Does Acoustic Garden Fencing Work?

The simple answer to this is ‘yes’ it does work, and we have many installations around gardens and many happy customers since we invented Jakoustic® acoustic fencing back in 2004 to prove this.

Before jumping straight in and ordering an acoustic fence, it is worth being aware of a number of different points. Sound, and how it travels, is a complex issue. Before purchasing an acoustic garden fence, we would always advise getting an independent sound engineer involved as a number of different variables can impact the results.

Some of these points can be:

Acoustic Fence Construction and Density: A well-built garden fence with strong structural integrity is crucial for optimal sound reduction. Some of our standard garden fence panels reduce noise slightly, thanks to their high-quality timber construction with minimal gaps or holes, but our acoustic garden fences are specifically built to reduce noise. With thick interconnected components, a surface mass density that achieves the planning/architects' normal acoustic specification of 10 - 12kg per sqm, no gaps in the fence noise-blocking performance is considerably improved compared to standard garden fences. Just like our garden fence panels, our acoustic fencing products are backed by our 25 year Jakcure® guarantee, providing you with peace of mind regarding their quality and durability.

The Distance Between Noise Source and the Garden: Acoustic garden fencing is most effective when placed close to either the source of the noise or the area you want to protect. This helps prevent sound from bypassing the fence. For example, a fence next to a busy road will likely reduce noise more effectively than one 500 metres away from a motorway.

Height of the Acoustic Garden Fence: The height of the fence plays a crucial role in sound reduction. A taller acoustic fence creates a larger, more significant "acoustic shadow," blocking more sound waves by changing the direction of sound at a greater angle. This expands the area where noise is reduced. Additionally, the height of the noise source and the receiver in relation to the fence also affects performance. A taller fence will generally perform better. For instance, a 2-meter acoustic fence on a grass verge is likely to block more sound than a 1.8-meter fence positioned slightly lower than a road. The lower the noise source, the more effectively sound will be reflected, increasing the size of the shadow zone.

Other Environmental Factors: Various environmental elements can significantly influence noise reduction. For instance, the presence of a building on the opposite side of the road or large flat surfaces nearby can cause sound to reflect and amplify, creating an echo effect. These factors may either have no impact on reducing noise or, in some cases, exacerbate it by trapping sound within the area.

This is why we carefully assess the surrounding environment to recommend the most effective noise reduction solutions tailored to each unique setting.

How Much Noise Will a Garden Acoustic Fence Reduce?

A Jakoustic® reflective acoustic fence can provide sound reductions of up to 28dB, based on laboratory testing (BS EN 1793-2:1998, Category B3, Laboratory sound reduction: 28 dB, Surface mass: 25kg/m²). However, it is important to note that several factors can influence the actual noise reduction experienced. In most cases, a more realistic reduction range is between 9-15 decibels, which would result in a noticeable decrease in volume — approximately halving the sound. For context, typical road traffic noise is around 70dB, while normal conversation is around 60dB, meaning the difference in sound levels can be quite significant!

Do Acoustic Garden Fences Look Different from Standard Garden Fences?

Our wooden acoustic garden fences are designed to reduce noise, and this will make them sturdier and have a slightly different appearance compared to standard wooden fences. They are manufactured from smooth planned boards and are most similar in style to our horizontal tongue and groove effect panels. Apart from the boards, which are wider, thicker and completely interlock while offering a contemporary and modern look. Just like all our fences, acoustic fences are aesthetically pleasing and will likely receive compliments from your neighbours for their attractive appearance.

Do Acoustic Garden Fences Require Planning Permission?

In most cases, acoustic garden fences do not require special planning permission beyond the usual regulations for standard fences. However, if the fence exceeds two metres in height, planning permission will be needed, regardless of its location. If the fence is over one metre tall and situated next to a highway or footpath, permission may also be required. To avoid any issues, consulting with your local authority or parish council before installation is a good idea. Additionally, discussing the plans with your neighbours can help prevent potential concerns later.

Do Acoustic Garden Fences Need Specialist Installation?

Our Jakoustic® fencing systems are installed differently from standard garden fences, using a tuning fork post system. Our Approved Installers are trained to install our acoustic garden fences, and we recommend that you speak to us or contact one of them. Although DIY installation is possible, it is important to carefully follow our installation instructions. Pay special attention to the board overlap (similar to a brick wall), securing fixings on the posts, and ensuring there are no gaps in or beneath the fence. Proper installation is crucial for optimal soundproofing performance.

Do Different Types of Acoustic Garden Fence Exist?

Yes, we offer a range of Jakoustic fences, all backed by our 25-year Jakcure® guarantee. The two main options suitable for garden acoustic fencing and gates are our Jakoustic Reflective and a 12k version, which features thinner boards.
We also provide other versions of our acoustic products, including absorptive, commercial, highway, and high-security styles. However, these are not recommended for garden or domestic use.

More information can be found here if you are interested in Acoustic Barriers for commercial applications or high security applications.
Acoustic Barriers

RELATED CUSTOMER PROJECTS AND CONTENT

In this blog, we explore various strategies and tips to help you create a quieter, more peaceful garden environment:
How to make your garden quieter

In this customer project, a renowned garden designer incorporated acoustic fencing into their own garden design to effectively reduce road noise, creating a tranquil outdoor retreat:
Garden designer Mark Lane's own contemporary wild garden project

In this customer project, an Approved Installer replaced a deteriorating fence around a property recently inherited by new owners, installing a high-quality acoustic garden fence. The new fence significantly reduced noise levels, creating a much quieter and more peaceful outdoor environment:
Acoustic noise reduction fencing installed by Approved Installer