An overview of domestic fencing styles available to homeowners and commercial clients

Are you looking at a garden fencing project at home or work and unsure what to use? Understanding the differences between garden fence types enables the customer (it makes no sense to me) to make an informed decision and supports our ability to meet your specifications. Depending on your requirements, there are many things to consider.

Styles of fence panels

Firstly, there are various types of garden fence panels to choose from; these include;

• Close-board/feather-edge or featherboard fencing. These fence panels consist of closely aligned vertical boards and are traditionally used for establishing boundaries or creating privacy. Close-board panels are structurally more robust than other panel types. Like most of the fencing styles, these panels are well suited to concrete posts and concrete gravel boards; this is our best-selling fence style. If you are looking for a softer look and maintain a robust fence, we can install these panels with wooden posts, both slotted and straight-faced. When installing these panels with timber posts, we always fit post caps. Post caps prolong the life of the post, stopping the rot from forming. These close board panels are handmade locally in Worcester. We specify an additional backing rail and a fully framed construction. Annual treatment is advised but not necessary to preserve these panels, especially when sitting on the concrete gravel board.
• Over-lap or Waney-lap fence panels. These panels are comparatively less robust than the feather-edge/close-board option but can provide a more budget-friendly option in the short term. These panels are created with horizontal boards fixed to a lightweight framework. This budget-friendly fencing option is great for creating a solid fence without breaking the bank. Due to the lighter framework work its not advised for growing climbing plants or exposed areas where wind damage is likely. Like all the “off the shelf” panels we provide, they come in a standard width, we can trim these down to suit.
• Combination panels. Close board panels with built-in trellis it’s not something you see every day. We have these combination panels built to order, a bespoke item in most cases. The standard formation is 4` panel and 1` trellis. Having the fence toppers built into the panel makes it far stronger than the add-on topper we normally see. This can be a great solution for pet owners, with solid fencing construction at the base of the panel and a lighter feel/look on the top. We feel these combination panels are well suited to the front gardens, rear garden or any garden boundary.
• Picket fence panels are better utilised for aesthetic purposes, creating a lightly defined, decorative boundary mainly made from wooden fence panels. Picket fences create a less imposing look than other styles. Picket fencing comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. Pointed top and round top pail shapes are the most common, although the Gothic pail is worth considering. This fencing style can be off the shelf or custom-made. When using the “off the shelf” panels, the preferred ground is level. The bespoke option copes better with uneven ground, following the ups and the downs.
• The majority of our Picket fence installs are bespoke, using 4×4″ timber fence posts, 4×2″ planed timber backing rails and 6×2″ timber gravel boards. We create the framework and then individually nail on the horizontal slats. We are able to offer various heights, making this suitable for front garden boundaries as well as rear and side. Due to the unimposing look, we have installed this style of fencing around swimming pools. Picket garden gates blend into the fence, making this a nice way to fence off areas, creating subtle compounds.
• Composite fencing panels are an alternative to wood and are made from a combination of recycled plastic and wood products. For this style of fencing, we would only supply materials created using recycled wood, plastics, and bamboo. This choice of panel may suit those with less time to devote to maintenance, and it is environmentally friendly. Contemporary gardens really benefit from this fencing style. If you’re considering a new fence and you have a healthy budget, give this careful consideration.

These ranges are suitable for both commercial and garden fencing. Because these fence types can be costly, we at Jacksons Fencing strongly advise employing a sound engineer.

Although not classed as a decorative fence panel, this style looks amazing in any setting.

The fence’s finish would be solid, perfect for a busy road. These fencing types’ construction makes it easy to work with height restrictions, building up from the ground to the desired height. This range of timber fencing is pressure treated and guaranteed against rot and infestation for 25 years.

Fence Posts

Alongside choosing panels, when we install a fence, we must ensure the correct choice of posts. Types of posts available include;

