Fresno aluminium slat fencing takes this approach further, offering a premium system that combines sleek design with practical versatility. If you're considering this fencing style for your next project, here are three ways Fresno can enhance your residential spaces.
Every home has those necessary but unsightly elements: wheelie bins, air conditioning units, pool equipment, and utility meters. The challenge is screening them without creating dead zones or blocking airflow to equipment that needs ventilation.
Horizontal slat fences solve this problem beautifully. The gaps between slats allow air to circulate freely while still providing visual screening. This makes it perfect for hiding:
Bin storage areas (especially important for townhouse developments)
Heat pumps and pool equipment that need ventilation
Water tanks and utility connections
Outdoor clotheslines
Service areas that need access but not visibility
Choosing the right gap size depends on your specific needs. Wider gaps (around 22mm) work well when you need maximum airflow, while narrower gaps (10mm) are required when being used as a pool fence or balustrade. Fresno offers both options so you can match the screening level to the specific application.
Want to explore different screening approaches for your project? Download our fencing guide here.
Traditional solid fencing can make outdoor spaces feel boxed in, particularly in higher-density housing where outdoor areas are already limited. A horizontal slat fence offers a more sophisticated approach to privacy that maintains a sense of space and light.
The horizontal lines create a visual barrier at eye level while still allowing glimpses of sky and filtered light. This psychological difference is significant in smaller outdoor areas where every square metre counts. Residents get the privacy they need without feeling walled in.
This approach works particularly well for:
Separating neighbouring decks or patios in townhouse developments
Screening ground-floor apartments from pedestrian areas
Creating intimate dining or seating areas within larger outdoor spaces
Providing privacy for outdoor entertaining areas without blocking prevailing breezes
Getting the height right matters. Standard residential privacy fencing is typically 1.8m high, but horizontal fence slats can often achieve the same privacy level at slightly lower heights because of how the eye processes horizontal lines.
Perhaps the most exciting application of horizontal slat fencing is using it as an architectural element rather than just a boundary marker. The clean, linear appearance of horizontal slats can enhance a building's design language and create visual continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Consider these applications:
Feature walls: Horizontal slats make excellent accent walls for courtyards, entry areas, or outdoor living spaces. They add texture and visual interest without overwhelming the space.
Planting backdrops: The linear pattern creates an ideal backdrop for landscaping. Plants look striking against the clean lines, and the gaps allow for creative lighting effects.
Zone definition: In larger outdoor areas, horizontal slat screens can separate different functional zones (dining, play, garden) without creating hard barriers.
The key to successful slat fencing lies in understanding how it interacts with light, air, and views. Unlike solid barriers, horizontal fence slats create layered privacy that changes throughout the day as shadows shift. This works particularly well in residential projects with decks, patios, and outdoor entertainment areas.
Most aluminium systems install relatively easily, with panels that you can adjust for height and width on site. This makes them work well for irregular spaces or custom jobs where standard fencing won't fit.
People are using slat fencing in more creative ways now, too: screening between townhouses, creating architectural features, and setting off garden plantings, especially in developments where every square metre counts.
New Zealand's climate presents unique challenges for outdoor materials. Coastal salt spray, UV exposure, geothermal conditions, and high winds all take their toll on fencing materials over time.
Aluminium slat fencing handles these conditions well. Unlike timber, it won't warp, rot, or require regular repainting. The material itself is naturally corrosion-resistant, and modern powder coating systems provide additional protection against UV and weather damage.
When specifying horizontal slat fencing for residential projects, look for systems engineered specifically for New Zealand conditions. Quality matters here because replacement or maintenance access can be difficult once landscaping is established around the fencing.
The success of any horizontal slat fence project comes down to the details. Gap spacing, mounting methods, and integration with existing structures all affect both appearance and performance.
Unlike traditional fencing, where you can often make adjustments during installation, slat fencing works best when dimensions and layouts are carefully planned beforehand.
Ready to specify horizontal slat fencing for your residential project? Discover Fresno fencing and see how aluminium slat systems can enhance your design.