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Contemporary Fence Panels Buyers Guide
Forget boring, plain fences; these panels bring style and personality to your outdoor space. These panels can improve privacy, reduce noise and keep your garden secure, all while looking like they belong in a garden magazine. Imagine sipping your morning coffee in a space framed by stylish panels that give you the privacy you deserve without looking like just another fence.
Reasons Why They Are a Great Choice
- Stylish designs that bring character to any garden.
- Practical benefits like privacy and security without sacrificing looks.
- They can suit modern, traditional gardens or even hidden storage areas.
Important Information
Remember that these panels are 1800mm wide, slightly less than the standard 6ft (1829mm) you might expect in the UK. Since they are imported from Poland, the sizing is a little different. This means you may need spacers or adjustments when replacing older panels, but it's a small detail for the added style they bring.
Different Decorative Fencing Styles
If you’re on the fence (pun intended) about what's right for you, let’s look at the different styles of decorative fencing available.
Slatted Fence Panels
Slatted fence panels are the go-to choice for anyone after a modern, minimalist look. The horizontal wooden slats create clean, sleek lines that work brilliantly in contemporary gardens. The small gaps between the slats let light and airflow through, making these panels a great option if you want privacy without feeling boxed in. They’re perfect for dividing spaces or framing seating areas while keeping things stylish.- Best for: Urban gardens, modern designs and areas where light flow is essential.
- Installation tip: The panels are 1800mm wide, so if you’re replacing older UK-standard 6ft panels, you may need spacers to adjust the fit.
Double Slatted Fence Panels
Double-slatted panels take the design of standard-slatted panels and double the appeal. With slats on both sides, there’s no ugly side to worry about, which is ideal for shared boundaries with neighbours. The layered look adds depth and texture to your fence, giving it a premium feel while maintaining a contemporary look.These panels are ideal for gardens that want style and functionality. They provide privacy while looking great from every angle.
- Best for: Shared fences, stylish privacy and high-end finishes.
- Installation tip: Use gravel boards at the base to prevent rot and spacers to fit the 1830mm width.
Buckinghamshire Fence Panel
If you’re after something that balances privacy and charm, the Buckinghamshire panel (also called Omega lattice) delivers. These panels feature a solid lower section for coverage and a decorative trellis to let light in. The trellis is also perfect for climbing plants, so if you love the idea of roses or ivy weaving through your fence, this panel is a winner.
The Buckinghamshire panel suits traditional gardens but works just as well in more modern spaces, offering a mix of function and decorative appeal.
- Best for: Cottage gardens, adding height, or creating a softer boundary.
- Installation tip: Double-check panel heights to make sure the trellis matches up across sections for a consistent look.
Tongue and Groove Fence Panel
The Tongue-and-groove design is all about strength and simplicity. Each board interlocks easily, creating a solid, gap-free surface with complete privacy and excellent wind resistance. These panels have a clean, polished appearance, making them ideal for those who want a low-maintenance but high-quality fence.Tongue and groove panels are particularly popular in back gardens, where privacy is a priority, or along boundaries that need to block out noise or prying eyes.
- Best for: Private spaces, windier areas, and gardens need a clean, solid look.
- Installation tip: Gravel boards are essential to keep the base dry and prevent moisture damage.
Staffordshire Fence Panel
The Staffordshire panel ( Also known as the horizontal square fence panel ) is all about making a statement. Its unique horizontal slat design alternates slat sizes, creating a textured, layered look that immediately catches the eye. This panel bridges the gap between modern and decorative, offering both style and substance.It's a fantastic choice for homeowners looking to add a bold, contemporary touch to their garden. No matter if it's used as a boundary fence or a feature panel, it's guaranteed to stand out.
- Best for: Contemporary gardens, feature walls, and bold design statements.
- Installation tip: It can look great with metal posts for a stylish frame.
Hertfordshire Fence Panel
The Hertfordshire fence panel ( Also known as the horizontal square fence panel ) is a beautiful combination of practicality and style. It features a solid lower section for complete privacy and a decorative lattice top that lets sunlight through. This design creates cosy, enclosed spaces while maintaining a light, airy feel.These panels work beautifully as a backdrop for patios, seating areas, or gardens with a traditional aesthetic. The lattice adds a touch of elegance, making the Staffordshire panel both functional and decorative.
