You just have to love the subtlety of people describing the need to build a fence as “for privacy reasons.” We all know what those privacy reasons are, right? Maybe you moved to a street where “avid” used in a phrase containing gardener is an understatement, hobby doesn't even remotely describe the gardening zeal of your neighbours, and the “most beautiful garden” contest could give the Hunger Games some ideas. Maybe you think that a few window boxes are enough of a landscape design and your neighbours know each of their fancy plants' Latin names and swear by the RHS' guide to growing them. Perhaps there are exotic plants and meticulously arranged flower beds all along the street and your pretty violets are the subject of mockery? Well, a fence it is then. A tall one. But, first – what should you consider if you decide to build a privacy fence?

Do you need a planning permission to build a fence?

Disputes over property boundaries and height of any fence, be it wooden, metal, or a just a hedge are some of the most common reasons for quarrels and even lawsuits among neighbours. That's why, before you take any action towards building or modifying a fence, make sure you are not interfering with adjoining properties. Or, if you have to – ensure other owners' agreement. Next, you need to check with local councils and home-owner associations whether your fencing installation will need permission and approval.

Home-owner associations and local planning authorities may have different rules regarding uniformity and kerb appeal but according to UK law, you will need permission for fence installation if:

• you are installing a new fence, gate or wall over 2 m in height or adding trellis panels on top of an existing fence which will exceed 2 m;
• you are building a fence which will border or adjoin a public highway used for vehicles higher than 1 metre.

Consult local planning authorities if:

• you live in an area, which has open planned front gardens;
• live in a listed building or your property borders a listed building.

You do not normally need planning permission to:

• plant a hedge, however, you should check with the local planning authority first as you will be responsible for maintaining the hedge so that it does not become a nuisance to others;
• grow a thorny plant along the top of your 2 m fence (providing the support structures do not exceed 2 metres) unless there are covenants or restrictions.

Commonly Used Materials for Fence Installation

• Wood

There's hardly a more traditional material for fences than wood. Wood boards used for building fences come in a variety of sizes and can be stained or painted to best complement the architecture of your home and match neighbouring properties. What makes wood fences so popular is also the fact that they are easy to build as a DIY project or by hiring a landscaping company. There are countless options for a wood fence design and they can fit any budget, depending on the custom carpentry used. In terms of maintenance, this type of fence may require replacing slabs and a new coat of paint or finish now and then.

Tip: Instead of your typical white picket fence, you can paint wood slabs in different colours for a rainbow effect or if you're handy enough, you can carve figures on top of the slabs to tell a story.

• Vinyl

Vinyl fences are becoming more and more popular as they also provide a wide choice of styles and colours. One of their main advantages are a longer lifespan and lower prices, so they can be incorporated into low maintenance landscapes. If you want to add some colour and texture to your landscape, a vinyl fence can offer a lot more than just a smooth white surface. You can choose from darker colours and textures which resemble wood but don't require the maintenance of wood fences.

Tip: Incorporate a chalk board into your fence. Kids in the neighbourhood will love drawing on it and you can use it to spell out inspiring messages to passers-by.

• Sheet Metals

Modern architecture introduced new materials in the construction of homes and naturally – fences. All-metal fences can endure extreme climate and won't be affected by the elements which might devastate other fencing materials. The most commonly used metal for fence installation is the galvanized corrugated sheet metal, although the range of metals is proving highly attractive. Metal panels are available in very large sizes for building privacy fences, as well as in a variety of rib patterns which prove durable under weather pressure. They are powder coated, which diversifies greatly the silver coloured galvanized materials used for metal fencing. Metal is an ideal choice for tall fences because most residential materials are produced in a 1.2 m x 2.4 m panel size.

Tip: You can mix elements instead of having a fence installation from one material. For example, you can combine perforated copper sheets that will gleam with a metallic hue and add wood to keep it grounded. Or, dress up a tired wood fence with metal panels for an interesting accent.

• Hedge

Hedge fences are often the preferred choice for privacy fences as they provide not only protection and privacy, but also blend seamlessly with surrounding vegetation and enhance kerb appeal. The shrubs or small trees usually used to trace the border of a garden can reach over 5 m, so you have the level of privacy a metal sheet fence can provide, yet you enjoy a lush natural look. Depending on how large you want your hedge to be, you can use any number of plants, from short azaleas to taller Japanese yews. Whatever your choice, your "living fence" will require regular care and maintenance in order to remain full. Ask a landscaping specialist for advice on which plants would grow best in your area's climate.

Tip: For a short hedge of up to 1.5 m, you can plant azaleas, dwarf oleander, or Indian hawthorn. For a tall hedge of 3 meters or greater, look at Japanese yew, pittosporum, and wax myrtle.