A fence often makes up the largest visible surface in a garden, so it shapes the whole space. It also has to survive wind, rain, and decades of sun.
The cheapest option up front is not always the cheapest over time.
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Lap and overlap panels
Pre-made timber panels are the cheapest and fastest to install. Lightweight lap panels can blow out in high winds and may need replacing within ten years or so. Look for pressure-treated timber and sturdy frames if you go this route.
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Closeboard (featheredge)
Overlapping vertical boards nailed to horizontal rails and fixed to strong posts. It is sturdier and longer-lasting than panels, and individual boards can be replaced when damaged. It costs more and takes longer to build.
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Slatted and contemporary
Horizontal slats with small gaps look modern, let some wind through, and work well as a backdrop to planting. Hardwood or thermally modified timber lasts longer than softwood but is more expensive.
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Other options
- ✿Composite boards: low-maintenance and long-lasting, but higher cost
- ✿Metal: steel or aluminium panels and railings, durable but less private
- ✿Concrete posts and gravel boards: extend the life of timber fences by keeping wood off the ground
- ✿Hedges: slower to establish but excellent for wildlife and wind filtering
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Before you build
Check which boundaries are yours on the property deeds, speak to your neighbours, and confirm height limits with your local authority — fences over a certain height often need permission, especially next to roads.
This is general landscaping and garden information, not professional advice. Costs, regulations, and plant suitability vary by location. Call before you dig to locate buried utilities, and consult a licensed landscaper or engineer for retaining walls, drainage, and structural work.