Buy Concrete Gravel Boards for Tough, Tidy Base Protection
Want panels that last longer, look straighter and shrug off daily knocks? Concrete gravel boards are the belt-and-braces base detail that protects fencing where it’s most vulnerable—at ground level. By lifting timber cladding clear of damp soil and splashback, they extend service life dramatically, establish a crisp datum for neat bay alignment and resist strimmer rash along lawns and paths. At East Coast Fencing, our precast boards slot cleanly into concrete fence posts and pair perfectly with your choice of fence panels, from heavy-duty closeboard to modern slatted designs. Specify your height, choose your run, and enjoy free delivery on orders £99+.
Why concrete at the base?
Ground level is a harsh environment: moisture, mulch, grit and garden traffic all converge here. Concrete is unfazed—no rot, no swelling, no need for stain. The added mass at the base calms panels in wind and gives the run a grounded, architectural look that reads smart from the house and the street. Where footfall is heavy—side passages, bin stores, play areas—concrete boards take the hits so timber doesn’t have to.
Heights, lengths and planning your datum
Boards are sized for \~1.83m bay centres. Typical heights of 150–300mm cover most needs: low boards for discreet protection along patios and paths; taller boards where ground undulates, pets are determined, or you need a stronger visual “plinth”. On slopes, step boards neatly and choose longer posts at step points to maintain embedment depth. A consistent base datum makes the whole boundary read deliberate and helps the skyline sit level once panels go in.
System simplicity—slot, seat, slide
With slotted concrete posts, installation becomes a clean sequence: set posts plumb, seat the gravel board in the lower slot, then slide the panel above. The result is fast, repeatable assembly with straightforward future swaps—especially handy for rental properties and long runs where occasional maintenance is inevitable. Prefer a warmer aesthetic? You can still use concrete boards at the base with wooden fence posts by fixing into pockets or brackets between posts—just keep hardware exterior-grade and consistent.
Match boards with panels that suit the plot
For solid privacy and storm-ready stiffness, pair with closeboard panels. Where airflow matters, hit & miss panels bleed wind while the concrete base maintains a clean line at ground level. Contemporary schemes come alive with double slatted or single slatted panels, their fine shadow gaps offset by the calm solidity of the board beneath. Finish the skyline with panel capping for tidy runoff and a composed top line.
Foundations and handling
Concrete boards are robust and weighty—lift in teams, plan your route to holes and protect edges during handling. Form sound footings for the posts first; a rapid-set option from our cement products range keeps pace on long days, while traditional mixes offer more working time for complex corners or haunching. Confirm slot heights against your combined board/panel stack before the mix sets to avoid small accumulative errors down the run.
Design detailing: transitions, corners and returns
At corners, land a post dead plumb and ensure both board faces align flush to prevent awkward lips. Where your boundary meets a change in surface—lawn to patio, gravel to decking—use the concrete board as a clean divider that keeps mulch and soil off timber. If your run transitions to fully timber sections, choose wooden gravel boards beyond the visible frontage for a softer look while retaining durability where it matters most.
Pets, security and everyday practicality
A taller board tightens base gaps, handy for small dogs and fox-deterrence. Along paths and driveways, concrete shrug off scuffs and salt in winter. Beneath gates, a short board or matching threshold detail prevents wear at the most-used point; complement with durable hardware from garden gate furniture so the entrance works smoothly day after day.
Colour, finish and pairing with planting
Concrete’s neutral tone plays well with both dark-stained and natural timber—modern when you want it, quiet when you don’t. Against deep browns and charcoals, it reads architectural; beside mellowed green timber, it recedes behind grasses and shrubs. Keep planting a touch off the board to allow airflow and make cleaning easy after heavy weather.
Maintenance—almost none
A quick brush-down after winter, an occasional check of packers and panel seating and that’s about it. Avoid driving high-pressure jets directly into panel joints above; gentle cleaning preserves both timber and fixings. With concrete at the base, you’ll spend less time repairing and more time enjoying the garden.
Order once, build better
Specify concrete gravel boards where durability counts—side passages, lawn edges, busy plots—and pair with compatible posts, panels and capping. The result is a straighter, tougher fence that ages gracefully. Add your boards to basket now; East Coast Fencing includes free delivery on orders £99+ to keep projects moving.
We also supply concrete gravel boards in wholesale quantities
through our dedicated stockist portal, GardenFencingSupplies.co.uk, making it easy for merchants and stockists to browse, order, and manage their fencing requirements online.
