Whether you’re planning a brand-new boundary, refreshing a tired run, or writing specifications for a landscaper, the language of fencing can get surprisingly technical. This A–Z glossary demystifies the jargon—materials, components, styles, fixings, and installation terms—so you can brief clearly, compare quotes fairly, and build once with confidence. Where it’s useful, you’ll find links to the exact product categories at East Coast Fencing for deeper detail or quick shopping.

A — Anchors to Aggregates

Aggregate

Crushed stone used beneath footings and around post holes to improve drainage and stability. A shovel of compacted aggregate in the bottom of every post hole helps prevent waterlogging before you pour post mix / cement.

Arris rail (Closeboard rail)

A triangular-section rail used in traditional closeboard fencing to support feather-edge boards. At East Coast Fencing you’ll see them described as cant rails—functionally the same: they stiffen the bay and shed water.

Aspect

Orientation of a fence run relative to sun and prevailing winds. Influences material choice (e.g., slatted double slatted panels on windward boundaries) and finish durability.

Auger (Post-hole auger)

A manual or powered earth drill that speeds up digging post holes to consistent diameters.

B — Bays to Battens

Barrier coat

A sealer for cut timber ends. Always coat fresh cuts on posts, rails and panels to stop moisture wicking. See also end-grain sealer.

Batons / Battens

Narrow timber strips used to fix or frame infill sections, or to create custom slatted screens. Shop timber battens for bespoke detailing.

Bay

One fence section between two posts. Standard panel bays are typically 1.83m wide; site-built closeboard bays are variable.

Bearer

A treated timber laid horizontally to support a panel or to spread loads at the base of a gate or shed. Keeping bearers off soil reduces rot risks.

Bed (Concrete bed)

The mass of concrete supporting a post. Should be bell-shaped at the bottom, with the top domed to shed water away from timber posts.

C — Cappings to Concrete

Cap / Capping rail

A timber or composite cap that protects the top of a panel from standing water and tidies the skyline. For a neat, durable finish, add panel capping to closeboard and panel runs.

Cant rail

The sloped rail in a closeboard bay that helps water run off and adds stiffness. See our cant rails.

Closeboard fencing

A traditional, very strong style built on site with posts, rails and overlapping feather-edge boards. If you prefer speed, choose pre-made closeboard fence panels or up-spec with heavy duty or ultra heavy duty options.

Concrete post

A reinforced post that resists rot and ground moisture, ideal for exposed sites and long, straight runs. Slotted concrete fence posts let you slide panels and gravel boards in for easy future replacements.

Concrete gravel board

A durable board that sits at the base of the bay to keep timber clear of wet ground and splashback. See concrete gravel boards.

D — Decorative to Drainage

Decorative panel

A patterned or part-screening panel used near patios and entrances where light and airflow matter. Explore decorative fence panels including omega lattice panels.

Dog leg

A slight change of direction in a fence line; use it to navigate obstacles or align with garden features.

Domed concrete (trowel finish)

Shaping the top of the concrete around a timber post to shed water away from the post face—key to longevity.

Double slatted

Modern, semi-solid style with alternating boards on each face to reduce wind loading while maintaining privacy. See double slatted panels.

Drainage aggregate

Free-draining stone at the bottom of holes or behind retaining elements to prevent standing water around posts.

E — Edge to Exposed sites

End-grain sealer

A treatment applied to cut ends of timber to resist moisture ingress. Keep a pot handy during installation; re-apply after trimming posts and rails.

Expansion gap

A small, consistent gap between slats or boards to allow for natural timber movement—vital in single slatted and hit & miss designs.

Exposed site

A boundary that takes strong prevailing winds. Favour concrete posts, bigger footings, and semi-permeable panels such as double slatted or topper trellis.

F — Feather Edge to Fixings

Feather-edge board

Tapered boards overlapped to form a solid, robust face in closeboard fencing. Shop feather-edge boards.

Fence panel

A pre-assembled section that speeds installation. Compare options: classic closeboard, budget-friendly waney lap, contemporary single slatted or double slatted, and decorative.

Fence post

The vertical support for panels and rails. Choose wooden posts to match timber runs or concrete posts for maximum longevity.

