Choosing the Right Fence - Buying Guides - ArchiExpo

The answer to the question of application and purpose will direct you in your search for the right fence. Is the fence being installed as a decorative property marker, to keep out intruders or to maintain privacy? Examples of applications include residential, commercial and government projects such as homes, offices and public spaces.

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Residential fences can include the entrance to housing and apartment blocks as well as a partition between neighboring gardens and terraces. Consider the level of safety in the local area. Garden and terrasse fences might be sufficient for areas considered safe. Choose an opaque fence if more privacy is required.

Professional or commercial fences include security for office buildings, schools and public buildings. The height and type chosen might vary according to the level of security required by local regulations and and the purpose of the fence. If the fence needs to keep the property private and secure, high-level paneled fences are a good solution. If all-around visibility is important, a mesh or palisade fence could be a better option.

When browsing fences for public spaces or green spaces, think about how the height and level of openness can affect security and visibility. For example, playgrounds might need fencing low enough so that children can be seen but high enough that they cannot easily climb over. The distance between bars or other elements also needs to be small enough to stop children from climbing through or getting stuck. Sports fences for certain sports need to be high in order to keep equipment within the area and ensure spectator safety.

Security is extremely important when selecting industrial fences. For places such as factories, laboratories, warehouses, airports and delivery sites, fences might need to be topped with barbed wire or monitored with security cameras and alarms to deter intruders. Construction site fences are temporary fences for construction sites and roadworks. They’re employed to keep intruders out and pedestrians safe. Agricultural fences need to keep animals in, discourage intruders and mark the boundaries of large properties.

Numerous types of fences exist for the above-mentioned applications. Here is some information about the different types of fences to keep in mind when making your choice.

Fences with panels can be decorative or functional and are used where privacy is required. Decorative paneled fences are popular for residential and garden enclosures. Corrugated metal panels might also be used on building sites where privacy is important.

Bar fences, also known as palisade fences (or picket fences if in wood), consist of vertical bars held together by (usually two) horizontal bars. They can be low-level or high-level with flat ends, rounded ends or topped with fence spikes. Sometimes the vertical bars might be closer together to prevent intruders from climbing through. Make sure the bar spacing is appropriate for the application. For bar fences used on children’s playgrounds, make sure the distance between the bars and the design comply with local safety regulations.

Wire mesh fences can be either welded, twisted (i.g. chain-link) or knotted together. Welded wire mesh fences are generally the most sturdy and rigid. Twisted wire fences such as chain-link are less expensive and often used for delimiting large areas or high fences that require a high level of visibility such as sports pitches. Knotted fences are often used in agriculture for separating fields or for animal enclosures.

Metal grid fences have gratings that are more rigid and stronger than wire mesh fences and more difficult to cut, so they tend to last longer and provide a higher level of security.

Expanded metal fences are generally more rigid and resistant to cutting than standard wire mesh fences and are more difficult to climb than palisade fences. They can also limit visibility and are more durable than other open metal fences so they might be better suited for infrastructure and buildings that require a high level of security such as prisons, airports, factories and power plants.

Your perimeter is your first line of defence — protecting people, property, and critical assets from intrusion and disruption. Choosing the right high-security fence isn’t just about putting up a barrier; it’s about specifying an appropriate solution that deters, delays, and defends against real-world threats. 

A well-chosen system will reduce vulnerabilities, meet compliance standards, and minimise long-term costs. 

In this high security fence guide, we’ll explore what to consider when selecting a security fence, common pitfalls to avoid, and how partnering with a trusted supplier like Barkers can ensure your perimeter is truly fit for purpose — whether you’re securing a data centre, rail site, or critical infrastructure. 

Key Factors to Consider When Selecting a High-Security Fence

Selecting the best security fence for your site means weighing up a combination of budgetary constraints, performance, compliance, and practicality. No two projects are the same, and what works for one site may leave another vulnerable to potential attacks. This area of the high security fence guide outlines the key criteria to evaluate so your final choice is both robust and compliant.  