- Best for: Traditional gardens, patios, and spaces that need privacy with a decorative touch.
- Installation tip: Align lattice tops carefully across panels for a professional, polished look.
Decorative Fence Panel Sizes - Choosing the Right Fit
Picking the right size is just as important as choosing the right style. Decorative panels are usually 1800mm wide, which is slightly smaller than standard fencing. We do sell a packer that fit the sides to make the fence panel the same as a UK fence panel.
6’x3’ Panels – Low-Level & Decorative
They are perfect for front gardens or sectioning-off areas. They add style without blocking too much light, making them ideal for pathways or separating garden spaces.
6’x4’ Panels – Light & Privacy Balance
These panels, a step up in height, provide a balance of privacy and openness. They work well in front gardens or as decorative screens without making spaces feel enclosed.
6’x5’ Panels – The Middle Ground
These panels are ideal if you want privacy without blocking out everything. They are great for boundaries or seating areas, allowing light to pass through while offering good coverage.
6’x6’ Panels – Maximum Privacy & Security
These panels are the best option for complete coverage. They reduce noise, block views, and create an enclosed space, making them ideal for back gardens.
Choosing the Right Fence Posts for Decorative Panels
You’ve chosen your decorative fence panels - you need something solid to hold them up. Here’s what you need to know.- Slotted Wooden Posts - A natural choice that blends in perfectly with decorative panels. They come with pre-cut slots, making installation quick and painless.
- Concrete Fence Posts - The no-nonsense option. Once these are in, they’re not going anywhere. No rot, no warping - just solid support for years to come.
- DuraPost Metal Posts - A modern alternative that’s strong but lighter than concrete. They don’t rust and look great with slatted and contemporary panels.
Gravel Boards
Gravel boards might not be the most exciting part of your fence, but they do an essential job - especially regarding decorative fence panels. They sit at the base of your fence, protecting your panels from moisture, soil, and everyday wear and tear. Without them, wooden panels can absorb water from the ground, leading to rot over time, which is the last thing you want after investing in stylish fencing. Need more information on what gravel boards will suit you See our full gravel board buyers guide here.Decorative fence panels, especially those with slatted or trellis designs, look their best when lined up neatly.
What Are Your Options?
- Plain Timber Gravel Boards - A perfect match for slotted wooden posts, keeping the natural look of your fence.
- Concrete Gravel Boards - A no-maintenance solution that works well with concrete or metal posts. They won’t rot, they’re incredibly strong, and they help keep decorative panels secure.
- Composite Gravel Boards - If you want to add some colour and a gravel board that will last them composite gravel boards are perfect for your new fence.
What About Adding a Trellis to Decorative Fence Panels?
Trellis is a great way to add height, style and privacy to decorative fence panels. They are also great for climbing plants and adding a soft finishing touch to your garden.
Most decorative fence panels can be paired with a matching trellis top for a great look. The Buckinghamshire (Omega Lattice) panel already includes a curved trellis, but you can add a separate trellis to any standard 1800mm wide decorative fence panel. We have put together a complete guide on Trellis fence panels, which you can check out here.
Maintenance and Care for Decorative Fence Panels
Decorative fence panels are built to last, but like anything left outdoors, they need a little upkeep to stay in great shape. A well-maintained fence keeps its colour, resists rot, and avoids costly repairs. The good news is that some regular care goes a long way, and it’s nowhere near as much work as people think.
Cleaning Your Decorative Fence Panels
Dirt, algae, and weather stains can make even the best-looking fence look tired over time. A gentle clean once or twice a year stops grime from building up and helps the wood stay in good condition.
The easiest way to clean your decorative fence panels is with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. This lifts off dirt while keeping the wood's natural surface intact. If there are stubborn green algae, a mild outdoor cleaner can help, but avoid anything too harsh - it could strip the wood and make it more susceptible to moisture.
If fences look dry or faded after cleaning, a fresh coat of wood stain or preservative can bring them back to life.
Weather Protection
If your decorative fence panels were dip-treated, they would need to be re-treated every year to prevent rot and insects. Dip-treated panels are coated with preservatives rather than having them deeply absorbed into the wood, so over time, this layer wears off. A fresh coat of wood preservative helps maintain the protection and keeps the panels looking fresh.Pressure-treated panels are much lower maintenance. They’ve been treated under high pressure to force preservatives into the wood, making them far more resistant to rot and decay. They don’t need yearly treatment, but applying a UV-resistant stain every few years helps prevent fading and adds an extra layer of water resistance. We only sell pressure treated fence panel.
