Fence Panel Buying Guide
Fences are often the unsung heroes of our gardens. They quietly do their job - marking boundaries, providing privacy, and keeping everything secure - without demanding too much attention. When the time comes to change or upgrade your fence, you’ll realise just how much it can transform your outdoor space.
1. Why Fencing Matters
Theres so much more to fencing than you think. A good fence doesn’t just mark the edges of your garden; it adds privacy, keeps your property secure, and can add style to your outdoor space. If you’re replacing an old, weather-worn fence or putting up one for the first time, picking the right type can make all the difference. Maybe you’re after extra privacy from your nosey neighbours (or road noise) or need something to keep the pets from escaping. Whatever the reason, we will help you make the right decision.
We got the fencing experts from the G&G offices into a room, and with a few brews and some biscuits, we created the list below of everything people need to know. This is the ultimate guide to your fence that you can rely on (and it won’t be as dull as you think).
2. Fence Panel Sizes and Dimension
There’s just one fence size, right? Nope. But the good news is, there aren’t that many.
Choosing the right size fence panels is one of the first steps to creating a fence that perfectly fits your garden. While it might seem easy, there are a few details to keep in mind, especially regarding panel widths and heights and understanding the difference between advertised and actual sizes.
Standard UK Fence Sizes
In the UK, most fence panels are 6ft wide, which is standard for most garden fences. Heights typically range from 3ft to 6ft, which gives you some flexibility depending on where it’s going.
3ft to 4ft panels—These are perfect for front gardens or boundaries which you need to be able to see over. They can finish off your garden without blocking the view.
5ft to 6ft panels—These are usually used in back gardens where you want more privacy from your neighbours. They help make your garden feel more like a safe space and can improve security.
Trellis panels are shorter fences (usually 1ft to 2ft). They are commonly used on top of tall fences to house climbing plants or as a decorative touch.
Nominal vs Actual Sizes
Sometimes, not all panels match their advertised dimensions exactly. Depending on the manufacturer, a 6x6 panel might measure slightly less (6ft x 5ft 11in). This is usually more common with European fence panels.
To avoid surprises, always take the time to measure your existing fence panels before buying old ones.
A Few Tips For Picking the Right Size
Sometimes, it can’t just be about personal preference. You might have the perfect idea, but the layout of your garden or local regulations might affect what you can have.
Garden layout - Small gardens might feel cramped if you go with a tall fence, whereas larger gardens can handle taller panels without feeling cramped.
Purpose - Fancy fence panels (such as picket fencing) work best in front gardens, while taller, solid panels are best for privacy in back gardens.
3. Popular Fencing Styles
Now that we have helped you decide on the size of the fence you need, consider the different styles. Don’t rush into this decision; look at what your neighbours and friends have.
Something to be aware of - One issue that might arise is that you can’t replace the fences on the sides of your garden. This could be because your neighbour is at the back of your house and they don’t want to change the fence. You might want to match it as close as possible to what you have.
Popular Fence Panel Types That We Stock
Closeboard Fence Panels
These are the go-to choices for anyone needing a fence that's as strong as it is practical. They are made with overlapping vertical boards supported by horizontal battens and are built to stand firm through strong winds and rainy days. They also provide solid privacy, perfect for keeping your garden secure and peaceful.Why choose these?
They are tough and look great in most gardens. With the proper care, they should last for years, making them a worthwhile investment. Plus, they’re great at hiding your garden from prying eyes, giving you that extra sense of security.
Best For
Back gardens need a durable, long-lasting fence that won’t let you down. We have the strongest fence panel in the UK. See the load test video below.
Trade Fence Panels
These are all about getting the job done without unnecessary frills. They are strong, affordable and easy to install, making them a good choice for homeowners and contractors. Please see our video below on how our trade fence panels are made.
Why choose these?
They are the perfect balance between cost and quality. These panels are practical, reliable, and designed to fit standard fencing requirements, making them a smart choice for large projects or quick replacements.
Best For
Cost-conscious projects where strength and functionality are the top priorities.