Here are the key areas you need to evaluate before making a decision: 

• Threat level and site risk – Understanding what you’re protecting against is crucial to choosing a fence that will perform when needed.  

• Compliance and certification – Certain sectors and environments demand tested solutions that meet recognised standards like LPS or PAS 68. 

• Material quality and durability – The lifespan of your fence depends on its ability to withstand both attacks and environmental exposure. 

• Site Conditions – Large gradients in the ground will make some systems more difficult to install than others.  

• Aesthetics and setting – In public-facing environments or heritage sites, aesthetics may come close in importance to functionality.  

• Budget and total cost of ownership – It’s not just about the upfront price; it’s about long-term value and avoiding expensive replacements, upgrades or repairing damage later 

Each of these considerations plays a role in ensuring your fence delivers the protection your site needs, without overspending or under-specifying. 

Security Threat Level Risk Assessment

Before choosing a high-security fence, it’s essential to assess the risks that are specific to your site. A thorough threat and risk assessment will help you understand what your fence needs to defend against, whether it’s opportunistic attackers, targeted intrusion,climbing, vandalism, or even vehicle-borne attacks. 

Key factors to consider include: 

• What are you protecting? Is it critical infrastructure, sensitive data, valuable goods, or public safety? 

• Who are the potential intruders? Are you defending against casual trespassers, protesters organised crime, or even terrorism? 

• How likely is an attempted breach? Past incidents, local crime stats, and site visibility and privacy all come into play. 

• What is the impact of a breach? Financial loss, service disruption, reputational damage, or legal consequences? 

The answers will inform the level of security your fence needs to provide, from basic deterrents to tested systems with certified resistance to cutting, climbing, or vehicle impact. This step ensures your investment is aligned with the actual level of risk, avoiding both under and over specification. 

Compliance and Industry Regulations

When selecting a high-security fence, compliance with recognised standards is crucial, particularly for sites such as data centres, government, and Water and Energy infrastructure. Choosing a system that has been independently tested and certified ensures that your perimeter protection is proven to perform under realistic attack conditions.

LPS (Loss Prevention Standard) classifies fencing and gates based on their ability to resist forced entry using different tool categories over specified time periods.

PAS 68, IWA 14-1, and ISO -1 are standards that assess vehicle impact resistance—essential for sites vulnerable to hostile vehicle mitigation threats.

NPSA Guidelines (formerly CPNI) are government-recommended standards for protecting the UK’s most critical national infrastructure and sensitive sites, covering both forced entry and vehicle impact.

Working with tested and approved fencing solutions helps ensure compliance with industry regulations and provides confidence that your site’s security measures are fit for purpose. Always request full test certificates and verify that the entire fencing system, not just individual components, has been certified.

Durability, Materials and Maintenance

A high-security fence isn’t just a one-time investment, it needs to perform reliably over years, or even decades. That’s why material selection and long-term durability are key considerations when choosing the best security fence for your site.

When evaluating fencing materials, steel fencing offers exceptional strength, cut resistance, and a long lifespan when properly treated through galvanising and/or powder-coating.

Protective coatings such as hot dip galvanising to BS EN ISO and optional powder coating can significantly extend a fence’s resistance to corrosion and weathering.

Maintenance requirements also differ between systems. High-quality security fences with durable coatings typically need only minimal upkeep, mainly routine inspections and occasional cleaning, reducing long-term operational costs.

Investing in robust materials upfront helps prevent costly repairs, repainting, or replacements later down the line, ensuring your perimeter remains secure and compliant without constant maintenance and changes.

Aesthetic and Environmental Considerations

Aesthetic considerations often play a role when selecting a high-security fence, particularly when the fence needs to complement existing infrastructure, match the surrounding environment, or maintain the visual appeal of a site. Whether it’s a commercial property, public space, or critical infrastructure, many sites benefit from security solutions that deliver protection and a tidy perimeter. 

