Below, we offer you a deeper look at estate fencing and what is driving its popularity amongst UK property developers, contractors and landscapers.

In this article:

What is estate fencing?

Estate fencing is a low-cost and simple perimeter fencing solution. Sold in ready-to-fit panels, usually as either a spike-fix or concrete-in fix solution; estate fencing simply bolts in from panel to panel to provide any boundary with a robust and durable fence. Estate fencing will generally come in a range of styles and finishes, but is typically identifiable by its simplified design of vertical flat bar interconnected four or five circular hollow bars (dependent on the style).

What are the choices?

At F.H.Brundle, we offer a good selection of solutions including Parkland Fencing. Systems are available in galvanised steel, powder-coated black gloss steel and now available in weathering mild steel. Our range is available with 20mm diameter top tube and 25mm x 6mm bars. Slotted holes allow for fence panel height to be adjusted by 39.5mm and pre-drilled holes can be fitted with straining wire to reduce the gap between rails in the lower section of the fence. With these fences, no welding is required.

Estate fencing usage.

Typically estate fencing or parkland fencing has been deployed on properties with large or vast boundaries – because of the relatively low cost and ease of installation; properties such as country estates, farms and manor houses. But, in recent years, we’ve seen a huge increase in the usage of this extremely versatile fencing system. Perhaps the biggest increase in usage is from the new-build sector, with powder-coated black estate fencing proving very popular across new housing estates. The understated appeal and design making estate fencing much more visually appealing (and durable) than timber fencing and the comparatively low cost, makes it much more cost-effective.

Because we supply soltions in ready-made 1m high panels (the Parkland range) and 1.2m high panels (the traditional estate fencing range), the job of installing is made far easier. With various fixing options, installers can install 30m+ of fencing in just a few hours. Spike-fix estate fencing panels for instance can be driven into turf or exposed soil quickly, then bolted to the proceeding panel, and so on until the end of a run where the final panel is bolt to an end post or existing wall.

Why is it becoming more popular?

Simply put, estate fencing is growing in popularity because of three main benefits;

(1) Flexibility; supplied in variable panel widths, heights, fixing types and finishes, it can be installed in and around any type of property, providing a simple but elegant perimeter without obscuring views. They’re a weld-free fencing solution which means that no specialist skills are required to install them.

(2) Durability; our range of estate fencing includes a galvanised steel option and a galvanised + powder-coated range which substantially reduces corrosion and enhances the life-time of the product. Estate fencing will typically last five times longer than comparative timber fencing.

(3) Cost efficiency; it employs the lowest amount of raw material to provide a stable and secure boundary, and because the amount of material used in manufacturing them is minimised, so is the cost.

Our range starts from just:

Where estate fencing can be used.

First, it’s important to point out where the use of estate fencing is not appropriate; first and foremost, it is not Part K (of British building regs) compliant given that it employs a horizontal bar structure – therefore, use of estate fencing as a balustrade where there is a drop of over 600mm will not pass inspection. Thus, it is only suitable for use in areas where the fence is not used as fall protection, but as a low level boundary.

In terms of the setting, estate fencing is extremely versatile; no longer is this just a solution for those with vast, spralling amounts of land – but a low-cost solution that will add a boundary to any property. As we’ve established, steel fencing (particularly black powder-coated) is a favourite for new build developers, a stylish and simple, durable, fencing solution that doesn’t inflate the cost of new homes.

Farmland and estates will also commonly adopt estate fencing, keeping clean boundaries between private property and public thoroughfares without huge expense. They’re also great for keeping larger animals (such as deer) off of property and will traditionally be deployed in the demarcation and control of livestock and/or demarcation of farmland boundaries. Estate Fencing is an ideal solutions for primary confinement, defining farm boundaries, separating fields and paddocks, controlling access to vulnerable areas (e.g., crops, water sources), and reducing conflicts with neighbouring land owners.

Such is the simplicity of Estate Fencing, it can also be deployed on slopes and gradients. The panels can attach at different vertical points, creating a step-down/up arrangement.

How to buy.

Now you have more insight into the benefits and use cases of estate fencing, you’ll need to know how to buy this product.

(1) Measure and plan

(2) Add a gate

(3) Select a fixing type

(4) Style and finish

As with almost any fencing project, your first task is to measure the perimeter in which you’re installing fence. Because this solution uses a combination of panels and posts, you’ll then need to work out which combination and quantity will best cater for that perimeter; for example, if you have a 25m x 11m x 19m run, then you will need x24 2m panels and x3 1m panels. Additionally, you may want to add a gate – this will need to be factored into the run as will the positioning of the gate. Typically our supplied gates will fit opening of 1.19 – 1.23m for single gates and 2.94 – 3.07m for double gates (with hinge positioning being adjustable.

The inclusion of end post and corner posts is also important – noting that these will add to the measurement of a run (again, dependent on the range – these can be adjustable to fit the available space).

Once measured and plotted out, you will need to consider fixing – we supply three variants, spike-fix, bolt-down and concrete in. This will depend on the substrate you’re fixing into. Firm ground will provide a good base for spike-fix solutions, but soft ground may require a concrete-in post for greater stability. Bolt-down fixings provide an idea solution when installed over existing paving or concrete surfaces. The Parkland series is supplied with a standard bar/post and appedable fixing accessories for when you require the ability to fix over a number of different substrates.

Finally – you should consider the styling and finish of your estate fencing installation. Available from F.H.Brundle, are the powder-coated gloss black options; both the traditional 5-bar variant or the more cost-effective 4-bar Parkland option. The traditional and Parkland range also come in a galvanised finish which can be left as is or powder-coated in a RAL colour of your choice. Finally, the traditional 5-bar range is also available in a mild steel finish for a natural weathering look or again, for powder coating in a colour of your choice.

Parkland Fencing Panels;
four-bar 1.0m high system

Powder Coated Traditional Fencing Panels; five-bar 1.2m high system

Mild Steel Traditional Fencing Panels; five-bar 1.2m high system

Galv Steel Traditional Fencing Panels; five-bar 1.2m high system

Parkland Estate Fencing is available with a choice of bolt-on fixing solutions; choose from the spoke for spike-fix or a base-plate for bolt-down options.

Traditional Estate Fencing comes as a spike-fix solution as standard. This system features a thrust plate for additional stability and strength, providing a more secure boundary. If required, this option can also be secured into concrete footings.

Estate Fencing FAQs