Closeboard Fencing and Panel Fencing: What Is the Difference?
Closeboard describes the overlapping featheredge finish. It can be built continuously on site or supplied as pre-assembled fence panels.
Continuous Closeboard: Built on Site
Posts and horizontal rails form the framework. Individual featheredge boards are then fixed to the rails with overlapping edges, creating a continuous fence face. The layout can be planned around the length of the run and changes in ground level.
Panel Fencing: Pre-Assembled Sections
The boards and rails arrive assembled as separate panels, which are fitted between suitable posts. A closeboard panel uses the same overlapping featheredge style, but each panel forms its own section of the fence.
Shop ready-made closeboard fence panels if you want pre-assembled sections.
Closeboard Fencing Buying Guide
Plan the fence as a complete system: boards, rails, posts, gravel boards and the right fixings.
Choose Your Boards and Rails
Our featheredge boards are pressure-treated brown softwood, with lengths from 0.75m to 1.8m. Their tapered profile allows the edges to overlap along the fence.
Cant rails provide the horizontal support for the boards. Available lengths are 1.83m, 2.4m, 2.7m and 3m; check your chosen option and plan the bay lengths to suit the post system.
Match the Posts and Gravel Boards
Choose timber posts or recessed concrete closeboard posts, with compatible gravel boards and fixings. Recessed closeboard posts support a different arrangement from the slotted concrete posts commonly used for fence panels.
Gravel boards form the base of the fence and help keep the featheredge boards clear of soil. Allow for their height when choosing the board length and finished fence height.
Check whether your layout needs grooved capping, cleats, centre stumps or a recessed-post fixing kit. The components listed here are sold separately.
Measure and Estimate Materials
Measure the full fence run and choose the total finished height, including the gravel board. Post length also needs to allow for the section below ground; it is not the same as the finished fence height.
Try our closeboard calculator to estimate materials for timber or recessed concrete systems.
Check the estimate against corners, ends and changes in ground level. Nails and screws are not included in the calculator, so allow for suitable fixings separately.
Delivery and Collection
Delivery coverage and charges depend on your postcode. Check your postcode and delivery options before ordering, including the kerbside delivery and access information.
Free collection is available by appointment from our Norfolk yard.
Contact us if you need help matching components for your fence.
Closeboard Fencing – Frequently Asked Questions
Is closeboard fencing the same as closeboard fence panels?
Both use overlapping vertical featheredge boards. A continuous closeboard fence is assembled on site from separate boards, rails and posts. Closeboard fence panels arrive as pre-assembled sections, ready to fit between suitable posts.
Which posts do I need for closeboard fencing?
Choose timber posts or recessed concrete closeboard posts, with rails, gravel boards and fixings suited to that system. Standard slotted concrete posts are normally used for pre-assembled fence panels, so check compatibility before ordering.
How do I calculate the materials for a closeboard fence?
Measure the fence run and decide on the total finished height, including the gravel board. Use our closeboard calculator to estimate materials for your chosen post and gravel-board system. Check the estimate against your site layout, and allow for nails or screws separately because the calculator excludes them.
Do you deliver closeboard fencing materials?
Delivery availability and charges depend on your postcode. Check our delivery page for coverage and kerbside access information. Free collection from our Norfolk yard is available by appointment.