Key points to consider: 

• Custom finishes – Fences can be powder-coated in a range of colours to blend with the environment or match corporate branding. 

• Architectural integration – In some settings, particularly urban or historic areas, railing-style security fences or more discreet designs may be preferred to maintain visual appeal without compromising on some protection. 

• Environmental factors also play a role. Coastal, industrial, or harsh environments demand materials and coatings that can withstand extreme weather and corrosion over time. 

Choosing a security solution that’s sympathetic to the site’s appearance, while still delivering the required performance, is key to achieving planning approvals and maintaining stakeholder satisfaction. 

Budget and Long-Term Cost Effectiveness

While initial cost is always an important factor when choosing a high-security fence, focusing purely on the cheapest option can lead to higher expenses in the long run. It’s important to consider long-term cost-effectiveness, balancing upfront investment with future savings, reliability, and performance. 

Factors to think about include: 

• Durability and lifespan – High-quality, certified fencing systems generally offer a longer service life, reducing the need for early replacement or costly repairs. 

• Maintenance requirements – Systems with protective coatings and durable materials require less ongoing maintenance, saving fixing or replacement costs year after year. 

• Compliance from the outset – Investing in a fence that meets industry standards avoids expensive retrofits, compliance failures, or insurance penalties. 

• Warranty and support – A reliable supplier will offer product guarantees and technical support that help prevent unexpected costs during installation and the fence’s operational life. 

Ultimately, the best security fence for your site is one that offers the right protection at a sustainable cost, not just today, but over the full lifecycle of the asset. 

Matching Your Security Needs with The Right Fencing Solution

Choosing the best security fence isn’t just about ratings, it’s about selecting a solution that suits your site’s risks, operations, and long-term needs. 

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High-risk sites may require certified systems like LPS or PAS 68, while lower-risk areas might focus on deterrence and access control. Site layout, terrain, and nearby structures also affect what type of fencing is appropriate and where added protection may be needed. 

Aesthetics and functionality matter too, especially in settings where the fence needs to blend with the environment without compromising performance. 

Finally, investing in durable, certified products reduces maintenance, ensures compliance, and supports integration with systems like access control and CCTV, creating a secure, efficient perimeter. 

Understanding Different Security Levels

Not all systems offer the same level of protection; this high security fence guide helps explain the classifications and what they mean in practical terms. Understanding the differences between systems is key to specifying the right solution for your site and the threats it faces. 

Security classifications, such as those in LPS , assess how long a fence can resist forced entry attempts using various types of tools. Ratings range from basic deterrents to systems that resist sustained attacks with powered equipment. 

SecureGuard SL2X is accredited to LPS B3 and C1, meaning it can withstand a persistent attack using mechanical tools for more than three minutes, and resist powered tools used by experienced attackers for over 60 seconds, ideal for sites facing a mix of moderate and high-level threats. 

StronGuard SL2 is accredited to LPS B3, offering strong protection against more forceful, mechanically equipped intruders, suitable for critical sites requiring extended delay times during an attack. 

StronGuard RCS is the only standalone palisade fencing system tested to PAS 68. It’s capable of stopping a 7.5-tonne vehicle travelling at 30mph, making it essential for hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM) at vulnerable perimeter zones. 

StronGuard SL1, rated to LPS A1, offers certified resistance against opportunist attackers using bodily force and basic hand tools for at least 60 seconds. It provides effective deterrence with visual authority, well-suited to lower-risk or layered security environments. 

SecureGuard SL3X delivers high-end protection with certifications to LPS C5, D3, and E1. Its C5 rating alone means it can delay a determined intruder using a wide range of powered tools for over five minutes, offering high security to some of the most critical and sensitive sites. 

Choosing the right security level ensures your investment is proportionate to the threats your site may face. 

Balancing Security, Functionality and Cost

Choosing the security fence for your site specifics is always a balance. While maximum security might seem like the most important and obvious goal, make sure to consider how security, functionality, and cost all interact. 

