Forum Topic

Bedford Park fences

Hi - can anyone recommend a reasonable fence specialist / carpenter who can replace a rotting white Bedford Park style fence? We have just received a quote and it was insanely expensive and there is no way we can afford that. It is a small fence and all what we need is someone to replace it with something similar styled. It does not need to be an exact replica.Many thanks in advance!Best wishes,Katja

Katja Zehner ● 1075d6 Comments

When getting quotes don't mention Bedford Park just the road name.Get a quote for the fence first and maybe a second for just the painting. And then don'tnecessarily mention any particular colour.The combined cost will probably be a lot lessthan for " a White fence in Bedford Park" which will get the old cash registers ringing in people's ears.Looking at old prints and watercolurs the fences weern't originally all white. That camea bit later IIRR although now white is insisted on.michael adams

Michael Adams ● 1074d

I was told some time back that the Bedford Park Society and therefore by extension the local planning departments are not that keen on the white fences as they are deemed to be not original.As you are restoring rather than replacing you should be okay but if you are in a conservation area it may not be as straightforward to install them.

Mark Evans ● 1074d

They are stupidly expensive and very high maintenance - painting every other year and washing every few weeks, weekly if you are near any lime trees.A friend who had one eventually had it removed and replaced with a traditional wood panel fence.Another friend who has one loves them and uses a skilled carpenter.  His number is 07946 020096.  He is Northern European, works on his own and respected for the quality of his work.

Elizabeth Ross ● 1074d

I remember when we were first planning to move to the area 40 years ago we took one look at the Bedford Park houses and rejected them because of “all that wood!”  Our decision was confirmed when we found out about the Bedford Park ‘fence vigilantes’.

Peter Evans ● 1074d

' As elizabeth said,very high maintenance to keep them form rotting. Ive noticed more people having them replaced for a traditional wooden fence. PS. Has to be hardwood and not softwood and you need to keep an eye on the joints all year round.And yes,need maintnance every 1-2 years.

Julian Pavey ● 1074d

https://www.mjsoflondon.co.uk/gallery.htmlMJ's of London have done lots of the Bedford Park fences. I found Mindaugas easy to deal with and a fair price and I was happy with the quality of the finished product. 

Claire Green ● 1071d