Closeboard Fence Panels

Closeboard Fence Panel Buying Guide

Closeboard fence panels, also known as featheredge fence panels, provide a strong and private boundary for gardens, side returns and replacement fence runs. This guide will help you choose the appropriate panel height, posts and gravel boards for your fencing project.

Choosing the Right Closeboard Fence Panel Height

Choose a 6ft closeboard fence panel for a full-height private boundary, or select a lower panel for front gardens, pathways and areas where you want to retain more light and visibility.

Remember to include the height of any gravel board when calculating the finished fence height. For example, a 5ft 6in panel installed above a 6in gravel board creates an overall height of approximately 6ft. Measure from the intended ground level to the finished top of the fence before ordering.

Closeboard Fence Panels vs Lap Fence Panels

Closeboard panels are constructed from individual vertical featheredge boards that overlap across strong horizontal rails. This creates a heavier and more substantial panel with excellent privacy and resistance to movement.

Traditional lap panels are a more economical choice but use thinner horizontal boards and a lighter supporting structure. Closeboard panels are generally the better option where privacy, strength and long-term durability are the main priorities.

Choosing Fence Posts and Gravel Boards

Slotted concrete fence posts provide a durable, low-maintenance system that allows panels and gravel boards to be positioned between the post slots. Timber fence posts create a traditional all-timber appearance and allow the panels to be fixed directly to the posts.

Concrete or timber gravel boards can be installed beneath the panels to keep the lower edge away from soil and standing water. Concrete provides maximum durability, while timber maintains a consistent timber appearance across the finished fence.

Each of our standard closeboard panels is already supplied with a fitted top capping strip, so a separate panel capping rail is not normally required.

Planning Panel and Post Spacing

Although each panel is 6ft (1.83m) wide, posts should be positioned to suit the actual panel and chosen post system. Do not assume that the posts themselves should be set at exactly 1.83m centres, because the post dimensions and panel fixing method must also be allowed for.

For a straight freestanding fence run, you will normally require one more post than the number of panels. Additional corner, end or gate posts may be needed depending on the layout.

Installing Closeboard Panels on Sloping Ground

Closeboard fence panels are rigid and should normally be installed level, with each bay stepped progressively to follow sloping ground. The amount of each step should be planned before the post holes are positioned. These preassembled panels cannot be raked to follow the slope in the same way as closeboard fencing constructed board by board on site.

Pressure-Treated Timber Care

Our closeboard panels are pressure treated to help protect the timber during outdoor use. They can be left to weather naturally or finished with a suitable exterior wood stain once the timber has dried sufficiently.

Keeping the panels clear of direct ground contact, checking the fixings periodically and avoiding high-pressure washing around the timber joints will help maintain the finished fence.

Framed Closeboard Fence Panels

For an even more substantial finish, consider our framed closeboard fence panels. The full perimeter frame adds rigidity and provides defined fixing points, making framed panels particularly suitable for installation with timber posts.

Before You Order

• Measure the complete length of the proposed fence run.
• Choose the required panel and gravel board heights.
• Decide between timber or slotted concrete fence posts.
• Allow for end posts, corner posts and gate openings.
• Check that your postcode is within our local delivery area.

Select your required height from the closeboard fence panels shown above, then add the appropriate posts, gravel boards, post mix and fixings to complete your fencing system.