6ft Fence vs 6×6 Fence Panel: What You Actually Need to Know

If you’re searching for a “6×6 fence panel” because you want a standard 6ft high garden fence, it’s a logical move — but it might not give you the result you’re expecting.

In practice, most 6ft fences in the UK are not built using full 6ft x 6ft panels. Instead, they’re usually made from 5ft 6in panels combined with a 6in gravel board underneath. This gives you the full 6ft finish (1.83m) that most people are aiming for — without going over planning height limits.

A 6ft Fence Isn’t Usually Made from a 6ft Panel

The 5ft 6in panel + 6in gravel board combo is the norm in fencing — especially when using concrete gravel boards. This approach gives you the right finished height, helps protect the bottom of your fence from rot, and pairs neatly with standard 8ft fence posts.

Why Most Fences Use 5ft 6in Panels + Gravel Boards

• Prevents rot: Gravel boards (especially concrete) keep the timber panel off the ground, reducing water damage.
• Hits the 6ft sweet spot: With the 6in board underneath, you reach 1.83m — ideal for privacy and legal height.
• Compatible with 8ft posts: The standard setup fits 8ft posts perfectly (2ft in the ground, 6ft above).

What Happens If You Use a 6×6 Fence Panel?

If you use a full 6×6 panel (1830mm) and still want a gravel board underneath, your total fence height becomes around 1980mm (6ft 6in). That’s taller than many assume — and it can cause issues:

• You’ll need 9ft posts instead of 8ft
• You may exceed the UK’s permitted height (2m)
• It could look out of proportion in some gardens

Planning Permission for Fences: What to Know

In the UK, you can usually erect a fence up to 2 metres high (around 6ft 6in) in a back garden without needing planning permission. But if you go even slightly over that, or if the fence is next to a road or footpath (where the limit is just 1 metre), you might run into trouble.

The Standard Setup: What to Buy

• 5ft 6in fence panels (closeboard or lap)
• 6in concrete gravel boards (or timber ones)
• 8ft fence posts (timber or concrete)
• Postcrete or a solid concrete mix

This setup delivers a sturdy, long-lasting 6ft fence and keeps everything within normal limits for height and installation.

What We Recommend (and Stock)

At CE Clarke Fencing, we stock all the sizes you need — and we use this exact setup every day across Norfolk for both domestic and commercial jobs:

• 5ft 6in closeboard panels – pressure-treated, durable
• Lap panels – lightweight and cost-effective
• Concrete gravel boards – 6in and 1ft available
• 8ft and 9ft posts – depending on final height

Shop Fence Panels
Get a Supply & Fit Quote

TL;DR – Quick Recap

• A 6ft fence is usually made from a 5ft 6in panel + 6in gravel board
• 6×6 panel + gravel board = 2m total height
• May require 9ft posts and exceed UK limits
• Stick to 8ft posts unless you’re building intentionally tall

Final Thoughts

Most homeowners just want a good-looking 6ft fence that lasts — and that’s exactly what a 5ft 6in panel with a gravel board gives you. It’s the professional way to hit the height target and protect your investment long term.

Still unsure what to order? Give us a call or drop us a message — we’ll help you choose the right materials for your fence, whether you’re going DIY or getting us to fit it.