Palisade vs ClearVu-style mesh vs slat fencing: which suits your property?

A note on names: “ClearVu” is a registered brand. When we say ClearVu-style we mean the same type of high-security welded mesh (often called 358 mesh), fabricated and installed by us. Tshipiworks is not a ClearVu dealer.

Palisade fencing

Palisade is made of vertical steel pales (usually W- or D-section) bolted or welded to horizontal rails, with pointed or split tops. It is the familiar fence around substations, warehouses and schools.

• Security: strong and hard to push through; the pointed tops discourage climbing. The gaps between pales mean it can be climbed by a determined person, and pales can be cut with the right tools.
• Visibility: you can see through it, which helps guards and neighbours spot intruders.
• Privacy: low; it is not meant to hide the property.
• Best for: long commercial and industrial boundaries, yards and plant areas, government and tender work. See our commercial fabrication.

ClearVu-style high-security mesh

This is a welded steel mesh with very small, narrow openings. The openings are too small for fingers or toes, so it is very hard to climb, and the thick wire resists cutting with hand tools. Panels are fixed to steel posts.

• Security: the highest of the three for climbing and cutting resistance, especially with razor wire or an electric fence on top.
• Visibility: excellent. From a distance it looks almost transparent, so you keep the view and natural light.
• Privacy: low; add shade cloth or planting if you need screening.
• Best for: homes that want strong security without blocking the view, schools, clinics, solar and utility sites, and matching mesh sliding gates.

Steel slat fencing

Slat fencing uses horizontal (or angled) steel slats welded into frames, usually mounted on a low wall or between pillars. It is the modern look you see on many new houses in Gaborone, Phakalane and Mmopane, and it matches slat sliding gates.

• Security: good against casual intruders. Horizontal slats can act like a ladder, so add electric fence wires or razor wire on top if security is a priority (see razor wire vs electric fence).
• Visibility: partial, depending on the gap between slats.
• Privacy: the best of the three. Closer slats give more privacy and more wind load.
• Best for: street-facing fronts of homes, matching a slat gate, and blocking the view into a yard.

Ready to price a ClearVu-style or palisade fence? Our ClearVu-style & palisade fencing page explains per-metre quotes on WhatsApp, gate + fence bundles and razor wire on custom brackets.

Side-by-side comparison

What drives the cost of a fence

We do not quote fence prices in articles, because every boundary is different. These are the things that move the price:

1. Length and height of the run, and how many corners and changes in level it has.
2. Type and thickness of steel: heavier pales, thicker mesh wire and closer slats all use more steel.
3. Posts and footings: post spacing, depth and concrete; rocky or clay ground changes the work.
4. Mounting: in the ground, on top of an existing wall, or between pillars.
5. Finish: primer and paint, galvanising or powder coat.
6. Toppings and gates: razor wire, electric fence wires, and matching sliding or pedestrian gates.

Before you buy: checks worth making

• Know your boundary. Confirm where the plot boundary is before any posts go in, and talk to neighbours about shared walls.
• Check any rules. Estates, landlords and some councils have rules on fence height, type or electric fencing. Ask before you order.
• Plan the gate with the fence. A matching gate looks better and is easier to secure. A sliding gate needs a straight run of fence or wall beside it.
• Think about upkeep. Steel needs a good finish against rust, especially at the base where water and soil sit.

For homes in Tlokweng and along the eastern side of Gaborone, see our Tlokweng page. For all fencing options, see security fencing.