Are you thinking about replacing your garden fence? In today’s market the choice of garden fencing is endless - whether you’re looking for affordable or extravagant, structural or decorative, there’s something for everyone. Read on to find out more about our top tips for choosing the right fence, and take a look at some of our personal favourites!
Before you choose your garden fence, it’s a good idea to think about your end goal. Are you looking for privacy and security? Do you want something stylish? Or are you simply looking for an affordable replacement? We always recommend a little planning to make your decisions easier.
Today, most garden fences in the UK use either close board or lap panel. They both have their merits and have proven to be popular throughout the country. They both offer a great balance of privacy, strength, and style. While many other options are available, we want to talk you through the two most common choices:
Lap panel is generally the most affordable option. Lap panel is made from horizontal overlapping panels of wood on a timber frame. The pre-fabricated panels are quick and easy to install as well as being readily available. Lap panels give total privacy to your garden space and make a great all-around option for an affordable fence replacement.
Close board or feather board as it’s also known, is another popular option. Constructed with overlapping vertical feather-edge wooden boards, this type of fencing is a strong and durable option. Feather edge is a medium-budget option, offering a neat and attractive style of fencing that provides great protection from the elements.
If you’re looking for a robust, secure and stylish option rolled into one, tongue and groove panels are an excellent option. Constructed with either vertical or horizontal panels, they are made with planed timber providing a high-quality look and feel. The construction forms a strong and secure panel, making it a perfect option when privacy and security is a concern. You can also add trellis tops to tongue and groove fencing, adding an extra element of style and privacy to your garden.
Hit-and-miss fencing is another great option. Made by alternatively fixing smooth boards to the front and back of the panel, this style of fencing is very attractive and looks great in both traditional and contemporary settings. Usually available in a range of heights and styles, it can be a great option for providing extra privacy over an existing wall for example
When it comes to both front and back gardens, palisade fencing is a fantastic option that’s cost-effective and stylish. Constructed using rails and upright individually spaced slats, it provides a more open look and feel to the garden. For a front garden where perhaps privacy is not a huge concern, this type of fencing can create kerb appeal by showing off the front of your house and garden. Palisade fencing can also give a traditional look and feel to your property.
If you’re looking for something with a little more style that has a sleek and contemporary look, why not consider slatted fence panels? These are ideal if privacy is not an issue, or if you want to add a stylish divide to an area of your garden. Sometimes known as Venetian fencing, they allow light to pass through the panels creating an attractive look. Slatted panels also allow wind to pass through making a great addition to a garden that is exposed to the elements.
If you’re after a natural look and feel why not consider using woven fencing? Constructed using woven sections of hazel or timber within a frame, this type of fencing can be an environmentally friendly option and give your garden an organic appearance. We think it sits perfectly next to wildflower borders and it makes for a great garden divide. It can also provide beautiful dappled light, making it an attractive feature.
When installing a new fence, it’s a good idea to think about the longevity of your fence posts and what you can do to protect them. For all timber fencing, we recommend using Postsaver post rot protectors. These protect the critical ground line section of your fence posts and prevent decay, they also guarantee your posts for 20 years, saving you the time and stress of unnecessary replacements for a small extra cost.
It’s also important to protect your new timber fence from the elements to ensure you get the most out of it. We recommend Postsaver Creocote - available in light and dark, it will give your new fence an attractive appeal.
