Fence vs. Hoarding: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss & Janet White || Updated on May 22, 2024
A fence is a structure that encloses an area, while hoarding is a temporary board or barrier used to cover construction sites or advertisements.
Key Differences
A fence is a permanent structure used to enclose or delineate an area, providing security, privacy, or boundary definition. It can be made from materials like wood, metal, or plastic and is commonly found around homes, farms, and businesses. Hoarding, on the other hand, is a temporary barrier erected around construction sites to protect the public and conceal ongoing work. It is often made of wood or metal panels and can also serve as a space for advertising.
While fences are typically long-term installations, hoardings are intended for short-term use during construction or renovation projects. Fences come in various styles and heights, from decorative garden fences to high-security barriers, whereas hoardings are usually uniform and plain but may feature commercial advertisements or project information.
Fences are primarily functional, providing safety and privacy for properties, whereas hoardings serve both protective and informational purposes during the duration of construction. Fences often require maintenance such as painting or repairs, while hoardings are usually dismantled after the project's completion.
In terms of visibility, fences can be designed to blend into the landscape or provide aesthetic appeal, while hoardings are more utilitarian but can be visually striking if used for advertising. Both structures serve to manage space and movement, but their applications and lifespans are markedly different.
Comparison Chart
Purpose
Encloses and protects an area
Temporary barrier around construction sites
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Material
Wood, metal, plastic
Wood or metal panels
Duration
Permanent
Temporary
Function
Security, privacy, boundary definition
Protection, advertisement, concealment
Design
Various styles and heights
Usually uniform, can feature ads
Fence and Hoarding Definitions
Fence
A boundary marker for properties.
The fence separates our property from the neighbors.
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Hoarding
A temporary enclosure for renovation areas.
Hoarding hid the renovations from public view.
Fence
A structure serving as an enclosure, a barrier, or a boundary, usually made of posts or stakes joined together by boards, wire, or rails.
Hoarding
A panel used to display advertisements.
The hoarding featured a new movie poster.
Fence
An adjustable guide with a flat edge used on a table saw and positioned parallel to the plane of the cutting attachment in order to keep the board properly positioned for the cut to be made at the correct distance from the board's edge.
Hoarding
A barrier indicating ongoing construction.
The hoarding had signs warning of construction hazards.
Fence
One who receives and sells stolen goods.
Hoarding
A temporary board or barrier around a construction site.
The construction site was surrounded by hoarding.
Fence
A place where stolen goods are received and sold.
Hoarding
A protective structure during building work.
Workers erected hoarding to shield pedestrians from debris.
Fence
(Archaic) A means of defense; a protection.
Hoarding
A temporary wooden fence around a building or structure under construction or repair.
Fence
To surround or enclose with a fence or other barrier.
Hoarding
Often hoardings An overhanging wooden structure temporarily mounted atop the walls of a fortification to aid in repelling attackers. Also called brattice.
Fence
To separate or keep out by means of a fence or other barrier
Fenced off one field from another.
Fenced out the deer from the garden.
Hoarding
Chiefly British A billboard.
Fence
To sell (stolen goods) to a fence.
Hoarding
(UK) A temporary fence-like structure built around building work to add security and prevent accidents to the public.
Fence
To ward off; keep away.
Hoarding
A roofed wooden shield placed over the battlements of a castle and projecting from them.
Fence
To defend.
Hoarding
A billboard.
Fence
To practice the art or sport of fencing.
Hoarding
The practice by of accumulating goods.
Fence
To avoid giving direct answers; hedge.
Hoarding
A good which is hoarded.
Fence
To act as a conduit for stolen goods.
Hoarding
(psychology) An anxiety disorder characterized by a compulsive need to accumulate goods and feelings of anxiety or discomfort about discarding such goods.
Fence
A thin artificial barrier that separates two pieces of land or forms a perimeter enclosing the lands of a house, building, etc.
Hoarding
Present participle of hoard
Fence
(informal) Someone who hides or buys and sells stolen goods, a criminal middleman for transactions of stolen goods.
Hoarding
A screen of boards inclosing a house and materials while builders are at work.
Posted on every dead wall and hoarding.
Fence
(by extension) The place whence such a middleman operates.
Hoarding
A fence, barrier, or cover, inclosing, surrounding, or concealing something.
The whole arrangement was surrounded by a hoarding, the space within which was divided into compartments by sheets of tin.
Fence
Skill in oral debate.
Hoarding
Large outdoor signboard
Fence
The art or practice of fencing.
Fence
A guard or guide on machinery.
Fence
(figuratively) A barrier, for example an emotional barrier.
Fence
A memory barrier.
Fence
(transitive) To enclose, contain or separate by building fence.