Making Repairs - Fix it Before It Gets Worse.
Fences don’t always need replacing just because they’ve taken a bit of wear and tear. Small cracks or splits in wooden panels can often be repaired with wood filler, followed by a fresh coat of stain or paint.
Decorative Garden Gates – A Small Detail That Makes a Big Difference
A fence is excellent, but a decorative garden gate makes it even better. It’s not just about getting in and out - it’s about adding style, security and a proper finishing touch to your fencing. A standard gate does the job, but a decorative one does it with more personality.Why Bother with a decorative gate?
Think of a garden fence as the handshake of your garden - it’s the first thing people see when they step inside. A good one doesn’t just match your fencing - it adds character and curb appeal. Plus, it’s a practical way to keep pets and kids safely inside while keeping unwanted visitors out.
- Slatted wooden gates - An excellent pick for modern gardens, letting in light while keeping things private.
- Tongue and groove side gates - Solid, sturdy, and perfect for side entrances or keeping prying eyes out.
- Trellis-top gates - A softer look that allows climbing plants to weave through and add a bit of greenery.
Installing Decorative Fence Panels - Get it Right the First Time.
It isn't just about sticking them in and hoping for the best. A little planning, the right tools and a few clever tricks make the difference between a great fence and one that makes you wish you’d hire someone else.
Step 1 - Measure up
Work out how many panels you need (remember decorative panels are 1800mm wide, slightly less than the standard 6ft). Order the proper posts and spacers to make sure everything lines up correctly.
Step 2 - Pick the Right Posts
If you haven’t already got posts in place, you want to pick the ones that go best with your decorative fence. Most people will opt for concrete, but you could choose wooden ones (we think these look nicer with a decorative fence) or our DuraPost metal posts.
Step 3 - Install the Panels Without a Headache
We have a big guide on installing fences, so we won’t go into too much detail. You need to dig your holes, make sure you have post mix (sets quicker than standard concrete) and use spacers if you are filling in any gaps where 6ft panels were.
Call in The Experts?
If you are worried about messing up putting up your decorative fencing, then don’t worry. Not everyone wants to spend their weekend digging holes and wrestling with fence panels. Our team knows how these panels work inside and out, so all you need to do is put the kettle on and let them get to work.
A professional installation means no wonky panels, wobbly posts, or last-minute trips to the DIY store because you forgot something important.
So if you’d rather spend time enjoying your garden instead of building it, call us. We’ll handle the hard work - you just sit back and admire the finished result.
FAQs About Contemporary Fence Panels
Do you have questions about Contemporary Fence Panels? You’re not alone, and we have the answers. We have rounded up some of the most common questions and answered them in a straightforward, practical way to help you make the best choice for your fencing project.
More decorative fence panels are 1800mm wide, slightly smaller than a standard UK fence panel. We do have a solution. You can use fence packers to make the difference up.
Not really. Pressure-treated panels hold up just as well as standard ones. A quick clean now and then, plus the occasional coat of wood preservative, is enough to keep them looking great for years.
Many use decorative fence panels in visible areas (near a patio or garden entrance) and standard panels elsewhere. It’s a great way to get the best of both worlds - style where it counts and budget-friendly fencing for less noticeable areas.
Some styles are better than others. Slatted panels allow wind to pass through, reducing pressure on the fence. Solid panels create a barrier, requiring sturdy posts and deep foundations to withstand strong winds.
Buying decorative fence panels online is easy; getting them delivered is just as straightforward. Our friendly and experienced drivers make sure your panels arrive safely, so you don’t have to worry about fitting them in the back of your car (trust us, they won’t fit).
Since we’re based in Northfleet, Kent, we have quick access to key motorways in the area.
We keep our pricing fair - we don’t inflate the cost of our panels to hide delivery charges.
Need More Help
We realise that our contemporary fence panel buying guide guide is detailed but if you do have any extra questions, please contact us! Our expert team will be able to advise you on everything you need to know as you buy concrete gravel boards. you can contact us many different ways.
Phone: 01322-787312
Email: [email protected]
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