Repurposed Fence Materials
Making a fence stand out might be tricky for some. It is easy to choose the traditional fencing materials that look the same from yard to yard, but going out on a limb with repurposed materials could allow you to be the talk of the neighborhood. Take a look at the article below that talks about four different materials that make good fencing materials and think about making your fence truly unique!
Ideas for What to Use for a Repurposed Fence
By Jennifer Blair
Whether you like the idea of having a one-of-a-kind landscape or make an
effort to recycle whenever you can, using materials that are lying
around your garage or basement to build a fence is a budget- and
environmentally-friendly way to add character to your yard. It’s also a
project that allows you to get creative because you can use a number of
items for effective fencing. The key is determining which type of fence
you need because a privacy fence requires solid materials while a
decorative fence can have an open design.Pallets
Wooden shipping
pallets work well for recycled fencing because they look similar to a
traditional wooden fence. Use pallets that are in good condition and
check those you’re planning to recycle for signs of mold or other damage
that might weaken the fence. Dry hardwood makes effective posts for a
pallet fence, and you can cut or partially disassemble the pallets in
any way you want to create a decorative look for the fencing. Removing
every other board from the front of the pallets and all of the boards
from the back is one of the more common ways to use them. To ensure that
your pallet fencing lasts, use a sealer or preservative to protect it
from the elements. You can also paint or stain it if you want a more
eye-catching look.Tin Ceiling Tiles
If
you want a fence that makes an artistic statement, get your hands on
some old tin ceiling tiles. Vintage ceiling tiles are available at
thrift stores, antique shops and online auction sites. They come in a
range of colors and usually feature raised designs that give them an
interesting texture. The ceiling tiles don’t have to match — the beauty
of using them for your fence is that you can create a patchwork effect
that adds a whimsical look to your landscape. You will need to use
lumber to create a frame for the ceiling tiles, but recycled or
reclaimed pieces work well if you want the entire fence to be made from
reused materials.Windows
Old
windows can serve as a garden fence. You can use the windows with the
glass panes still in place or use the frames by themselves for
open-style fencing. The trick to repurposing windows for your fence is
finding frames that are all the same size, which is why window fencing
works best for shorter fences where you won’t need as many frames to
create the fence. If you can’t find enough windows in the same size to
enclose your entire garden, try alternating large and small frames to
create a decorative edge for the top of the fence. Screw the frames for
each section of fencing together and add posts to install it as you
would a traditional fence.Glass Bottles
If
you want to create a truly striking fence, gather up all the bottles
that you’ve been planning to recycle. Glass bottles can become
surprisingly effective fencing materials when you pair them with rebar.
While you can use any bottles, colored glass usually provides the most
interesting look. Drill holes in the bottles, which can be tricky, so
use a special glass-cutting drill bit and work slowly to avoid cracking
the glass. Once you have holes in the bottles, stack them on rebar that
you’ve cut to right height. You can use reclaimed lumber for the frame
or use additional rebar to serve as the frame. Glass bottles create a
lovely effect because they reflect light, but plastic bottles are
lightweight and easier to work with.