AVS Fencing Blog

Here at AVS Fencing Supplies we stock a variety of field gates, suitable for different purposes. For livestock, metal field gates are the most popular, as they are less likely to be damaged by animals. Some horses will chew timber and cattle will lean and scratch on gates, causing damage. If you would still prefer to use a timber gate for livestock, consider protecting it with electric tape.

A self locking catch is an easy option for metal field gates, and these can be padlocked if necessary. If a public bridle path runs through your land, an equestrian latch is ideal as it makes it easier for riders to open and close the gates, meaning it is less likely to get left open. For sheep and other small livestock, a five bar gate with a mesh bottom prevents animals from trying to squeeze through the rails.

Timber field gates are more attractive than their metal counterparts and make excellent general farm gates, where contact with livestock is minimal. Our timber field gates are also popular as rustic driveway gates, adding a rural charm to any home. The Somerset and Estate gates are available in softwood or hardwood and right hand or left hand to suit the situation.

Don’t forget to purchase the necessary field gate hinges, the pre-packed options come with all fixings included to make fitting easy. If you are using gates in a pair, a drop bolt, or garage door bolt as it is otherwise known, will be a useful purchase.   

Call or visit your nearest branch for more information about any type of gates and their fittings.

An easy way of improving the appearance of your home is by having an attractive garden gate to welcome visitors. Low level front garden gates can add character and originality to the entrance of your home in a rural or town situation. AVS Fencing stocks a variety of low level timber and metal gates. Our ranges of black metal gates are available in a variety of decorative designs and heights, to suit all specifications.

If you prefer a more rustic appearance for your garden, choose from one of our timber gates, which will blend in with the natural surroundings. For side path gates, tall closeboard or lap gates are ideal and will match the panel fencing equivalent.

When measuring the size of the gate you need remember to allow for a tolerance between the gate and the post. This is normally about 15 – 20mm overall to ensure the gate will open and close easily. If you need the gate to be attached to a wall than use a wall plate, purchasable from AVS Fencing.

For more information on gate fittings, call your nearest branch for helpful and friendly advice. 

It’s easy to make a few adjustments to your garden to make it more eco friendly for 2012. The easiest way to improve your eco friendliness is to start growing your own herbs and vegetables. A small raised bed kit for herbs won’t take up much space in your garden and you will soon reap the rewards. If you have more space for a larger raised bed you can grow a variety of organic foods, such as potatoes, broccoli and root vegetables, as well as herbs. A major benefit of growing your own food is that you know exactly what’s gone into it. This means no harsh pesticides or other chemicals, just healthy home grown, organic food.

Another easy and inexpensive option is to purchase a compost bin. This gives you a place to dispose of all your biodegradable waste efficiently and will provide essential nutrients for your garden. This kind of waste would otherwise end up in a landfill, where air cannot get to the organic waste. This means that when the waste breaks down it releases methane, which is damaging to the atmosphere. When the same material is broken down in a home compost bin, oxygen causes it to decompose aerobically, greatly reducing the amount of methane that is produced. Here at AVS Fencing we stock timber pressure treated compost bins in small, medium and large sizes, so there is a size suitable for most space allowances. So why not grow your own vegetables or recycle your green waste and do your bit for the environment in 2012?!

Are you are planning on building a deck ready for the spring? If so we have put together some helpful advice on things you may need to consider for your decking project. 

- Plan and design the deck carefully before you buy your materials. This is essential to help reduce wastage and save you money.

- Buy geotextile membrane to prevent weeds growing up through the deck boards. This not only maintains the appearance of the decking, but protects it from damage caused by more aggressive foliage.

- You should use handrails if the deck is going to be more than 600mm raised off the ground.

- Double check that the decking frame is rigid and level before you fit the boards, as it will easier to make adjustments before you do add them.

- Treat any cut ends with a suitable timber treatment to ensure durability.

- If you are using hardwood decking boards, you will need to pre drill holes for fixing. A process that isn’t necessary for softwood boards. 

We offer a variety of balustrade styles and deck panels in wood and metal. This can add an individual appearance to your garden, and there is something to suit all tastes.

For more decking ideas and decking materials, view our project centre on the website or visit your local branch. 

Police are appealing for any information that may help with their investigation into a burglary at our Stansted Park branch. The burglary happened at around midnight on Wednesday 21^st December 2011.

The thieves got away with approximately 11 tonnes of horse fencing, which would have taken several people considerable time to load. Either a large vehicle or a number of trips would have been needed to remove the materials. For this reason it is thought the thieves are probably local to the area. The haul consisted of machine round wooden fence posts, half round rails and rolls of 1.2m high horse fence. The newly launched X net horse fence product has been specifically designed with a special X shaped knot to prevent injuries to horses and foals.

The Stansted Sawmill site is located close to the West Sussex border between Emsworth and Rowlands Castle. Lorna Purse and her team have worked incredibly hard to make this branch a success since it was re-opened by AVS Fencing in the spring. The X net horse fence is a new product to the market and is not widely available in the area. Any information regarding the possible whereabouts of this fencing would be greatly appreciated. Please contact Lorna on 02392 412445, or the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555111, if you think you can help.