Panels are quicker and easier to repair. Closeboard is stronger and lasts longer. Which is right depends mostly on the site.
Panel fencing is pre-made, quicker to install, cheaper, and simple to repair a section at a time. Closeboard is built on site board by board, is considerably stronger, handles slopes and exposure better, and lasts longer.
Exposed, sloping or long-term: closeboard. Sheltered, budget-conscious or likely to change: panels.
| Panel fencing | Closeboard | |
|---|---|---|
| Made | Pre-fabricated | Built on site |
| Install speed | Fast | Slower |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Strength | Moderate | Considerably stronger |
| Wind resistance | Lower on solid panels | Better |
| Sloping ground | Awkward — steps only | Follows the slope |
| Repair | Swap one panel | Replace individual boards |
| Lifespan | Shorter | Longer |
| Appearance | Uniform | Traditional, more solid |
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There are options between the two. Slatted and hit-and-miss fencing lets wind through, which helps a great deal in exposed positions and looks the same from both sides. Panels with concrete posts and gravel boards get much of closeboard's longevity at panel prices. And a mixed approach — closeboard on the exposed run, panels on the sheltered sides — is entirely reasonable and often the sensible use of a budget.
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It is stronger, lasts longer and handles slopes and exposure better, but it costs more and takes longer to install. Panels are cheaper, faster and easier to repair.
Closeboard. It is built board by board and can be raked to follow the ground, whereas panels must be stepped, leaving gaps at the bottom of each.
Panels — a damaged one is simply swapped out. Closeboard is repaired by replacing individual boards, which is fiddlier but avoids replacing a whole section.
Closeboard generally, and slatted or hit-and-miss fencing better still, because it lets wind through rather than resisting it as a solid face.
Yes, and it is often the sensible use of a budget — closeboard on the exposed run, panels on the sheltered sides.
Arguably yes. Fences fail at the posts, so a panel fence on concrete posts with gravel boards can outlast closeboard on poor timber posts.
Closeboard, generally — it reads as a finished fence from both faces, as do slatted and hit-and-miss designs.
Closeboard, given equivalent posts and treatment. Gravel boards and keeping timber off wet ground add years to either.
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