Build a fence with wood and gabion walls
A fence doesn’t just boost your sense of privacy in the garden. It also helps block out surrounding noise, clearly marks the boundaries of your property, keeps children and pets safely inside... and adds a stylish touch to your outdoor space! Having one installed can be costly, so why not build it yourself using wood and rocks?
A fence to match any style
Of course, you could stick to the classics: a wire fence with ivy growing up it, or a hedge planted alongside. The result is lush and low-maintenance, but it can take a while before every gap is filled in. Unless, of course, you weave in longer ivy strands or synthetic strips, install a ready-made hedge, or cover the wire with reed mats or similar materials.
Looking for an authentic, natural, and warm look? Then, a wooden fence is a great choice. Use panels made from hardwood, treated wood, bamboo, or woven willow or hazel branches. Just keep in mind that wooden fences may require staining or oiling every few years.
If your garden is too modern for wood, consider a solid fence made of composite materials or concrete panels. Concrete can look very sleek and contemporary these days. You’ll find it in a wide range of patterns and shades.
Gabion fences: a popular choice
In recent years, many people have been opting for gabion fences: a wall made of metal cages filled with rocks or other materials. These fences don’t just have a bold, modern look, they’re also low-maintenance and offer excellent privacy.
Gabions can be filled with a wide variety of materials: river rocks, gravel, lava rock, but also coconut shells, cork, bark, glass... you name it. Or you can mix different materials for a more creative effect. Just make sure the contents are large enough not to fall through the mesh. Keep in mind that natural materials may settle over time, especially if they’re biodegradable, but they’re easy to top up when needed.

Combine wood and gabions for a lighter look
Maybe a full gabion fence is a bit too heavy-looking for your taste? Honestly, we felt the same, which is why we put our own spin on this popular design: alternating gabion sections with wooden panels. It’s the perfect blend of bold and rustic, combining the strength of stone with the warmth of wood.
Which tools will you need?
You’ll be doing quite a bit of drilling and screwdriving, especially when assembling the gabion cages. So, be sure to use a combination impact drill/screwdriver that can handle both wood and masonry. Choose a tool with dual functions so you can easily pre-drill holes and then drive in screws with the same machine.

You’ll also need to cut wooden planks to size, ideally using a telescopic mitre saw. This type of saw offers great stability because the workpiece stays in place while only the blade moves. With a telescopic model, you can pull the blade toward you before making the cut, which allows you to cut wider boards with ease.
Ten slotte zal je enkele bredere planken moeten versmallen. Dat lukt je vlot op een tafelzaag. Daar zaag je recht of in verstek mee, exact op maat, door allerlei houtdiktes. En dat in alle veiligheid, doordat je het hout door het afgeschermde zaagblad haalt met een duwstok.
Finally, you’ll need to trim some wider boards to a narrower width. A table saw is perfect for this. It allows you to make straight or angled cuts with precision, through wood of various thicknesses. It’s also a safe option, because you can feed the wood through the guarded blade using a push stick.