Buy Timber Battens for Slatted Screens, Trellis, Detailing and Clean Shadow Lines
Want the modern look of precise horizontal slats, a crisp trellis infill or a bespoke feature wall by the terrace? Timber battens are the versatile, design-led way to add structure, rhythm and fine detail to your garden. East Coast Fencing supplies straight, pressure-treated battens that hold spacing true, carry clean shadow lines through the day and integrate neatly with posts, rails and capping across our range. Specify section sizes to suit your design, plan your spacings, and assemble with exterior-grade fixings—free delivery applies on orders £99+.
Where timber battens earn their keep
Battens are the small components that unlock big design moves. Use them to create contemporary slatted screens that bleed wind and soften sightlines; to frame feature panels within a long run of privacy fencing; or to make robust, plant-friendly lattices. They’re perfect for neat bin stores, outdoor kitchen backdrops and pergola infills, and they let you echo the language of our single slatted fence panels and double slatted fence panels in custom sizes.
Sections, spacings and the look you’re after
Shallow battens at tight spacing create a refined, almost interior-grade texture outdoors; deeper sections with wider gaps feel architectural and vent more wind. Sketch key sightlines at seated and standing heights—near a dining terrace, tighten gaps for comfort; down a side return, open spacing to encourage airflow. If you prefer a vertical rhythm, battens easily flip orientation for striking contemporary panels or to complement classic decorative fence panels with calmer inserts.
Building a stable framework
Even the best batten design depends on a true, solid frame. Use straight square rails for universal fixing, or specify weather-shedding cant rails at the top of privacy runs. Support the assembly with fence posts matched to height and exposure—timber for a warm, easily adjusted build or concrete for maintenance-light straightness. Protect the base where battens meet the ground with gravel boards so lower edges aren’t sitting in splashback.
Fixings and installation discipline
Use exterior-grade galvanised or stainless screws from our screws & fixings selection; pre-drill near edges to avoid splitting and align screw rows for a tidy, professional rhythm. A simple jig—just a spacing block—keeps gaps consistent bay after bay. Where battens run long, break joints in a deliberate pattern and land them on rails for strength. Finish the skyline with a neat panel capping to shed water and hide tiny height variations.
Design ideas that lift everyday spaces
Frame a seating nook with tight horizontal battens and uplight for evening drama; use vertical battens between bays of closeboard to create a pause in a long run; or infill a pergola with a batten lattice to cast gentle shadow on summer days. Along a boundary, alternate batten screens with greenery to soften the edge—climbers can be tied discreetly to battens for a living wall feel without heavy maintenance.
Colour, finish and coordination
Pressure-treated green mellows to a coastal silver; brown grounds taller screens beside brick and timber decks. For a modern take, paint or stain deep charcoal to make foliage pop and shadow lines read crisply. Repeat your chosen finish across adjacent posts, capping and gates—our decorative gates range includes options that echo slatted and battened language for cohesive entrances.
Working around corners, steps and services
Carry batten spacing through internal and external corners with a deliberate wrap or a neat shadow gap—consistency is what keeps bespoke work looking intentional. On sloping sites, decide early whether to step the top line or rake the assembly; both can look excellent if the base datum is disciplined. Around taps and downpipes, notch rails cleanly and leave service access; treat any fresh cuts for longevity.
Care and longevity
Brush off debris after winter, tighten fixings lightly each spring and refresh breathable finishes as needed. Keep planters a little off the face for airflow, and avoid aggressive jet-washing that forces water into joints. Properly detailed, batten screens stay quiet in wind and smart through the seasons.
Ready to design with precision?
Choose straight, pressure-treated timber battens, pair with solid rails and the right posts, and assemble with disciplined spacing. Whether you’re echoing our slatted panels or creating a unique feature, battens are the designer’s toolkit—add yours to basket today and benefit from free delivery on orders £99+.