In some cases, installing the highest rated fencing or a crash rated fence everywhere may be unnecessary and financially impractical. Assessing risk zones within your site, investing in higher-security solutions where vulnerabilities are greatest, and using more cost-effective options in lower-risk areas can be a smarter approach.  

Functionality is another key factor. Your fence and gates must work with the daily operations of the site, allowing for smooth vehicle and pedestrian access and CCTV systems. 

By carefully balancing these factors, you can design a perimeter that: 

• Meets required security standards 

• Supports operational efficiency 

• Delivers long-term value without overextending budget 

Working with a knowledgeable supplier ensures your perimeter design achieves the right balance, giving you protection where it matters most. 

Site Specific Considerations

Every site has its own security challenges, so choosing the right high-security fence means understanding the environment, risks, and compliance requirements. 

Data centres need robust, certified solutions like LPS -rated mesh fencing to resist cutting and climbing attacks while maintaining a professional appearance due to their need for complete reliability 

Infrastructure and utility sites — such as energy, water treatment, or nuclear facilities demand tested systems that prevent forced entry and meet strict national security standards. 

Railways often require protection from vehicle-borne threats where tracks are near roads. Combining crash-rated and high-security fencing helps prevent unauthorised access and ensures safety of rail users and staff. 

Other site-specific factors, like sloped terrain, neighbouring properties, or harsh environments, may call for stepped fence designs or enhanced corrosion resistance. 

By planning around these unique requirements early, you can ensure your fencing solution is truly fit for purpose and built to handle both physical and environmental challenges. 

By understanding these site-specific demands early, you can ensure your security fencing isn’t just fit for purpose, it’s engineered to address threats and environmental challenges head on. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a High-Security Fence

If critical details are overlooked during the fence selection process, a can project can easily fall short.  

Avoiding these common mistakes can save time, money, and significant security risks later down the line: 

1. Choosing the wrong fence for the terrain 
Rigid mesh fencing, for example, is not ideal for sloped or uneven ground. Without appropriate adjustments, like stepped or raked designs, gaps can form compromising the fence’s effectiveness. In many high security mesh systems, the panel must be flush to the floor and still maintain the minimum height  

2. Buying fencing and gates separately without planning integration 
Fencing and gates need to work together seamlessly. Buying them from different suppliers without considering compatibility can lead to weak points in the perimeter, potential compliance issues or having to make something later down the line.  

3. Focusing only on price, not on full support 
Selecting a fence purely based on the lowest cost often overlooks vital services such as technical advice, installation support, CAD drawings, Revit models, and aftercare. A lack of these can cause delays, increase costs, and compromise the final outcome. 

4. Underestimating future maintenance and replacement needs 
Choosing lower-quality materials to save upfront costs often leads to higher maintenance costs, more downtime, and early replacements. 

By avoiding these common pitfalls, you ensure your security fencing project runs smoothly, from initial design and specification through to installation, certification, and beyond. 

Choosing a Reliable High-Security Fence Supplier

A successful fencing project depends not just on the product, but on the support and expertise behind it. Choosing a reliable supplier ensures your solution is compliant, fit for purpose, and delivered without costly surprises. 

Look for suppliers that offer: 

• Certified, tested systems with transparent documentation 

• Technical expertise to solve site-specific challenges 

• Design support, including CAD and Revit files 

• Reliable project delivery and ongoing customer support 

The right supplier should be more than a manufacturer, they should offer support and more to help ensure your site is protected once completed.  

Choose Barkers for Your High-Security Fencing

At Barkers, we’ve been trusted to secure some of the most critical sites internationally, from data centres and utilities to rail infrastructure and public services. 

Our certified fencing systems are backed by decades of expertise, in-house technical support, and a commitment to helping you get the job done right, the first time. 

Whether you need tested high-security mesh, railing, palisade systems, or vehicle mitigation solutions, we’re here to help you.  

The company is the world’s best Mesh Fence supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.