If you already know the height you want, the next question is usually “which panel style works best at that height?”. To make that choice easier, 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 view of what customers buy at the most common heights, and how panel style changes when you move from a full-height rear boundary to a lower front garden line.
A quick note on how we’ve grouped things: the results include a “Fence Panels” category at each height. That’s a broad bucket for panels that are assigned to the general fence panels category rather than a specific style subcategory. Think of it as “general” rather than a single design. The style-led categories like closeboard fence panels, waney lap fence panels, picket fence panels and decorative fence panels show you the more “named” choices customers make within each height.
Key Statistics at a Glance
- 6ft panels: closeboard leads the named styles at 28.95%, with waney lap at 12.21% and decorative at 5.90%.
- 5ft panels: closeboard strengthens to 31.78%, with waney lap at 12.48% and decorative at 3.83%.
- 4ft panels: closeboard remains strong at 20.06%, but picket appears at 9.98% as front-garden and lower-boundary jobs increase.
- 3ft panels: picket becomes the standout named style at 20.84%, ahead of closeboard (13.14%) and waney lap (10.89%).
Closeboard Share by Height (Named Style)
Picket Share by Height (Named Style)
Quick Reference Table: What People Buy at Each Height
| Height | General Category Share | Top Named Styles (share within height) | Best Fit For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6ft (1800mm) | Fence Panels (general): 47.05% | Closeboard 28.95% · Waney Lap 12.21% · Decorative 5.90% | Rear boundaries, maximum privacy, stronger screening |
| 5ft (1500mm) | Fence Panels (general): 48.09% | Closeboard 31.78% · Waney Lap 12.48% · Decorative 3.83% | Privacy with a lighter feel, sheltered gardens, side runs |
| 4ft (1200mm) | Fence Panels (general): 48.09% | Closeboard 20.06% · Waney Lap 14.23% · Picket 9.98% | Front gardens, side returns, light-friendly boundaries |
| 3ft (900mm) | Fence Panels (general): 48.29% | Picket 20.84% · Closeboard 13.14% · Waney Lap 10.89% | Front boundaries, pathways, zoning, “neighbourly” lines |
6ft: Closeboard Dominates the Named Styles
At 6ft, customers lean towards performance and privacy. Among named styles, closeboard fence panels lead at 28.95%, comfortably ahead of waney lap on 12.21%. Decorative options also feature at 6ft, which makes sense for people creating more designed spaces while still wanting full-height screening.
If you’re going 6ft, the support system matters. Taller panels catch more wind, so pair with solid fence posts and protect the base with gravel boards to help keep the bottom edge out of constant damp.
5ft: The Height Where Closeboard Peaks
At 5ft, closeboard’s share rises to 31.78%. That’s often the sweet spot for customers who want proper privacy but do not want the fence to feel quite as tall or exposed as a full 6ft run. Waney lap stays steady at 12.48%, which fits its role as the value-led privacy option for longer garden lines.
This is also a height where neat finishing pays off. If you’re improving an existing boundary, small upgrades like gravel boards and tidy tops can make the fence look sharper and last longer without changing the whole layout.
4ft: Where Picket Starts to Appear
At 4ft, panel choice broadens. Closeboard still leads the named styles at 20.06%, but picket fence panels show up strongly at 9.98%. This is the height many people use for front gardens, side returns, and boundaries where you want a line and a bit of definition without blocking light.
If you’re fencing a frontage, think about access early. Matching the run with the right garden gates and decent ironmongery makes the whole job feel more solid day to day.
3ft: Picket Becomes the Standout Named Choice
At 3ft, picket becomes the leading named style at 20.84%. That fits how 3ft is used in real gardens: front boundaries, paths, sectioning off areas, and creating a more open, welcoming edge. Closeboard and waney lap still appear at this height too, which often happens where customers want lower screening or a consistent look across the plot, just stepped down at the front.
The Practical Rule That Applies at Every Height
Whatever style and height you choose, the base and the posts are where fences usually succeed or fail. Use gravel boards to reduce splashback and keep timber out of soil, and set posts properly using suitable cement products. You can start with the look in our fence panels range, but build it as a full system and it will stay straighter and smarter for longer.
Choosing the Right Panel Type for Your Height
If you’re building a rear boundary and want strong privacy, the data makes the direction clear: closeboard is the named style that leads at 6ft and 5ft. If you’re working to a tighter budget across a longer run, waney lap remains a consistent second choice at the taller heights. For front gardens and lower lines, picket comes into its own at 4ft and especially 3ft. Pick the height for the job first, then choose the style that matches how you want the boundary to feel and perform.
