If you’re weighing up closeboard vs waney lap fence panels, it helps to know what people actually buy. We’ve analysed the last 12 months of East Coast Fencing order data and converted it into percentages (to keep commercially sensitive figures private). The result is a clear, data-led picture of what’s most popular and what that usually says about UK gardens and site conditions.
The headline is simple: closeboard fence panels account for 67.77% of purchases across these two core styles, with waney lap fence panels at 32.23%. In other words, closeboard is just over 2.1x as popular as waney lap. Below, we break down what’s driving that choice and how to build a longer-lasting fence system around either option using the right fence posts and gravel boards.
Key Statistics at a Glance
- Closeboard leads decisively with 67.77% of purchases across these two panel types.
- Waney lap holds a strong second place with 32.23%.
- Closeboard is about 2.10x as popular as waney lap over the last 12 months.
How to Read the Numbers (and Why We Publish Percentages Only)
We’ve calculated category shares from a full 12-month window of completed orders, then expressed the results as percentages. This keeps the insight useful without publishing raw volumes. When we say “67.77% closeboard”, we mean that if you picked a panel from a recent order within these two styles, it was far more likely to be closeboard than waney lap.
Quick Reference Table: Shares & Use-Cases
| Panel Type | Share of Purchases | Typical Use-Case | Good To Pair With |
|---|---|---|---|
| Closeboard Fence Panels | 67.77% | Rear boundaries, windy gardens, high privacy runs | Concrete Fence Posts + Concrete Gravel Boards |
| Waney Lap Fence Panels | 32.23% | Cost-effective privacy, long straight runs, rental refreshes | Gravel Boards + Panel Capping |
Closeboard: Why It Wins on UK Gardens (67.77%)
Closeboard’s lead usually comes down to performance. It’s the style customers lean towards when they want a fence to feel solid, private, and reliable through winter weather. If your boundary is exposed or you simply want less movement in the line, closeboard is often the sensible upgrade.
- Privacy: closeboard gives consistent screening along the full run.
- Strength: a sturdier build helps the fence feel more rigid day to day.
- Long-term value: many customers would rather fit once and avoid early repairs.
To get the best out of closeboard, think in systems. Pairing with solid fence posts and lifting the timber off the ground with gravel boards does more for lifespan than almost any “extra” you can add later.
Waney Lap: Why It Still Holds a Big Share (32.23%)
Waney lap stays popular because it covers a lot of garden for sensible money. It’s the classic choice when you need privacy across a longer run and you want a traditional look without stepping up to the heavier build of closeboard. Plenty of customers also choose waney lap when they’re replacing like-for-like, especially on side boundaries and quick refresh jobs.
The smartest way to spec waney lap is to keep the panel choice value-led, then spend money where it counts: posts, base protection, and neat finishing. A run of waney lap can look sharper and last longer with gravel boards at the bottom and panel capping across the top.
What Customers Pair With These Panels (A Quick Clue About Longevity)
We also looked at how often orders that included closeboard or waney lap panels also included gravel boards. Over the same 12-month period, concrete gravel boards appeared in 15.62% of these panel orders, while wooden gravel boards appeared in 7.14%. That suggests more buyers are choosing a concrete base than a timber base when they do add gravel boards, which makes sense for damp ground and low maintenance.
Practical Tips That Matter More Than the Panel Choice
Most fence problems start at ground level or at the posts. Whether you choose closeboard or waney lap, these practical details pay you back.
- Use gravel boards: they reduce splashback and keep the panel bottom out of wet soil. Browse gravel boards and choose timber or concrete to suit the look and conditions.
- Choose the right posts: a strong panel on weak posts still wobbles. See our full fence posts range, including wooden fence posts and concrete fence posts.
- Set posts properly: good footings make a fence feel straight and solid. Use suitable cement products for reliable setting.
- Finish the line: panel capping helps shed water and gives a tidier top edge, especially on longer runs.
Choosing by Outcome (Not Just Popularity)
Popularity is a good clue, but the right fence is the one that fits your site and goals. If you want maximum privacy and a sturdier feel, closeboard fence panels are the clear favourite. If you need traditional privacy at a sensible budget, waney lap fence panels still do a solid job. Either way, treat it as a system: choose the right fence posts, add gravel boards, and set everything properly with cement products so the fence stays straight, dry at the base, and looking good for longer.