Fence-post spikes & supports

Metal spikes and bolt-down shoes used where digging is restricted (hardstanding, services). Appropriate for light-duty runs and picket fencing. See post spikes & supports.

Fixings

Exterior-grade screws, nails, bolts and brackets. Choose galvanised or stainless. Stock up via screws & fixings.

G — Gates to Gravel Boards

Gate furniture

Hinges, latches, bolts and handles used to hang and secure a gate. Explore gate furniture.

Gate post

A heavier-duty post designed to take gate loads; should be set deeper and in a larger footing. See gate posts.

Garden gate

Access panel matched to your fence style—decorative, feather edge, or picket—for consistent kerb appeal. Browse garden gates.

Gravel board

A board at the base of the fence that lifts timber clear of soil and splashback, preserving panel life and keeping lines straight. Options include timber or concrete—see also wooden and concrete variants.

Ground clearance

The gap between the panel/gravel board and the soil or paving. Prevents wicking and allows airflow.

H — Hit & Miss to Hardware

Heavy duty panel

A panel with beefier framing and boards for improved lifespan and wind resistance. Compare heavy duty closeboard vs ultra heavy duty.

Hit & miss panel

Boards are alternated on both sides of the rails to create a semi-private, wind-friendly surface. See hit & miss fence panels.

Horizontal slatted trellis

A modern trellis format with clean horizontal lines—great as a topper or standalone screen. Explore horizontal slatted trellis.

Hardware

See Fixings and Gate furniture. Buy once; buy right—exterior-grade only.

I — In-situ to Infill

In-situ closeboard

Building a closeboard bay on site using posts, rails and boards rather than dropping in a pre-made panel. Strongest and most adaptable to slopes.

Infill panel

A custom-sized section to complete a run where a full panel won’t fit. Make it look intentional by framing with timber battens.

J — Joists & Jigs

Jig (spacing jig)

A simple block used to set equal gaps between slats or to position fixings consistently—essential for crisp slatted runs.

Joist (for platforms)

Structural bearer used when forming decked thresholds adjacent to gates or along fence lines; keep ventilation and drainage in mind.

K — Kickboards to Knock-ins

Kickboard

Another term for gravel board, particularly in decorative fencing or around lawns. See gravel boards.

Knock-in post (Spike)

A metal spike support driven into the ground where digging isn’t possible. See post spikes & supports.

L — Lap to Lattice

Lap (Waney lap)

A budget-friendly panel style made from horizontally overlapped boards. Ideal for quick privacy on a tight budget. See waney lap fence panels.

Lattice / Lattice topper

Decorative openwork used to add height and soften solid runs. Browse omega lattice panels and other trellis panels.

Line (string line)

A tight string used as the reference face for posts and panels. Always build to a line, not the ground, for straight results.

M — Mitres to Mortar

Mitre

A 45° cut used on trims or frames for neat corners. Seal end-grain after cutting.

Mortar

Sand, cement and water mix used for bedding and pointing. For posts, use purpose-made post mix or structural concrete, not dry-packed soil.

Maintenance strip

A narrow access path along the fence for inspections, staining and plant management—saves headaches later.

N — Noggin to Notching

Noggin

A short horizontal block fixed between rails to prevent twisting or to support bespoke cladding layouts.

Notch / Notching

Recessing a rail or slat to interlock components. Pre-plan notches on sloping runs to keep lines consistent.

O — Overlap to Omega

Overlap

The measured coverage between adjacent boards in closeboard or lap panels. Too little invites gaps; too much wastes material and adds weight.

Omega panel

A decorative arched lattice style used at boundaries and entrances. See omega lattice fence panels.

P — Panels to Posts

Panel width

Nominal width of pre-made panels, commonly 1.83m. Confirm before digging post centres.

Panel capping

A protective top rail for panels—keeps water moving and cleans up the skyline. See panel capping.

Permeability (wind)

How easily air passes through a fence. Slatted and trellis sections increase permeability and reduce wind loads.

Picket fencing

Low, open fencing for front gardens and play areas, typically with pointed or round tops. Explore picket fence panels and components: pales and square rails.

