What is the Best Type of Fence for Gardens?

So, you’re looking for a new garden fence? There are many different types to choose from, which can seem confusing at first. To know which fence is right for you, there are several questions you should ask yourself:

What is the purpose of the fence?
Does it need to provide privacy?
Keep pets from straying?
Provide a windbreak for plants?
How much maintenance are you willing to do? Some types of fences and materials are likely to last longer than others.
What is your budget?

Close Board / Featherboard Fencing

Close Board Fencing

A strong, solid fence constructed with overlapping vertical feather-edge wooden boards. This type of fencing is commonly used in back gardens – it’s neat and attractive, offer good privacy and will give some shelter to delicate shrubs.

Close board fencing is typically 6ft (1.8m) tall. Keep in mind, however, that many local authorities have height restrictions on boundary fencing.

Pros

Ideal for most gardens
Robust and long-lasting
Its height (usually 6ft) provides security
Provides privacy
Deters intruders
Good for pet owners

Cons

Can be expensive
Maintenance required

Larch Lap Panel Fencing

Larch lap panel fencing is a common type of budget fencing made of horizontal slats. Like close board fencing, it can be used with either timber or concrete posts and gravel boards, with the same advantages and disadvantages to these as explained above.

Although offering good value, larch lap panel fencing is not as robust as close board fencing being more prone to damage in high winds.

Pros

Suitable for most gardens
Cheaper than close board
Provides privacy
Deters intruders
Ideal for homes with pets

Cons

Not as robust or long-lasting as close board fencing
Maintenance required to prolong the life of the timber

Timber Palisade / Picket Fencing

Timber Palisade Fencing

If you want a look that’s traditional and decorative, you might consider timber palisade fencing, more commonly known as picket fencing. Picket fences are mostly seen in front gardens, where they give a home traditional kerb appeal.

Although wood is the conventional material, picket fencing can also be made from PVC for a lower maintenance option. There are a few disadvantages to using PVC however: temperature change can make it brittle, prone to mould and it can be more expensive than wood.

The style of fencing is usually quite low. With its spacing between the timbers, is less prone to wind damage.

Pros

A good option for front gardens
Ideal to protect ponds or swimming pools
Provides a good boundary marker
Traditional, attractive looks
Lets light through / doesn’t block your view
Less prone to wind damage

Cons

Doesn’t provide privacy
Doesn’t provide much security
Would not contain some dogs
Some maintenance required to protect timber

Additional Considerations for your garden fence

Fence Posts

You can erect close board fencing or larch lap fencing with either timber or concrete posts. Timber posts can be a cheaper option if you’re on a tight budget, but they can rot if not well maintained and may eventually start to lean or even be blown over in heavy winds.

By contrast, concrete posts are more likely to last in the long term, especially against strong gusts of wind. They need less maintenance than wooden posts, too.

Concrete posts incur a higher up-front cost than timber posts, but their longevity makes them a better investment. You’ll still need to change the fence panels from time to time, but concrete posts won’t need to be replaced as often.

Painting

If you choose a timber fence it will usually come in a natural wood colour. If you don’t like this look, you can paint the fence a different colour. Even if you like the natural colour of the timber, it’s a good idea to safeguard your fence against harsh weather with a protective treatment for wood.

If you’ve chosen PVC as a material keep in mind that it can’t usually be painted; you are committed to the colour as you purchased it.