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Slatted vs. Double Slatted Fence Panels (or Should You Build Your Own?)
Slatted fencing has become a popular choice for people who are after a garden that feels open but still has some privacy. The tricky part is deciding which type to choose.
You can use standard panels or double-slatted panels, which provide more coverage, to build your own using timber battens. There is no right or wrong answer, as we all have different gardens and tastes.
We’ve helped hundreds of people choose the right fencing for their gardens, so we decided to put together this handy little guide to help you make the right choice.
Slatted Fence Panels
Slatted fence panels are becoming a popular choice, especially on new build houses. They are horizontal boards with even gaps between them that work well in most gardens.
Why People Like Them
- They look great - It gives a tidy finish that works well in small and large gardens.
- Easy to fit - Just fix the panel between your posts, it’s as easy as that.
- They are cheap - When compared to other panels (such as decorative panels) you will get more for your money.
Best Used For
They work great in gardens that are not too overlooked. If the edges of your garden have trees or hedges, then these panels will blend right in. They can also be used to split up the garden into different areas.
Things to Consider
These panels are not designed for privacy, as the gaps (hence the name, slatted) allow light and air to pass through. This can be bad news if you have nosy neighbours who like to know what's always going on. For the price, they are hard to beat.
The clue is in the name. These are similar to slatted fence panels, except the slats are doubled up in a staggered format so that they overlap. This helps solve some of the privacy issues, but still gives the same look.
Why People Like Them
- They block more out - You still get the slatted look that people like, but with less visibility through the panel.
- Sturdier - There is double the amount of slats, and this adds strength and also weight, giving the fence a more solid presence.
- Cut out the wind - Good for areas that are maybe too windy for single slatted panels.
Best Used For
Double slatted are great for more exposed or public-facing gardens where your home might be next to a path or where people could nosey in.
Things to Consider
The cost is the first thing that comes to mind, as they are more expensive than normal slatted panels. They are also heavier, so you need to make sure you have strong posts in place or put new ones in to deal with the extra weight.
If privacy is high on your list, but you want the slatted look, then double slats are a great choice.
If standard-sized slatted panels are not what you are after, then slatted battens are the way to go. They are individual timber straws that you can use to build your own fence from scratch. This means you don’t have to deal with any set height or gaps as you get to decide exactly how it's built.
Why People Like Them
- Flexibility - You get to decide the height and spacing of the slats.
- Good for awkward places - Perfect for a weird-sized gap at the end of a fencing run. Some people even use it to build a fence around the area where they store their bins.
- Budget-friendly - If you have the skills and time, then building your own can be a way to save money.
We often have customers using battens to create their own garden projects. A customer came in this year and bought a stack of battens. He used these to create his own little courtyard down the side of his garden, which was based on something he had seen in a magazine. The end result looked great.
Things to Consider
It all comes down to how much time and skills you have (and a bit of patience). It isn’t the best option if you're short on time and don’t have all the necessary tools. But if you think of yourself as a bit of a handyman or have a mate who is, then it gives you a lot more options.
Why People Come To Us
We help people build proper gardens. Most of the time, that starts with a quick call and a few questions, which are usually: what do you need, how exposed is your garden, and how handy are you with tools?
Here's how we can help
- We have panels and battens in stock at our two depots in Kent and South London
- You get real advice based on the 100’s of jobs we have completed
- Local delivery or pickup, depending on what you need
- Someone on the end of the phone who knows what they are talking about
- We can come out and install all your fencing for you
FAQs
Is it possible to paint or stain slatted fence panels?
Just like any other wooden fence panels, these can be painted. Painting these with a darker colour works well, and it’s something we have seen a lot of our customers do.
What tools do I need to build a fence with battens?
A few basic tools are ideal. We also recommend using a nail gun if you can get one, as this will speed things up.
Are double-slatted panels harder to install compared to single-slatted panels?
They are heavier, so you will need two people to lift these up and slot them in.
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Lisa and Tom bought their 1930s semi in Kent mainly for the garden, which felt green and open and easy to spend time in. The only issue was the back ran alongside a footpath, which they felt left them a bit open. To sort it out, they decided to put in a taller fence. Lisa ordered a batch of six foot panels and the fitter came back at the weekend to put them up.
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When garden decking is first installed, it always looks great. The boards are clean, and it’s something you want to show off to your friends, family (and maybe even your neighbours). The only issue is that, over time and with everyday use, it starts to leave its mark. Furniture gets dragged across it, it has the unpredictable British weather to deal with, and leaves collect in corners. The decking still does its job, but it may not look quite as fresh as it once did.
