Start with what the fence is for. Privacy, wind, animals, boundary marking and looks all point to different answers.
Panels for a sheltered, level, budget-conscious boundary. Closeboard for exposure, slopes and longevity. Slatted or hit-and-miss for windy positions and where both sides matter. Picket or post-and-rail for marking a boundary rather than screening it.
Whatever you choose, the posts and gravel boards matter more than the style does.
| Type | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Panel (lap or waney) | Budget, speed, sheltered gardens | Weakest in wind; steps on slopes |
| Closeboard | Strength, slopes, longevity | Costs more; slower to build |
| Slatted | Modern look, wind, both faces | Less privacy by design |
| Hit-and-miss | Wind, privacy, both faces | Uses more timber |
| Picket | Front gardens, marking a line | No privacy or security |
| Post-and-rail | Large plots, paddocks, open aspect | No screening at all |
| Trellis topper | Height without weight or wind load | Needs sound posts beneath |
Tell us what you need and we will arrange a free quotation.
On a sloping garden the choice narrows considerably. Panels are rigid rectangles, so they must be stepped, leaving triangular gaps at the base of each — which need infilling, or accepting. Closeboard is built board by board and can be raked to follow the ground, giving a continuous line and no gaps. If your garden slopes noticeably, this single point usually decides the answer regardless of budget.
As a general guide, fences up to two metres, or one metre where they adjoin a highway used by vehicles, are usually permitted development. That is a general rule with exceptions: listed buildings, conservation areas, properties where permitted development rights have been removed, and estates with their own covenants all differ. Bath and North East Somerset Council can confirm what applies to your property. Restrictive covenants in your deeds may also limit height or type regardless of planning, so it is worth a look before ordering. This is general information rather than legal advice.
There is no requirement to use one style throughout. Closeboard on the exposed run and panels on the sheltered sides is a sensible use of a budget. Slatted along the section overlooked by a neighbour's window, solid elsewhere. Post-and-rail at the far end where nothing needs screening. Practical rather than tidy, and usually cheaper than committing everything to the most expensive option.
See what our garden fencing service covers in Keynsham, or read more about the service across the areas we work in.
Start with the purpose. Panels for sheltered, level, budget-conscious boundaries; closeboard for exposure, slopes and longevity; slatted or hit-and-miss for wind and where both sides matter.
Slatted or hit-and-miss, because they let air through rather than acting as a sail. A solid panel transfers the full wind load to the posts.
Closeboard, which is built board by board and can be raked to follow the ground. Panels must be stepped, leaving gaps at the base of each.
Closeboard, slatted and hit-and-miss all read as finished from both faces.
As a general guide up to two metres, or one metre next to a vehicle highway — but listed buildings, conservation areas and restrictive covenants can all change that.
No. Posts, gravel boards, timber grade and installation quality all matter more than the style you choose.
Yes, and it is often the sensible use of a budget — closeboard on the exposed run, panels where it is sheltered.
Picket or post-and-rail does that at far lower cost, with no privacy or screening.
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