Fencing Buying Guide
Your garden fence frames your space. The height and design of the fence panels you choose can have a big impact on the look, feel, and even the noise in your garden. That’s why it’s important to consider what you need your fence to do, and the type of style you’re after in your garden.
With a wide range of garden fence panels that offer different combinations of privacy, security, aesthetic and noise reduction features, we’re sure to have something that suits your needs. To complete your project, we offer garden fence posts as well as fencing accessories including gravel boards, post caps, decorative finials and fence toppers – all of the items you need to get your boundaries looking great.
What type of fence panel do I need?
Overlap fence panel
Great value, traditional lap panels are sturdy panels constructed with overlapping boards, sandwiched between a perimeter frame. Available in traditional straight-cut boards with a rustic finish in both dip & pressure treated. They’re ideal for boundary fencing.
Closeboard fence panel
Closeboard and vertical board panels feature square cut, non-tapered, overlapping boards which are arranged vertically and sandwiched by a perimeter frame and reinforced with horizontal battens. These panels offer strength and durability and are ideal for boundaries.
Decorative fence panel
Our elegant collection of decorative fence panels have a high quality, smooth-planed finish and come in a variety of styles that can transform your space. Our popular double slatted decorative panels will give a modern feel to boundary fencing and will transform any garden. The panels feature slats mounted alternately on the front and back, offering privacy whilst still letting light and air flow through.
Painted fence panel
Grey painted contemporary double slatted fence panels create an instant modern finish to your garden borders and also can be used as a partition or dividing screen. This Anthracite Grey colour has become a favourite amongst architects and is one of the most specified colours in construction due to its unobtrusive ability to blend well with any colour or building material.
Treatment types
Dip treated panels
The timber used in these fence panels is finished with a factory-applied treatment which provides some initial protection against fungal decay. This is a dip treatment which means the timber has been immersed in the treatment solution – timber is dipped into a tank containing a preservative which is absorbed into its surface. The timber is removed and left to dry.
A panel with this type of finish will need to be re-treated every year to protect the timber from rotting. Dip treated products normally have a golden brown/amber appearance when new, but this will fade over time.
It’s important to know that if you choose a dip treated fence panel it should not be in direct contact with the ground and should always be used with a gravel board.
Pressure treated panels
If you’re looking for a fence panel that requires less maintenance then pressure treated panels are a great option, there is no need for annual re-treatment. These panels have the anti-rot solution forced into the cellular structure of the timber at high pressure to give them greater resistance to rot. Timber is loaded into a tank and a vacuum empties it of air. The tank is then flooded under pressure with preservative, which is drawn deep into the timber before it is left to dry.
Pressure treated fence panels have a more natural timber colouration and will blend into their surroundings. The treatment can leave a greenish tinge on the timber when new, this is normal and will grey over time.
What size fence panels do I need?
If you’re replacing an existing fence panel, it’s worth knowing that fence panels generally come in 2 widths. Traditional panels are 183cm wide whilst European style panels are normally 180cm wide – so if you have existing fence posts check the space between them as this may dictate the style of panel you can accommodate.
Fence panels generally come in 4 heights: 6ft, 5ft, 4ft and 3ft. It’s always worth checking the exact specifications – depending on the individual style of the panels some may be slightly taller than others.
The height of fencing you require will depend on your garden, for boundary fencing the higher the fence the more secure and private your garden will be. The height of fence panel runs can also be increased with the use of gravel boards.
Low-level fencing is perfect for marking a boundary and can make an attractive feature around your property.
Top tips for fencing
- If you have existing fence posts check the space between them as this may dictate the style of panel you can accommodate.
- Select the style and height that best suits your garden.
- Before you start any fencing project, it’s courteous to check with your neighbours.
- Always check the exact size and specifications of your panels.
- When shopping around, don’t forget to compare the thickness of the boards making up the panel, the thickness of the frame, if it goes all the way around the panel and the number of supporting battens the panel has.
- When making your purchase, think long-term. A cheaper panel might be tempting but you may end up needing to replace it sooner, so go for the best you can afford.
- If you’re replacing one panel due to damage, it’s worth considering if you want to change the entire run. Changing a tired panel run can make a dramatic transformation to your garden.
- Pay attention to the treatment on your fence panel and understand if it means you’ll need to re-treat annually.
- Ensure you don’t have dip treated fence panels in direct contact with the ground.
- Make sure your panels come with a guarantee.
