The most commonly used wood types for fences are spruce, cedar and pine, so the longevity of your fence naturally depends on the type of wood it's made from. Cedar may last for 15-30 years, spruce may last for 4-7 years and pine may last for 5-12 years.

Pressure washing a fence before staining it will also ensure blemishes are removed that could show through the surface of the stain. Additionally, pressure washing before staining removes any debris that has collected between the wood, which thwarts mold and fungus from growing.

A good rule of thumb is to wait a month or two if the fence is made with dry materials. This will allow it to weather enough but not too much. If the fence is made with pressure treated materials it may be 3-4 months for the posts to dry...

The ideal solution is to eliminate contact between soil and wood. Using a metal post anchor set in concrete is probably the most effective method for achieving maximum longevity. To help keep the post from wicking water, choose an anchor that spaces the post bottom away from the concrete.

While steel fencing is much more durable, aluminium fencing is the perfect alternative for green-minded property owners. Because aluminium fences can be recycled after they're no longer in use, they offer a much better green footprint for our environment.

Light, cool-coloured paint shades will make a small space feel larger, whereas bright, hot colours and darker shades will have a dwarfing effect. The same applies with plants. Pale pink, soft blue and primrose yellow flowers recede into the distance, so position on garden boundaries to evoke depth.