Contemporary Fence Panels
Contemporary fence panels are exactly what they are. It’s a nice way to bring a different look into your garden. Their horizontal slats and minimalist design are perfect for creating a stylish outdoor space. And while they look stunning, they’re also practical, offering privacy and allowing some airflow. Also remember these panels are 1800mm wide so not a standard as a UK fence panel. There are spacers that we sell to make these panels Uk spec (183cm)
Why choose these?
They are not just about looks, they are made to last. Pre-treated options mean less maintenance.
Best For
Urban or modern gardens and those who want a high-end look.
Picket Fence Panel
Picket fences are the ultimate choice to add cottage charm to your garden. The vertical slats give a decorative yet functional touch that adds a warm touch.
Why choose these?
They’re perfect for showcasing flowerbeds or creating boundaries without blocking the view. Many come with matching gates, creating a cohesive, inviting look for your garden.
Best For
Front garden or pathways that have a low-level boundary.
Acoustic Fencing
Acoustic fencing is a game-changer for anyone with noisy surroundings (neighbours and roads). It consists of thicker than regular fence panels with interlocking boards, making your garden a more peaceful place to relax.
Why choose these?
They are ideal for reducing road noise, school noise, and noise from neighbours. These rigid panels also look good, so you won’t have to compromise on looks.
Best For
People who want a quiet life.
Double Sided Fence Panels
These are great for people who share a boundary. Unlike standard panels, they look the same on both sides, so you and your neighbour can enjoy the same polished finish. Please see our video for a better look.
Why Choose these?
They are practical and durable. Plus, their equal-sides design means no arguments over who gets the “nice” side of the fence.
Best For
Shared boundaries where looks matter.
Extra Wide Fence Panels
Extra wide panels are an excellent choice for larger gardens. Using these means you cover more ground per panel, reducing the number of posts needed.
Why choose these?
They can save you time and money during installation. Their larger size makes them ideal for creating large boundaries. They are also robust.
Best For
Large properties require long stretches of fencing.
Tall Fence Panels
Tall fence panels are an excellent choice for privacy and security. We were the first company in the UK to create the 8ft high closeboard panel. These are robust and extremely strong. Take a look at the video below for more information.
Why choose these?
These are a great option for ultimate privacy and security. When used with our security panel clips these are your best option for securing your boundary.
Best For
Properties requiring high fencing. Covering unsightly views and giving you privacy and security.
Composite Fence Panels
These are some of the least common fence panels used across the UK but are becoming more popular. They have a wood-like finish but are made from wood fibres and recycled materials.
Why choose these?
They won’t rot or fade, and insects won’t destroy them, making them a long-term investment for any garden. They also come in a range of finishes.
Best For
Homeowners who want a modern look that's also eco-friendly.
Waney Fence Panels
If you look outside your window, you'll likely see waney fence panels in most gardens. They have a rustic charm that we love in the UK.
Why choose these?
They are affordable and easy to install. Perfect for anyone who's on a budget. These are the cheapest fence panels.
Best For
Those wanting a timeless look and a simple fence design.
4. Fence Treatments and Longevity
A few different types of treatments are available, and they play an important role in determining how long your fence will last and how much maintenance it might need. The two main types are dip-treated and pressure-treated fencing. We will explain what's involved so you can choose the one that's right for you. We offer both of these at G&G.
Dip Treated Fencing
Most people choose this option because it is the most budget-friendly. It involves coating the fence panel with a preservative, which gives the surface an amber colour. Although this method is quick and cost-effective, it only provides a surface level of protection, leaving the inner wood open to rot over time.
As it's only on the outside, it must be retreated every year to maintain its durability. However, dip-treating your fence at home is not a practical or cost-effective solution. The best way is to paint them each year with a wood preservative, which will help extend their life. We do not sell any dip treated fence panels. We only sell pressure treated.
Pressure Treated Fencing
These take things further by forcing preservatives into the heart of the fence using a high-pressure process. This coats the surface and penetrates the wood's core, offering far better protection against rot, decay, and insects. After treatment, the wood can sometimes have a greenish tint, a temporary effect from the preservative that will fade over time.
The downside is that it has a higher upfront cost, but it is a long-term investment, as the fences can last up to 15 years or more. If you plan on staying in your current home for a long time, this is a great, worthwhile “set it and forget it” solution. For more information on pressure treatment please see timber treatment information
Gravel Boards
We had to add a section about concrete gravel boards here. They are the unsung hero of fencing and an essential addition to any fence, no matter what treatment you choose. Positioned at the bottom of the fence, they create a vital barrier between the wooden panels and the damp soil below.
