AVS Blog Archive for February 2012

The most common garden fence panels used these days are undoubtedly the closeboard and lap panels. But if you are looking to spruce up your garden before the spring, look beyond the standard closeboard and lap styles. We stock Grange Elite panels which are all a bit different from the common fence panel we all see daily. Any one of these panels will add a touch of individuality to your home and garden.

These panels are green pressure treated timber, so they are long lasting and protected against rot. A popular design is the St Meloir, which features an arched design and is topped with lattice for a striking effect, but there are many others to choose from, all with an individual take on the standard panel. Grange also do attractive and practical hit and miss panels which lets the wind pass through, meaning less damage in gusty weather!

Not only do Grange supply fantastic continental panels, but also a variety of pergolas, arbours, garden furniture and gates. There are gates to match the Meloir and Gawsworth panels so you can have a seamless fence line in your garden. Have a look at the Grange range here for interesting and attractive garden fencing for this spring!

The first UK Company to manufacture chainlink was Barnard, Bishop and Barnard in 1844; the machines were similar in design to those used for weaving cloth, as the company had a long history in doing this.

Chainlink fences are made from galvanised or green PVC coated steel wire, woven into a zig zag pattern to create the familiar and popular diamond shaped fence. This type of fence is available commonly in heights varying between three and twelve feet, but custom height can be made usually on request without too much trouble.

The reason chainlink fencing is so popular is mostly due to its relative low cost and the ease of which it can be installed. A handy person could install a chainlink fence themselves without too much trouble using a how-to guide, and without needing to hire a professional fencer. Usually concrete and angle iron are the posts used with chainlink, but timber posts can be used too, if preferred. It also, being a transparent style of fence, does not block out sunlight, and the open style makes it ideal for particularly windy and exposed areas.

Chainlink is a very versatile fence in its function; it is frequently used for security, animal enclosures, gardens, sporting grounds and much more! 

Most areas of the South East have been hit by varying amounts of snow and ice during the last week. The cold weather is set to continue; with below freezing temperatures during the night, resulting in what will be a very slow thaw of the snow. Make sure you stay safe during the cold snap by laying rock salt or enviro thaw on paths and driveways surrounding your home. It is always practical to have a store of a winter aggregate in your shed, garage or porch so that you are never left unprepared for icy weather.

Stay warm in the evenings by stocking up on logs for a wood burning stove or fireplace. AVS Fencing Supplies use a mixture of only the best logs for burning, resulting in minimal spitting and longer burning times. These logs include slow burning oak, beech and ash. We don’t use sweet chestnut as this wood has a tendency to spit and therefore is unsuitable for open fires. Softwood log mixes are cheaper than hardwood logs because they burn much faster, so although the initial cost is less softwood logs are not as cost effective over a length of time. Be sure to store firewood undercover, but open to air to keep the logs dry.

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.