Stylish fence is worth wood

Text Elise Noyez |    Image De Sutter Naturally

In the international horse world, De Sutter Naturally is a household name. The company, founded by Peter De Sutter, once the stable boy of top rider Eric Wauters, has specialized in the development and production of wooden fences for horse paddocks for over forty years. This not only made the company a pioneer in Belgium, but also proved the durability of the fences.

However, a love of horses is not a requirement to enjoy the appearance and durability of the above products. In order to give private garden projects extra cachet, whether it is a small front yard or a more extensive and luxurious courtyard, green professionals can also turn to the Belgian company for high-quality wooden gates and fences.

Robust or country chic

Essentially, a natural material like wood is not out of place in any garden. While synthetic fences and enclosures can undesirably disturb the balance of a garden project, the unique and living aspect of wooden beams leaves a more casual and integrated impression. In other words, rather than emphasizing the edge of the property, a wood fence stands out as an essential part of it. And that's regardless of the style of home or garden. 

Thus, the Post & Rail models from De Sutter Naturally, with their natural-looking girders, have a robust rural look, while the Ascot ENG Windsor fences and Wellington gates thanks to their clean shapes and perfectly planed posts, and as their name suggests, rather reminiscent of the distinguished character of English country houses and estates. 

Another visual asset of wooden fences, generally constructed of posts and beams on two levels, is their sturdy yet open character. Should the fence also prevent, for example, pets or small children from leaving the premises, there are also functional solutions with wire mesh. This can easily be stretched between round or square wooden posts, or a fence such as the Post & Rail can be equipped with wire mesh under the lowest or both girders.

The right choice of wood

The final visual impact of a wooden gate or fence is determined not only by its design. At least as important - also for the durability and quality of the product, by the way - is the choice of wood.

The budget-conscious choice is impregnated softwood, characterized by its light appearance with, over time, a green sheen. De Sutter Naturally uses Red Nordic pine for this, which also has a higher density than classic pine due to slower growth, and can therefore offer an anti-rot guarantee of twenty years. In addition to the classic treatment, black impregnation is also an option here.

Tropical hardwood, in turn, is characterized by the highest durability class, can be used untreated and enjoys an anti-rot guarantee of no less than thirty years. Under the influence of weather conditions, the originally red wood eventually acquires its familiar gray patina.

And then there is Robinia or Acacia wood. This is the hardest and most durable European wood species on the market, used mainly for the Post & Rail fences. 

Absolute constant at De Sutter Naturally, regardless of the type of wood, is in any case the choice of wood that has been responsibly and sustainably harvested, and processed wood with FSC and/or PEFC certification. In combination with in-house processing, the company thus guarantees the highest quality.

Partner for the garden professional

The stylish fences and gates speak for themselves, but also with an extensive stock, the possibilities of customization and the simplicity of installation, De Sutter Naturally profiles itself as an excellent partner for the garden professional. Moreover, the company has branches in Antwerp (Herentals), Flemish Brabant (Kampenhout) and East Flanders (Zulte), from where support can be offered for the development of any garden project.   

Check out their full offerings here.