• Concrete fence post (intermediate, end, corner, 3-way, recessed). This is the most common style for fence posts, if installed correctly they will stand strong for many years.
• Wooden (Straight faced/slotted fence posts/V-Notched). When looking for a softer look, timber may be the way forward. When fitting a 3×3″ timber fence post, we would expect that to last around seven years. If you upgrade to the 4×4″, we expect to see a serviceable life of around 12 to 15 years. A lot of this is dependent on environmental conditions. Another joy of a timber post is that we can fit all fencing types, including decorative panels, picket fencing, or slatted fence panels.
• Jacksons fencing posts. Jacksons fencing offers the best pressure-treated fencing treatments on its posts and panels. Its timber posts carry a 25-year guarantee against rot and infestation.
• Composite. Like the fence panels, these posts are made from Bamboo, recycled plastics, reclaimed wood fibres, bonding agents and colourants, UV inhibitors, and antioxidants. As composite fencing becomes more commonly used in domestic garden fencing, this option can be great if you are environmentally concerned.
• Bespoke Metal fence posts. We work closely with a local Metal fabrication company. This enables us to offer bespoke fence panels, gates and posts. As standard the metal posts and panels are Zink primed and powder coated. A large selection of colours are available.
• Dura post fence posts are a modern solution to replacing timber and concrete fence posts. The intermediate posts are an H shape, rolled into shape, and made from steel. The key features of a Dura post are Strength and Durability, Lightweight design, maintenance-free, versatile compatibility, and consideration of the environment. Due to their sleek design, the posts consume very little room, making them a great option for boundary fencing in tight spaces. Again, Dura posts are very versatile, allowing for all fencing types.
• Repair spurs (often referred to as ‘godfathers’). Do you need a quick fix and a long-term solution? You can add years to a new or old fence using a concrete spur. The spur is 4` long. We concrete this into the ground at a depth of 2` and bolt the rest to the timber posts. These spurs are great for repairing a broken or falling timber post, or as a preventative measure, they can be installed alongside a new timber post. We have often used spurs fixed to timber posts to create extra length. If you’re looking for a timber post in a boggy area and worried about the rot, the spur can be added to the post at the point of installation. The complete length of the spur can be dug in and buried, showing only 3-4″ of the spur.

When designing a fence, we can use any of the posts listed in conjunction with the panels. Some customers may appreciate the robust appeal of concrete fence posts, whereas others may prefer a more natural timber look. Other customers may like to combine the timber posts with a godfather/repair spur to support the fence and ensure longevity.

Timber gravel boards, composite boards, or metal can be added to any combination of panels/posts. Commonly described as gravel boards, the main use for these is reducing rot at the base of the panel. Quite often, the gravel board is considerably cheaper than the panel to replace.

Bespoke Fencing Options

At Worcestershire Fencing, Gardens and Grounds, we create individualised, bespoke fencing quotes that suit your property needs and preferences. We have included some examples of the types of fencing mentioned below;

• Collars and straps. Metal posts secured to a concrete base, wall, or concreted into the ground. We have found an increased need for fixing a fence to the wall. We have these collars and straps fabricated for the job, which are totally bespoke. We have been frustrated over the years with poor quality “off the shelf” products which are not fit for purpose. Likewise, when fixing to a concrete pad or slabbed area, if unable to dig out the concrete we use bespoke metal fence supports. Zink primed and powder coated gives the customer many colour options.
• Combination fence panels. Combination panels mixing close-board and trellis fencing styles. We have these panels made locally, building the trellis topper into the panel. Commonly, the topper and the panel are separate; this creates a weak point in the fence. If you are after a bespoke combination panel we can design and create that for you.
• Bespoke running close board fence. This is our signature dish; we have been perfecting this fence over the years. We start with 4×4 or 5×5″ timber posts, concreted into the ground, And then add the 6×2″ timber gravel board. Any bespoke close board fence over 5` in height will benefit from 4x backing rails; these rails, like the gravel boards, would be planned so smooth to the touch. Individual feather edge boards and then secured and capped to finish. This is an ideally suited fence for a front garden, back garden, or new boundary fencing. We space the posts at 8` instead of 10` on the V-Notch and concrete post option close-board fences. One of the key selling points with this fence is the ability to follow undulating ground whilst maintaining a flat and level top.
• Close-board fence was created using recessed concrete posts and concrete gravel boards. This style of fencing is suitable for both commercial and domestic settings. If you are looking for a solid fence built to last over 20 years this may be a great option for you. Concrete posts are set into the ground at a depth no less than 2`. 6″ concrete gravel boards and timber backing rails are then bolted to the fence. Individual feather-edge boards are then nailed onto the rails. This fencing style is not capped in standard form. However, we can add a capping rail to the top of the feather-edge boards by using a cantrial.
• Close-board fence using V-notched posts. This is the budget-friendly fencing option. 10` spacing between posts, 6×1″ timber gravel board and 3 triangular arris rails per bay. The rails and gravel boards are screwed onto the posts then the vertical boards are nailed on. This option does not come standard with a capping rail but can be added at an additional cost. This fencing style is commonly used on new-build developments or customers with a tighter budget. Like all fencing we provide, all timber is pressure-treated.