Post mix

A fast-setting concrete blend for posts. Saves time without sacrificing strength when used properly. See cement products.

Post cap

A decorative and protective top for posts. Helps shed water and finish lines neatly.

Post spacing

The distance between post centres. For standard panels, set at the panel width; for closeboard, match rail lengths and site conditions.

Posts, timber

Treated softwood posts for a coherent timber look. Seal every cut and avoid ground contact beyond the footing. See wooden fence posts.

Posts, concrete

Long-life posts best for exposed boundaries and low-maintenance runs. See concrete fence posts.

Privacy trellis

Trellis with tighter spacing for screening above solid panels—ideal when you need height without turning the fence into a sail. Explore privacy square trellis.

Q — Quadrants & Quality

Quality class (timber)

Refers to grading and treatment levels. For exterior use, favour pressure-treated softwood and specify reputable suppliers to ensure consistency.

Quadrant mould

A small, curved trim sometimes used to soften internal corners on bespoke screens or gates.

R — Rails to Retaining

Rail

The horizontal member fixed between posts to carry boards or slats. In closeboard, use three rails for 1.8m height.

Rake (to rake a panel)

To angle a panel to follow a slope. Suits slatted and hit-and-miss styles; solid panels are usually stepped instead.

Railway sleeper

Large, durable timbers used for edging, retaining and steps—handy where fence lines meet level changes. Browse railway sleepers.

Retaining edge

A low wall or sleeper run that holds back soil where a stepped fence creates a gap at the bottom.

S — Sleepers to Slatted

Sag (gate)

Downward movement of an unsupported gate leaf. Prevent with deeper hinge posts, strong hinges and a drop bolt.

Screws (exterior-grade)

Fixings designed to resist corrosion outdoors. Galv or stainless only. Stock up via screws & fixings.

Set-out

The marking of post centres and fence lines before any digging starts. The secret to straight, consistent runs.

Single slatted

Contemporary horizontal panels with regular gaps for light and airflow. See single slatted panels.

Slotted post

A post with vertical grooves to accept panels and gravel boards—speeds install and makes future panel swaps easy. Common in concrete posts.

Softwood / Hardwood

Common fencing timbers are pressure-treated softwoods. Hardwoods are premium, used for feature gates and bespoke screens.

Square rails

Rails used for picket and field-style fencing. See square rails.

Staining (timber finish)

Applying a breathable, exterior-grade finish to protect colour and reduce moisture uptake.

Stepping (panels)

Installing panels at incremental height changes to negotiate a slope while keeping each panel level.

Strike plate

The steel plate fitted on a gate frame where the latch engages—choose sizes to suit your gate furniture.

T — Toppers to Treatment

Topper (Fence topper trellis)

A shallow section added above a solid panel to increase height without creating a wind sail. See fence topper trellis.

Trellis

Open lattice panels for climbers, light, and sightline control. Explore the full range of trellis panels including diamond, traditional, fan, and horizontal slatted.

Traditional trellis

Square-grid trellis with classic proportions—ideal for cottage gardens. See traditional trellis.

Treatment (pressure-treated)

Industrial preservative process that protects timber against rot and decay. Still keep timber out of splash zones with gravel boards.

Timber

Fencing’s most versatile material. Explore our timber category for structural pieces and finishing components.

Timber rails & rails count

Closeboard bays at 1.8m height typically use three rails. More rails = more stiffness; don’t skimp.

U — Uprights to Untreated

Upright

Another term for a post or, in some decorative screens, a vertical framing member.

Untreated timber

Timber without preservative. Avoid for fencing unless you’re using naturally durable hardwood and fully isolating it from ground moisture.

V — Vapour to Visual line

Vapour-open finish

A breathable coating that allows moisture to escape from timber while shedding rain—a good choice for long-lived fences and gates.

Visual line

The silhouette and face alignment your eye reads first. Keep a high string for post tops and a face string for alignment; trim post tops after capping for a crisp skyline.

W — Waney Lap to Wind Loading

Waney lap

Horizontal overlapped boards forming a cost-effective privacy panel. See waney lap fence panels.

