loose mesh. Ground clearance must balance containment with drainage and vegetation management.
Use privacy products cautiously
Slats and screens increase wind load on a fence designed as an open system. Check whether posts and foundations can carry that added load.
Use a consistent comparison
Compare alternatives against the same project brief: purpose, length, height, gates, site access, exposure and expected maintenance. This prevents a basic option from being compared with a more complete one that includes better posts, hardware or preparation.
For this subject, give special attention to specify more than height, then test the plan against plan the bottom edge and use privacy products cautiously. A decision that works only under ideal conditions is not yet a dependable plan.
Questions to settle
- What site fact or local rule confirms the approach to specify more than height?
- What trade-off created by plan the bottom edge is acceptable, and who accepted it?
- How will use privacy products cautiously be inspected or maintained after the fence is complete?
- Which part of the decision depends on a manufacturer, local authority, utility service, surveyor, contractor or engineer?
- What changed condition—soil, grade, use, neighbour access, climate or damage—would require the plan to be reviewed?
Records worth keeping
Record the manufacturer, product line, colour, coating, grade, fastener specification and supplier so future repairs can match the original system.
When to pause and get local help
Pause the purchase when the supplier cannot identify the complete system, exposure limits, compatible hardware or replacement parts. A sample panel is not enough evidence for the whole installation.