Fence
(transitive) To defend or guard.
Fence
(transitive) To engage in the selling or buying of stolen goods.
Fence
To engage in the sport of fencing.
Fence
To jump over a fence.
Fence
(intransitive) To conceal the truth by giving equivocal answers; to hedge; to be evasive.
Fence
That which fends off attack or danger; a defense; a protection; a cover; security; shield.
Let us be backed with God and with the seas,Which he hath given for fence impregnable.
A fence betwixt us and the victor's wrath.
Fence
An inclosure about a field or other space, or about any object; especially, an inclosing structure of wood, iron, or other material, intended to prevent intrusion from without or straying from within.
Leaps o'er the fence with ease into the fold.
Fence
A projection on the bolt, which passes through the tumbler gates in locking and unlocking.
Fence
Self-defense by the use of the sword; the art and practice of fencing and sword play; hence, skill in debate and repartee. See Fencing.
Enjoy your dear wit, and gay rhetoric,That hath so well been taught her dazzing fence.
Of dauntless courage and consummate skill in fence.
Fence
A receiver of stolen goods, or a place where they are received.
Fence
To fend off danger from; to give security to; to protect; to guard.
To fence my ear against thy sorceries.
Fence
To inclose with a fence or other protection; to secure by an inclosure.
O thou wall! . . . dive in the earth,And fence not Athens.
A sheepcote fenced about with olive trees.
Fence
To make a defense; to guard one's self of anything, as against an attack; to give protection or security, as by a fence.
Vice is the more stubborn as well as the more dangerous evil, and therefore, in the first place, to be fenced against.
Fence
To practice the art of attack and defense with the sword or with the foil, esp. with the smallsword, using the point only.
He will fence with his own shadow.
Fence
Hence, to fight or dispute in the manner of fencers, that is, by thrusting, guarding, parrying, etc.
They fence and push, and, pushing, loudly roar;Their dewlaps and their sides are bat ed in gore.
As when a billow, blown against,Falls back, the voice with which I fencedA little ceased, but recommenced.
Fence
A barrier that serves to enclose an area
Fence
A dealer in stolen property
Fence
Enclose with a fence;
We fenced in our yard
Fence
Receive stolen goods
Fence
Fight with fencing swords
Fence
Surround with a wall in order to fortify
Fence
Have an argument about something
Fence
A barrier enclosing an area.
We installed a wooden fence around the garden.
Fence
A structure for security and privacy.
The fence keeps our pets safely in the yard.
Fence
A protective enclosure for livestock.
The farmer built a fence to keep the sheep in the pasture.
Fence
A decorative or functional barrier.
The white picket fence added charm to the house.
FAQs
What materials are commonly used for fences?
Fences are commonly made from wood, metal, or plastic.
Can fences be decorative?
Yes, fences can be both functional and decorative, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of a property.
Why is hoarding used at construction sites?
Hoarding is used to ensure public safety and to prevent unauthorized access to construction areas.
What is a fence?
A fence is a permanent structure that encloses or delineates an area, often used for security or privacy.
What is the primary purpose of a fence?
The primary purpose of a fence is to provide security, privacy, and boundary definition.
How long does a typical fence last?
A well-maintained fence can last for several years, depending on the material and exposure to elements.
What materials are used for hoarding?
Hoarding is typically made from wood or metal panels.
Can hoarding be used for advertising?
Yes, hoarding often features advertisements or project information to inform and attract public interest.
Are fences and hoardings the same?
No, fences are permanent structures for security and privacy, while hoardings are temporary barriers for construction sites.
What happens to hoarding after construction?
After construction, hoarding is dismantled and removed from the site.
What is hoarding in construction?
Hoarding is a temporary barrier erected around construction sites to protect the public and conceal ongoing work.
What are common features of a fence?
Common features of a fence include height, material, design, and the ability to provide security or privacy.
Do hoardings obstruct views?
Yes, hoardings typically obstruct views to conceal construction work.
Can fences be used temporarily?
While fences are generally permanent, temporary fencing solutions are available for short-term needs.
What is the lifespan of a hoarding?
The lifespan of hoarding is short-term, lasting only as long as the construction project.
How long is hoarding in place?
Hoarding is in place for the duration of the construction or renovation project and is removed afterward.
Do hoardings require maintenance?
Hoardings require minimal maintenance but must be stable and secure during their use.
Can hoardings be visually appealing?
Yes, hoardings can be visually appealing, especially when used for advertising or displaying project information.
Is hoarding mandatory at construction sites?
In many places, hoarding is mandatory to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.
Can fences increase property value?
Yes, a well-designed and maintained fence can increase property value by enhancing security and aesthetic appeal.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Co-written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
