Fence Panels

The most common fence panel width in the UK is 1.83 metres (6ft), designed to slot between posts set at standard spacing. Heights range from 0.9 metres (3ft) up to 1.83 metres (6ft) in increments of approximately 300mm, giving you options at 3ft, 4ft, 5ft, and 6ft tall. Some manufacturers also produce half-panels and custom sizes for awkward spaces or sloped ground. The standard 6ft × 6ft panel is by far the most widely stocked size and suits the majority of garden boundary installations. Always check the exact dimensions of the panels you are buying before ordering posts, as slight variations between manufacturers can affect fit. If your fence run does not divide neatly into 1.83 metre sections, you will need to cut a panel or order a bespoke size for the final section.

Closeboard and solid lap panels offer the best privacy as they have no gaps between the boards. Closeboard panels — made from overlapping featheredge boards fixed to horizontal rails — are considered the gold standard for privacy fencing, as they remain solid even when the timber dries and contracts slightly. Tongue and groove panels are another excellent option, with boards that interlock tightly to eliminate any gaps entirely. Hit and miss panels, while popular for their airflow properties, are less suitable where complete privacy is required as they have deliberate gaps between alternate boards. For maximum privacy at full height, a 1.83 metre (6ft) closeboard or tongue and groove panel is the recommended choice. Pairing your panels with concrete posts and gravel boards also helps eliminate gaps at the base of the fence line.

Lap panel fencing is the most affordable option widely available and is the most commonly installed fence panel type in the UK. Lapped timber panels are quick to manufacture, easy to install between posts, and suitable for most standard garden boundaries. They are available in a range of heights and are stocked by most builders merchants and DIY retailers. The trade-off for the lower price is that lap panels are less durable than closeboard or feather edge alternatives, particularly in exposed or windy locations. If budget is your main priority, standard lap panels paired with concrete posts give the best value over time — concrete posts outlast timber posts and significantly reduce future replacement costs. Adding gravel boards at the base will also extend the life of your panels by keeping them off damp ground.

Lap panels are pre-made sections where horizontal strips of timber are overlapped and fixed into a frame — they are affordable, quick to install, and widely available. Feather edge panels, also known as closeboard panels, are built from vertical boards that taper in thickness and overlap slightly, fixed to horizontal rails. Feather edge panels are significantly stronger and more wind-resistant than lap panels, making them the preferred choice for exposed gardens and long boundary runs. They also tend to look more substantial and are considered a higher-quality finish. While lap panels can warp or bow over time, feather edge construction allows individual boards to be replaced without removing the entire panel. Feather edge panels cost more upfront but typically last significantly longer, making them better value over a ten to twenty year period.

Yes, pressure-treated fence panels are significantly better than untreated alternatives for any outdoor installation. The pressure treatment process forces preservative deep into the timber fibres, providing protection against rot, fungal decay, and insect attack from the inside out. Untreated or surface-painted panels rely on a coating that weathers and degrades over time, leaving the timber increasingly vulnerable to moisture. Pressure-treated panels typically carry a manufacturer guarantee of 15 years or more against rot, compared to just 3 to 5 years for untreated panels. The additional cost of pressure-treated timber is relatively small compared to the extended lifespan it provides. Always check that the treatment used is suitable for ground contact if the timber will be in direct contact with soil. For any fence installation intended to last, pressure-treated panels are always the recommended choice.

Under UK permitted development rights, fence panels up to 2 metres (approximately 6ft 6in) in height can be installed in back gardens without planning permission. For front gardens and boundaries adjoining a highway, the permitted height drops to 1 metre. These rules apply to standard residential properties — if your home is a listed building or sits within a conservation area, different restrictions may apply. If you wish to install a fence above 2 metres, you will need to apply for planning permission from your local council before work begins. It is also worth checking your property title deeds before installing any boundary fence, as these will confirm which boundaries you are responsible for. Failing to obtain the necessary permissions could result in an enforcement notice requiring you to reduce the height or remove the fence entirely.

Both concrete and timber posts can be used with fence panels, but they differ significantly in durability and long-term cost. Timber posts set directly in the ground are in contact with moisture and soil, making them prone to rotting at the base — typically within 5 to 10 years even when pressure-treated. Concrete posts do not rot, are completely unaffected by ground moisture, and will outlast the fence panels themselves. For a new fence installation intended to last 20 years or more, concrete posts with gravel boards at the base are strongly recommended. Timber posts are a reasonable option for temporary fencing or low-budget projects where longevity is less important. If you do use timber posts, ensure they are pressure-treated and set in postcrete to slow moisture ingress at the base. Replacing a rotted post mid-fence is a disruptive and costly job, so investing in concrete posts from the outset is the more economical long-term decision.

The lifespan of wooden fence panels depends on timber quality, treatment, installation method, and how well they are maintained over time. Untreated or poorly maintained panels can deteriorate within 3 to 5 years, particularly in wet or exposed conditions. Good quality pressure-treated lap panels typically last between 10 and 15 years with basic care. Closeboard and feather edge panels installed on concrete posts with gravel boards keeping them off the ground can last 20 years or more. Applying a wood preservative or fence treatment every 2 to 3 years will significantly extend the life of any timber panel. Ensuring good drainage around the base of the fence and clearing leaf debris that traps moisture against the boards will also help. With the right installation and maintenance, quality wooden fence panels represent excellent long-term value.

Yes, fence panel installation is one of the more accessible DIY tasks for a competent homeowner with basic tools and some preparation. The key steps are marking out your fence line, setting posts accurately in line at the correct spacing to match your panel width, and securing them in postcrete or concrete. Allow the concrete to cure fully for at least 24 to 48 hours before fitting panels, as attaching panels too early can knock posts out of alignment. Fit gravel boards at the base before slotting or screwing panels into position to protect them from ground moisture. The most common DIY mistake is incorrect post spacing — measure carefully before digging, as panels are manufactured to fixed widths and will not fit if posts are even slightly out of position. For longer fence runs or uneven ground, having a second person to assist makes the job significantly easier and more accurate. Always check boundary ownership before starting work to avoid disputes with neighbours.

Closeboard and feather edge fence panels made from pressure-treated softwood are the longest-lasting natural timber option for residential boundaries. When installed on concrete posts with gravel boards preventing ground contact and re-treated with wood preservative every few years, they can remain structurally sound for 20 to 25 years. Composite fence panels — made from a blend of wood fibre and recycled plastic — are increasingly popular for their low maintenance and longevity, often carrying manufacturer guarantees of 25 years or more. Unlike timber, composite panels do not rot, warp, or require regular treatment, making them a strong choice for homeowners who want a long-term, low-maintenance solution. Metal and aluminium fence panels are also available and can last indefinitely with minimal care, though they are typically more expensive upfront. For the best lifespan from any timber panel, the quality of installation matters as much as the panel itself — concrete posts, gravel boards, and correct ground drainage are all essential. Investing in quality materials from the outset will always deliver better long-term value than replacing cheaper panels every few years.