If you’re buying new fencing, gravel boards are one of the smartest add-ons you can choose. They sit at the bottom of the fence, between the ground and the panel, and they do one main job: keep your timber up out of damp soil and reduce splashback when it rains. 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 picture of what customers actually choose when they protect the base of their fence.
Over the past year, concrete gravel boards account for 53.77% of gravel board purchases, with wooden gravel boards close behind at 46.23%. In other words, it’s almost an even split, with a slight lean towards concrete. Below, we explain what’s driving that choice and how to specify gravel boards properly with your fence panels and fence posts.
Key Statistics at a Glance
- Concrete gravel boards lead with 53.77% of purchases in the last 12 months.
- Wooden gravel boards account for 46.23%.
- Concrete is only about 1.16x as popular as timber, so most projects could reasonably go either way depending on site conditions and finish.
Quick Reference Table: Shares & Use-Cases
| Gravel Board Type | Share of Purchases | Typical Use-Case | Good To Pair With |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete Gravel Boards | 53.77% | Damp ground, low maintenance, long-term base protection | Concrete Fence Posts + Fence Panels |
| Wooden Gravel Boards | 46.23% | All-timber look, lighter handling, simpler trimming on uneven ground | Wooden Fence Posts + Fence Panels |
How to Read the Numbers (and Why We Publish Percentages Only)
We’ve calculated the split from a full 12-month window of completed orders, then expressed the result as percentages. This keeps the insight useful without publishing raw volumes. When we say “53.77% concrete gravel boards”, we mean that just over half of gravel board purchases over this period were concrete.
What Gravel Boards Actually Do (and Why They’re Worth It)
Most fence panels fail from the bottom edge first. Rain hits the ground, water splashes back up, and the timber stays damp for longer than it should. Gravel boards act like a sacrificial barrier. They take the worst of the moisture, knocks from strimmers, and general garden wear, while your fence panel sits higher and stays drier. If you’re investing in new fence panels, gravel boards are a simple way to protect that investment.
Concrete Gravel Boards: Why They Edge the Lead (53.77%)
Concrete gravel boards are often chosen for one reason: they don’t rot. They’re a practical pick where ground stays wet, where borders are heavily watered, or where you just want to fit the base once and forget about it. They also cope well with accidental impacts from mowers and wheelbarrows, which is why they’re popular on busy family gardens and rental properties.
Concrete gravel boards are most commonly paired with concrete fence posts to create a durable frame and base. You then fit your chosen fence panels above, keeping the timber clear of the ground line.
Wooden Gravel Boards: Why Nearly Half of Customers Still Choose Timber (46.23%)
Wooden gravel boards are a strong choice when appearance matters and you want a consistent all-timber finish. They’re also easier to handle and, in some gardens, easier to adjust on site. If you’re stepping a fence down a slope or working around a patio edge, timber can be simpler to trim and fit neatly.
The trade-off is straightforward. Timber gravel boards will weather over time and are more likely to need replacing sooner than concrete in very damp spots. That does not make them a bad choice. It just means you should be honest about site conditions. If the base of your fence line stays boggy, concrete is usually the better shout.
Which Should You Choose? Use Site Conditions, Not Habit
The data shows a near-even split, which tells you most gardens can suit either option. These simple rules cover the majority of jobs:
- Choose concrete gravel boards if the ground is often wet, you want minimal maintenance, or you’re pairing with concrete fence posts.
- Choose wooden gravel boards if you want an all-timber look, the ground drains well, and you’re using wooden fence posts.
- Either way, don’t bury the gravel board or bank soil against it. Keep ground levels sensible so the fence can dry out.
Specification Checklist (Save This Before You Order)
- Match your system: start with fence panels, then choose posts and gravel boards to suit the look and conditions.
- Keep timber out of soil: gravel boards should sit as a barrier, not be half buried under raised beds or mulch.
- Set posts properly: a straight run depends on stable footings, so use suitable cement products and take time on line and level.
- Finish neatly: post caps and tidy tops help the whole fence shed water and look sharper.
- Don’t forget gates: if you’re adding access, match your style with garden gates and use reliable gate furniture.
Small Choice, Big Payback
Gravel boards rarely get the attention that panels do, but they make a real difference to how long a fence stays looking good. Over the last 12 months, customers have leaned slightly towards concrete gravel boards for durability and low maintenance, while wooden gravel boards remain a close second for a consistent timber finish. If you want help matching the right base to your panels, posts and garden conditions, start with our gravel boards range and build the system from there.
