Running fence vs palisade vs garden fence: which one do you need?

When someone asks us for a Clearview quote, our first question back is usually: which type? CSO offers Clearview in three security levels: garden fence, running fence and palisade. From the road they can look similar, but each one is built for a different job.

Choosing the right one means you do not pay for more security than a boundary needs, and you do not rely on less security than it should have. This guide explains the difference and how to decide.

The difference that matters: the size of the mesh gaps

All three are welded steel mesh fences. What separates them is the size of the gaps in the mesh. Smaller gaps leave less room for fingers, toes or tools, so the fence is harder to climb and harder to cut. Smaller gaps also mean more steel in every metre, which is why the security level is one of the biggest factors in the price.

Security level	Clearview type	Mesh gaps	Best suited to
Low	Garden fence	Largest of the three	Gardens, frontages and inner areas of a property that is already secured.
Medium	Running fence	Medium	Long boundaries on residential stands, plots, smallholdings and farms.
High	Palisade	Smallest of the three	Homes, businesses, yards and exposed boundaries where keeping intruders out is the main priority.

Clearview garden fence (low security)

Garden fence is lower fencing for marking and enclosing space. It keeps children and pets in, keeps people off a lawn or flower bed, and gives a neat, open look to the front of a property.

Good for:

• Front gardens and frontages
• Separating areas inside a property that is already secured, such as a pool, play area, vegetable garden or parking area
• Inner boundaries between sections of a school or business compound

Not the right choice for: the main outer boundary of a property that faces a road, open land or a known security risk. Garden fence is not designed to stop a determined intruder.

Clearview running fence (medium security)

Running fence is the middle option and a popular choice for longer perimeters. Our standard installation height is 2.1 m. It gives solid protection along a long boundary, which makes it a common choice for residential stands, plots, smallholdings and farms.

Good for:

• Full perimeters on residential stands and new builds
• Plots, smallholdings and farm boundaries
• Side and back boundaries of homes and business premises

Think about upgrading when: a boundary is isolated, faces open land, or the area has had break-ins. You can use palisade on that section only, or add razor wire or security spikes on top of the running fence.

Clearview palisade (high security)

Palisade has the smallest gaps of the three. It is the choice where keeping intruders out is the main priority, and it is the hardest of the three to climb or cut.

Good for:

• Homes in exposed positions, such as corner stands or properties next to open land
• Business premises, yards, workshops and warehouses
• Schools and other sites where people and equipment need protecting
• Storage areas for vehicles, equipment, materials or stock

Because palisade uses more steel per metre, many owners use it only where the risk is highest and choose running fence for the rest of the perimeter.

You do not have to choose just one

Most properties have boundaries with different levels of risk. A common layout is:

• Palisade on the street-facing or most exposed boundary
• Running fence on long side and back boundaries
• Garden fence around inner areas such as a garden or pool

Mixing types puts the strongest fence where it is needed most and keeps the overall cost under control. Tell us about each boundary and we will quote each one.

Height, gates and extra security

• Height: our standard installation height is 2.1 m. If a boundary needs a different height, tell us when you ask for a quote.
• Gates: a fence is only as strong as its gate. Gates are priced separately, by the width of the opening and the type: sliding, swing or pedestrian. See our gates page.
• Extras: razor wire or security spikes can be added on top of the fence, and the fence can be combined with electric fencing, alarms or CCTV.

Quick guide: which one do you need?

• Marking a garden, frontage or inner area: garden fence
• Securing a long boundary on a stand, plot or farm: running fence
• Protecting a business, yard or exposed boundary where security comes first: palisade
• Not sure? Send us photos of the boundary and we will advise.

For more on the options, see our Clearview fencing page, or read what affects the price of a Clearview fence.

How to get a quote

Send us:

• Your location (suburb or town)
• Which boundaries you want fenced and their approximate length in metres
• Photos of each boundary, if you can
• Whether you need a gate, and how wide the opening is

We can supply the material only, or supply and install it. CSO works nationwide; for sites outside Harare, transport is included in the quotation. The quotation is free. Use the quote form or WhatsApp us on 077 509 9777.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Clearview running fence and palisade?

The main difference is the size of the gaps in the mesh. Palisade has the smallest gaps, so it is the high-security option and the hardest to climb or cut. Running fence has medium-sized gaps and is the medium-security option, often chosen for long perimeters on stands, plots and farms.

Is Clearview garden fence strong enough for my outer boundary?

Garden fence is the low-security option. It is designed to mark and enclose space, such as a garden or frontage. For an outer boundary that faces a road, open land or a known risk, running fence or palisade is usually the better choice.

Can I use different types of Clearview on one property?

Yes. Many properties have boundaries with different levels of risk. You can use palisade on the most exposed side, running fence on long side or back boundaries, and garden fence for inner areas. Tell us about each boundary and we will quote each one.