Shop Single Slatted Fence Panels for Contemporary Privacy with Light and Airflow
Ready to buy a fence that looks modern, feels calm and still lets light filter through? Single slatted fence panels from East Coast Fencing deliver sleek horizontal lines with controlled gaps that soften sightlines while keeping breezes moving—a brilliant choice for patios, terraces and gardens where you want privacy without heaviness. Our pressure-treated timber panels are sized for straightforward bay planning in British gardens and designed to pair cleanly with posts, gravel boards and capping from across our range. Choose your height today, match the look to your home, and check out confidently with free delivery on orders £99+.
Why single slatted panels suit real gardens
Horizontal slats visually widen narrow plots and read beautifully against porcelain paving, decking and rendered walls. The rhythm of evenly spaced boards creates soft shadow lines that change through the day, bringing subtle movement to the boundary. Unlike full-solid screens, single slatted panels bleed wind, reducing pressure on posts and keeping fences quieter in gusty corridors like side returns and coastal plots—yet the controlled gaps blur direct views at most everyday distances, especially when paired with considered planting.
Privacy, airflow and gap choices
With single slatted panels, the aperture (gap) dictates the balance between screening and ventilation. Tighter gaps around seating nooks or kitchen windows increase comfort without making spaces feel boxed-in; slightly wider gaps along side passages keep air moving. If you want even stronger privacy using the same design language, explore our double slatted fence panels, which add rear slats to close off direct sightlines while maintaining the contemporary feel.
Heights, widths and planning your run
Panels are made for \~1.83m centres, keeping layout quick and repeatable. Heights range from modest divisions that zone a terrace to full privacy screens that shelter dining spaces and hot tubs. On sloping sites, decide early whether to step bays for a level skyline or to rake the top for a continuous sweep; either approach can look excellent if the base datum is consistent. On very exposed sites, consider shortening bay centres slightly or sizing up posts to keep the line composed during high winds.
Posts, base protection and capping—build a system, not just a fence
Single slatted panels excel when matched with compatible components. For a warm, timber-first look and easy on-site tweaks, choose robust wooden fence posts. For low-maintenance straightness and quick future swaps, use slotted concrete fence posts. At ground level, protect the lower edge and create a clean datum with concrete gravel boards in high-wear corridors, or wooden gravel boards for a fully timber aesthetic. Finish the skyline with a neat panel capping rail to shed water and visually tie bays together.
Construction quality you can see
Look for straight, pressure-treated stock with consistent slat spacing and tidy fixings. Clean arrises signal careful milling and safer handling; disciplined screw lines reduce panel chatter. Because slatted designs highlight geometry, minor inconsistencies show more readily than on overlap styles—our panels are built to minimise twist and keep the pattern crisp through the seasons.
Installation pointers for crisp, quiet lines
Set end and corner posts first and pull a taut string at the final top height. Form reliable footings—rapid-set options from our cement products range keep pace on long days—and allow generous embedment on soft ground. With concrete posts, slide a gravel board into the lower slot, seat the panel above and pack level using compatible shims rather than improvised wedges that trap water. With timber posts, pre-drill near edges and fix with exterior-grade screws from our screws, fixings & fasteners selection; keep fixings snug but not crushing—some designed-in flex helps slats remain quiet when the wind picks up.
Design ideas that elevate everyday spaces
Run single slatted panels behind a bench to define a cosy outdoor room; use them as calm backdrops for architectural planting—phormium, grasses, olive trees—to emphasise texture and silhouette. On long boundaries, break the run rhythmically with a framed accent from our decorative fence panels category, or lift height in key zones with fence topper trellis to keep neighbours comfortable without closing in the garden. For entrances, pair your line with a sympathetic leaf from decorative gates so the geometry carries through the access point.
Colour and finish—coordinate with hard landscaping
Pressure-treated green mellows to silver for a relaxed, coastal feel; brown treatments ground taller fences and blend with clay pavers and timber decks. Dark charcoals and soft blacks modernise instantly and make planting pop; pale tints brighten shaded alleys. Whatever you choose, treat any fresh cuts during installation and keep planters slightly off the face so timber can dry quickly after showers.
Privacy strategy: where to tighten, where to breathe
Think about how the garden is used. Tighten gaps near a dining terrace or hot tub, or transition to double slatted panels for a few bays where comfort demands more screening. Along side returns, keep gaps slightly wider for airflow and quick drying. Behind barbecues or outdoor kitchens, a slightly increased aperture helps smoke drift without eddies.
Working around gates, corners and services
Keep bay widths even as you approach a gate so the line reads intentional. Choose hinges and latches with finishes that complement your stain—our garden gate furniture selection makes coordination easy. Around downpipes and cables, notch frames cleanly, treat fresh cuts and leave access for maintenance. On corners, carry the top datum through and land joints on posts so seasonal movement doesn’t open gaps.
Maintenance—light-touch habits, long service
Each spring, check fixings, brush off debris from rails and refresh breathable finishes as needed. Avoid aggressive jet-washing close to joints; a gentle clean preserves fibres and keeps panels quiet. If you tweak slat spacing during an alteration, retreat new cuts and re-align screw rows for a professional result.
Buy once, install with confidence
Choose single slatted fence panels for calm, contemporary boundaries that balance privacy with air and light. Pair with the right posts, protective base boards and capping, and install to a clear datum. Add your chosen heights to basket now—East Coast Fencing includes free delivery on orders £99+ to keep your project moving.
