Hey everyone! I recently bought my first house in a quiet court in suburban Victoria and I'm facing a bit of a dilemma. I'm considering whether to put in a front fence right away or wait a few years. My top priorities are keeping my small dog safe and preparing for when we have kids in the future. At the same time, I want to avoid making the house feel overly fenced-in since we live in such a friendly neighborhood next to a primary school.
I'm thinking about going for either vertical slats or batten-style fencing with decent gaps so my dog can't slip through, maybe with a swing gate. I'm torn between using timber (which would need regular maintenance) or going with powder-coated aluminium. As for height, I'm aiming for something that feels open and inviting, around 900mm, but some fence installers mentioned that standard heights are usually 1 or 1.2m. The 1.2m feels a bit too tall for my liking, and I want to avoid any "stay away" vibes.
Is it strange to put up a fence right after moving in, or should I just go for it? I'd love to hear about your experiences with materials, timing, any regrets or happy choices!
2 Answers
Definitely look into your local regulations first, as front fences often have specific restrictions. In some places, they might even be entirely prohibited. Once you know what's allowed, you can better decide on a style that fits with other homes in your area. Good luck with your fence installation!
The ideal height really does depend on local codes. In the US, for instance, front yard fences are usually capped at about 4 feet. Since you have a small dog and live close to a school, getting a fence now sounds smart—it’ll keep your yard safe and neat as kids come and go.
Totally agree! Just check what's official in your area to avoid surprises later.