Weathering (drip edges)

Designing details that shed water, like capping rails and drip bevels. Fences that weather correctly last noticeably longer.

Wooden gravel board

A timber base board that offers a warmer look than concrete, while still protecting panels. See wooden gravel boards.

Wooden post

See wooden fence posts—choose when aesthetics or integrated timber runs matter most.

Wind loading

The force wind exerts on a fence. Mitigate with semi-permeable panels (e.g., hit & miss, double slatted) and appropriately sized footings.

X — X-Fence (Cross-brace ideas)

Cross-brace

A diagonal brace used in frames and gates to resist sag. On heavy gates, combine a proper brace with deeper hinge posts and robust gate furniture.

Y — Yoke to Yield

Yield (timber movement)

All timber moves with moisture. Respect expansion gaps, pre-drill near ends, and use exterior-grade fixings to avoid splits and buckling.

Z — Zones to Z-bars

Zone (wind & privacy)

Different parts of a garden need different fence behaviours. Use solid fence panels for privacy zones and lighter trellis panels near seating to keep areas bright and breezy.

Common Panel Styles at a Glance

Need a quick refresher on the most-requested panel types and when to use them? This no-nonsense table summarises privacy, wind handling and where each shines.

Style Privacy Wind Handling Best For Explore
Closeboard (Panel) High Good with strong posts Rear boundaries; family gardens closeboard · heavy duty · ultra
Waney Lap High Fair Budget privacy; quick refresh waney lap
Single Slatted Medium Very good Modern looks; breezier patios single slatted
Double Slatted Medium-High Excellent Windy plots; contemporary lines double slatted
Hit & Miss Medium Excellent Exposed boundaries; shared lines hit & miss
Decorative / Lattice Low-Medium Good Patios; friendly frontages decorative · omega lattice
Trellis (as Topper) Adds height with light Eases loading Privacy without gloom topper trellis · privacy trellis

Essential Components Checklist

Every great fence shares the same structural “bones”. Use this list as a shopping template and cross-check against your site conditions (soil, slope, exposure):

Pro Tips Hidden in the Definitions

  • Wind vs privacy: On gusty boundaries, use a 1.5m solid panel with a 0.3m trellis topper. You’ll relieve wind load without sacrificing comfort.
  • Rot prevention: Gravel boards aren’t optional. They keep timber out of splash zones and make panel lines read “laser-straight”.
  • Future-proofing: Slotted concrete posts mean you can swap a single damaged panel in minutes years from now.
  • Spec where it counts: If the budget’s tight, downgrade from decorative panels before you skimp on posts, rails, capping or fixings.
  • Gates last with structure: Deep hinge posts, through-bolted ironmongery, and a drop bolt beat “heavier door only” every time.

Related Styles & Where They Shine

Not every boundary needs maximum privacy. Use the glossary to steer style choice to function:

From Glossary to Ground: Turning Terms into a Build

Now you’ve got the language of fencing at your fingertips, you can translate a sketch into a durable specification:

  1. Define the line: Set your face and top strings. Decide where to step or rake.
  2. Pick the structure: Concrete posts for exposure; timber posts for a warmer, unified look.
  3. Protect the base: Choose gravel boards—timber or concrete—to keep panels off the ground.
  4. Select the face: Solid privacy (closeboard / waney lap) or breathable style (slatted / hit & miss / decorative). See all fence panels.
  5. Finish & detail: Add capping, specify rails (cant rails for closeboard), and integrate trellis where light matters.
  6. Access that works: Match gates to the run; size hinges and latches to the load; plant a neat route with sleepers if levels vary.
  7. Fixings last: Use exterior-grade screws & fixings, and seal every cut end as you go.

Why East Coast Fencing

With 200,000+ fence panels supplied and a 4.9/5 service backed by 15,000+ reviews, East Coast Fencing is the reliable way to turn definitions into a fence that looks right and lasts. Our range covers the full journey: panels, posts, gravel boards, trellis, gates, robust ironmongery, and dependable fixings—plus cement products for bulletproof footings. If you’re drawing up a spec, copy the terms from this glossary straight into your brief to get apples-to-apples quotes and a fence you’ll be proud of.