Fence Panels

How To Choose Fence Panels

Because our panels are built for standard 6ft wide bays, choosing the right fence panels comes down to three things: the level of privacy you need, how exposed the boundary is to wind, and the finish you want from the house and garden. If you want a solid screen, closeboard is the go-to style for side and rear boundaries. If you are replacing older panels like-for-like, waney lap is a practical, traditional option that suits long runs. If the fence is part of the view from a patio or seating area, decorative panels give a more considered finish. For front gardens and low boundaries where you want light through, picket panels define the space without feeling closed in.

Whatever style you choose, the fence will only be as good as the framework holding it. Weak or leaning posts cause most long-term problems, not the panel itself. If you are renewing a run, check your post centres suit a 6ft bay and plan the base detail so the panel sits clear of soil. Adding gravel boards is one of the most effective upgrades because it lifts the timber away from wet ground. For a clean top line and extra protection on exposed runs, panel capping is a simple finishing touch.

Fence Panel Styles At A Glance

Closeboard Fence Panels

Closeboard fence panels are a strong choice when privacy comes first. They suit side passages, overlooked gardens, and rear boundaries where you want a solid screen. On exposed boundaries, a solid panel will only perform as well as the structure behind it, so it pays to treat the fence as a complete system. Use suitable fence posts, fit gravel boards to protect the bottom edge, and choose outdoor-rated fittings from our ironmongery range to keep everything tight as timber moves through the seasons.

If you are fencing a more exposed boundary and want extra support, our Ultra Heavy Duty closeboard option is built with one extra backing rail compared to our standard closeboard panel. Both are unframed, and the back rails are 75 x 32mm, which helps keep the panel supported across the bay.

Waney Lap Fence Panels

Waney lap fence panels, also known as overlap panels, are a practical option for straightforward garden fencing and longer runs. They are a common like-for-like replacement where an existing fence line is already built around 6ft bays. Before ordering, measure between the centres of two neighbouring posts to confirm your spacing, and check posts for movement or rot. New panels on weak posts rarely fix the underlying problem.

To reduce early wear at the base, fit gravel boards so the panel sits off the ground and stays clear of damp soil and standing water.

Decorative Fence Panels

Decorative fence panels are ideal where the fence is part of the view from the house. They work well around patios, seating areas, and feature runs, and they can be mixed into a longer boundary to lift the overall look. If you want screening with a lighter feel, hit and miss fence panels and double slatted fence panels give privacy while allowing airflow. If you want something decorative that still feels substantial, omega lattice fence panels pair nicely with planting and soften the boundary.

In windy gardens, focus on the framework first. Strong end posts, correct fixings, and a stable base matter more than the pattern on the panel.

Picket Fence Panels

Picket fence panels suit front gardens and lower boundaries where you want a clear edge without blocking light. They are also a neat option for internal garden divides, such as separating a lawn from a path or defining planting areas. For a matching entrance, many customers pair them with picket gates for a consistent finish.

Getting The Structure Right

The structure is what keeps fence panels straight and quiet in the wind. Start with the right posts for the job. For better longevity and lower maintenance, concrete fence posts are a strong choice for long runs and exposed boundaries. If you prefer an all-timber finish, wooden fence posts can perform well when set properly and kept stable. Protect the base with gravel boards, and use the right fittings from our screws, fixings and fasteners range to keep panels secure over time. If you are setting new posts, postmix from our cement products range is a practical way to create a solid base and keep the fence line straight.

Fence Panel Lifespan: How To Make Your Fence Panels Last 20+ Years

At East Coast Fencing, all of our fence panels are 6ft wide and made from UC3 pressure treated timber. If a fence run does not last, it is usually down to the framework and ground-level details rather than the panel style. Most problems start where timber stays damp for long periods, or where posts and fixings allow movement as the seasons change. Get the basics right and any style can perform well, whether you choose closeboard, waney lap, decorative, hit and miss, double slatted, omega lattice or picket.

Protect The Bottom Edge With Gravel Boards

The bottom edge of a fence panel takes the most punishment from splashback, wet leaves, and damp ground through winter. That constant moisture is what shortens the life of many panel fences. We recommend fitting gravel boards wherever possible and sitting the panel directly on the gravel board, so the timber is lifted away from soil and standing water. If you are not using a gravel board, do not let the panel sit on the ground. For the longest-lasting option, concrete gravel boards offer better durability and cope well with everyday knocks from mowers and strimmers. If you prefer an all-timber look, wooden gravel boards still do the key job of lifting the panel and keeping the run looking tidy.

Choose Fence Posts That Suit The Boundary

Fence panels rely on fence posts to stay upright, aligned, and quiet in the wind. A lot of wobble comes from post movement in the ground, which then works fixings loose and puts strain into the panel over time. Our fence posts range includes timber and concrete options, so you can match the structure to the job and the finish you want. For best longevity, concrete fence posts will generally outlast timber posts and are a strong choice for long runs and exposed boundaries. Wooden fence posts suit customers who want a consistent timber finish, and they perform well when set properly and kept stable.

Set Posts Firmly With Postmix To Reduce Movement

How you set the posts matters as much as the post material. Posts need to be straight, consistently spaced, and firm in the ground so panels sit neatly and do not rattle in gusts. We advise using postmix for both timber and concrete posts because it is a practical way to create a solid base and keep the job moving. A stable post base reduces movement, which reduces stress on fixings and helps the fence line stay straight through the seasons. For the right materials, see our cement products range.

