Fence Panels
Types and styles of fence panel
Lap panels
Overlapping horizontal slats. The most common and budget-friendly domestic option.
Closeboard / Featheredge
Vertical overlapping boards on a frame. Strong, durable and ideal for privacy, with excellent weather resistance.
Tonge and Groove Style
Tongue and groove and tongue and groove effect panels provide strength, privacy and style.
Hit and miss
Alternating boards on either side of the rail. Lets wind through, so it suits exposed sites.
Picket and palisade
Open, decorative styles for front gardens and low boundaries. Palisade is also used in security fencing.
Trellis and woven
Lighter, decorative panels. Woven panels use interwoven thin timber strips; trellis tops are often added above solid panels.
Metal and security
Steel weld mesh and similar panels for commercial, industrial and high security boundaries.
Composite
Recycled plastic and wood fibre panels. Higher cost, low maintenance. Newish to the market so not yet proven
Read next
· Fence panels or traditional fences
·
Composite vs Wooden Fences
Materials
| Material | Typical strengths | Points to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Treated softwood | Affordable, widely available, some long lasting versions | Needs regular re-treatment if it has a short guarantee |
| Hardwood | Naturally durable, long lasting | Higher cost, some will still rot |
| Composite | Low maintenance, no rotting | Highest upfront cost, can bow, twist, crack |
| Steel and metal | Strong, suited to security | Appearance is more industrial |
| Concrete | Very durable, often used as gravel boards and posts | Heavy, industrial, band for the enviroment and installation is more involved |
Read next
· The different fence treatments in the UK
·
Popular fence panel in the UK
Sizes and thickness
Many UK timber panels are around 1.83m (6ft) wide, in a range of heights from roughly 0.9m up to 1.8m. Always check the actual dimensions of the product you are buying, as widths and framing vary between suppliers. Board and frame thickness affects strength and how well a panel withstands wind.
Read next
· Are fence panels a standard size?
· Can fence panels be cut to size?
Check local rules on boundary height before you install. Fences above 2m, or above 1m beside a highway, usually need planning permission.
· Can you install a fence over 2m without planning permission?· Is it possible to install a garden fence over 2m?
Durability and lifespan
How long a panel lasts depends on the material, the quality of treatment, how it is installed and how well it is looked after. Keeping timber off the ground with gravel boards, using sound posts and treating regularly all help. Composite and metal panels generally last longer than treated softwood but there some good manufacturers that guarantee their softwood for 25 years.
Read next
· The different fence treatments in the UK
·
Is your fence fit to face the elements?
Buying advice
1. Define the purpose
Privacy, security, decoration or wind filtering all point to different panel types.
2. Check the site
Exposure to wind, ground level changes and existing posts affect what will work.
3. Compare quality
Look at timber grade, treatment, frame construction and any guarantee offered.
4. Budget the whole job
Allow for posts, gravel boards, fixings and labour as well as the panels.
Read next
· Who installs fence panels?
·
Fitting panels in existing posts
All fence panel guides
Fence panel FAQs
What is the most common type of fence panel?
Lap panels are the most common domestic choice because of their low cost, though closeboard and featheredge are more robust.
Which fence panels are best for windy gardens?
Hit and miss and other semi-open panels let wind pass through, which reduces the load on posts.
Do fence panels need gravel boards?
It is strongly recommended. A gravel board keeps the bottom of the panel clear of damp soil, which helps prevent rot.
Can I put up fence panels myself?
Many people do, provided posts are set firmly and aligned. Larger or taller runs may be worth leaving to a professional.
Who owns the fence between two gardens?
Ownership depends on your property deeds and local circumstances. Check your title documents rather than assuming.