Understand Closeboard Options For A Stronger Framework

Closeboard fence panels are a popular choice when you want privacy and a strong, traditional look. We offer two unframed closeboard fence panel options: our standard closeboard panel and our Ultra Heavy Duty closeboard panel. Both use 75 x 32mm back rails, and the Ultra Heavy Duty version has one extra backing rail compared to the standard panel. That extra support helps the panel hold its shape, and our Ultra Heavy Duty closeboard panels are a solid option for stronger wind exposure.

Match Panel Style To Wind Exposure

In very exposed gardens, wind load is often what loosens a fence line over time, and the strain usually shows up first at the posts and fixings. If wind is a regular issue, choose a style that suits the site. Solid styles such as closeboard can work well when supported by a rigid framework. Where you want more airflow, hit and miss and double slatted styles can help reduce pressure in gusts while still providing screening.

A Quick Checklist Before You Order

All of our fence panels are 6ft wide, so measure your bays and make sure your post centres suit that width before you buy. Decide whether you are fitting gravel boards, then plan the base detail so the panel sits on the gravel board and stays clear of soil and standing water. Check your existing posts for movement, lean, or damage because fitting new panels onto weak posts rarely fixes the underlying problem. For best results, build a stable framework with the right posts and a solid postmix base, then choose the panel style that fits your garden and wind exposure.

Next Steps: Choose Fence Panels, Then Build The Full System

If you are refreshing a boundary, it helps to work in the right order. Start by choosing the fence panel style that suits the job and the look you want. Then build the supporting framework so the fence line stays straight and solid. Because our fence panels are made for standard 6ft wide bays, planning is mostly about confirming your height and measuring post centres, then matching the panel type to wind exposure, privacy needs, and how finished you want the boundary to look.

If You Want Maximum Privacy And A Solid Boundary

For overlooked gardens, side passages, and rear boundaries, most customers start with closeboard fence panels for a strong screen and a classic finish. If you want extra height without the fence feeling too closed-in, adding fence topper trellis above the panels is a practical option that also gives climbers a tidy structure. For a cleaner top line and extra protection at the top edge, panel capping is a simple upgrade on exposed runs.

If You Are Doing A Like-For-Like Repair On A Traditional Fence

If your posts are still sound and the job is mainly replacing tired bays, waney lap fence panels are a popular choice for straightforward garden boundaries and longer runs. Before you order, measure between the centres of two neighbouring posts to confirm your spacing matches a standard 6ft panel bay. If the bottom edge of the old panels has failed early, fitting gravel boards at the same time is one of the most cost-effective improvements you can make, because it protects the lower edge from splashback and damp ground.

If Your Garden Is Exposed And Wind Is The Main Issue

Wind pressure is one of the biggest reasons fences lean over time, especially on corner plots, higher ground, and more open gardens. If wind is the main challenge, pick a style that suits the conditions. Our hit and miss fence panels help reduce wind load by allowing airflow while still screening, and double slatted fence panels offer a similar benefit with a more modern look. If you want a solid panel style in an exposed spot, our Ultra Heavy Duty closeboard option is built with an extra backing rail compared to our standard closeboard panel, using 75 x 32mm back rails, which helps the panel stay supported. Whatever the style, wind performance depends on the framework, so it is worth pairing panels with suitable fence posts and a strong install on end bays and corners.

If You Want A Smarter Look Around Patios And Seating Areas

Where the fence is part of the view from the house, a decorative finish can lift the whole garden. Our decorative fence panels work well for patio edges, feature bays, and dividing lines within the garden. If you want something decorative that still feels substantial, omega lattice fence panels are a popular choice and pair well with planting. Many customers mix decorative bays into a longer run, using more solid panels where privacy matters most.

If You Are Fencing A Front Garden Or Creating A Low Boundary

Front boundaries often look best when they define the space without blocking light. Picket fence panels are ideal for this, giving a traditional look that suits a wide range of homes. To complete the entrance, match them with picket gates. If you are setting new posts for a front run, using cement products such as postmix helps you set posts firmly and keep the line straight.

Build The Run Properly With Posts, Gravel Boards, And Fixings

Once you have chosen a panel style, the fence will only be as good as the framework holding it. Start with the right posts for the job. Our concrete fence posts offer better longevity than timber posts and are a strong choice for longer runs and exposed boundaries. For an all-timber look, wooden fence posts are a good match when installed properly. Protect the bottom edge with gravel boards, and if you are including a gate, use the right gate posts and suitable fittings from our garden gates range so everything stays aligned and works smoothly.

Do Not Overlook The Small Parts That Keep Everything Tight

A fence line stays looking sharp when the fixings do their job through seasonal timber movement. Choosing outdoor-rated fittings from our ironmongery range and the right screws, fixings and fasteners helps prevent panels loosening over time. If you are repairing older runs or building bespoke sections, our timber range includes useful components such as square rails, cant rails, feather edge boards, and timber battens.

Quick Planning Tip For A Full Fence Run

For a straight run using standard 6ft wide panels, the usual rule is one fence post more than the number of panels. Ten panels means eleven posts, plus any extra for corners, ends, and gates. If you are unsure whether your existing spacing is standard, measure between the centres of two neighbouring posts. Getting that right before ordering saves time on site and helps the panels sit neatly without forcing or trimming.