Gravel boards are particularly important for dip-treated fences. As we mentioned earlier, the dip treatment only protects the outside, and without a gravel board, moisture would penetrate the wood.
Even with pressure-treated fences (which are far more resistant to rot), gravel boards still provide valuable benefits. If a gravel board becomes damaged or worn over time, replacing it is cheaper than installing a high-end fence panel.
If you want to read more about gravel boards, we have written an in-depth guide that includes tips on choosing the right type to match your fence and the materials available. Click here to see it.
Concrete Fence Posts
These are the most common across the UK and probably makeup over 90% of the fence post market. They are stronger than wooden fence posts and will last a lot longer. Although they cannot be as aesthetically pleasing, they do require less maintenance. If you are after a long-term investment (like the gravel boards), a concrete option is the sensible choice.
Wood Fence Posts
Theres no doubt that a wooden fence post looks better. These can blend in with your garden, be painted to match your fence and almost blend in more. The downside is that you are putting wood directly into the ground, and it will become damaged easily over time. Because of this, Wooden fence posts must be pressure treated, but they won’t need any treatment added each year.
Metal Fence Posts
Metal fence posts are the longest lasting fence posts. You can get them in different colours and come with up to 25 years guarantee. We sell the full Durapost range
6. Will You Need a Gate?
If you are replacing your whole fence, you want to include a gate as part of your new look. The good news is that no matter what fence panel you choose, a gate will likely be in the same style to match it. This helps give your garden an overall finish, and the gate will blend in as if it's part of the regular fence.
7. Installing Your Fence
This is a brief guide to give you a few pointers. It's worth taking some time to plan and prepare. Installing a fancy fence can be rewarding and cost-effective, but it's also hard work. The guide below is for regular wooden fence panels with concrete gravel boards. You can see a full fence installation guide here
1. Phone a friend
This isn’t a job you can do alone. The posts and fence panels are heavy, and you will need an extra pair of hands to avoid injury.
2. Measure up and Mark Out
With a tape measure, you need to work out the length of your fence and mark where each post will go. This helps avoid surprises later on.
3. Secure the posts with Postcrete
Place the post in the hole, pour in postcrete (a special concrete for fence posts), and add water. Then, use a spirit level to ensure the post is perfectly upright. Let it set before moving on to the next post.
4. Add the gravel boards.
Slot these into the slots in the fence posts. Level the soil below to ensure they are flat against the ground.
5. Add your fence panels.
This should be the easy part. If everything has gone well, these should slot in easily and feel secure.
Hire a Professional?
Installing your fence can sometimes be too much work for most people. Replacing the panel is easy, but if you need new posts or fence realignment, it's sometimes easier to call in the professionals. If you need help with this, contact us, and we will assist you.
8. FAQS About Fences
Even though this is a big guide, you might still have some questions, so we have compiled this handy guide for some of the most common questions we get asked.If the fence is going to be the same height and location, you generally don’t need planning permission. However, if you are installing a bigger fence or moving it, it might be best to check with your local council first.
These can happen due to uneven ground. Use gravel boards to level the base of your fence and adjust the ground under it by adding or removing soil. If the gaps are there for drainage, you could add some wire mesh to prevent animals from entering your garden.
As mentioned above, this is possible thanks to shoe posts, which bolt into the concrete. These posts secure the posts into the ground without the need for digging.
Check whether the fence panel is damaged or if the posts have moved, causing it to come loose. Call or send us a picture if you need help or advice, and we can advise if you need new panels or posts.
You can paint your wooden fence panels to match your garden. We do have a few tips for you, though. Firstly, use quality paint. You might be put off by a tin of paint being £5 more than others, but it really can make all the difference between how many coats you have to apply and how long the paint will last.
Secondly, paint them on a dry day, preferably with a few dry days before, and make sure the fence panels are clean. If you have bought pressure-treated fence panels, we recommend waiting six months after installation to allow the treatment to be thoroughly soaked in.
Yes, many people do this. They might want the one at the back to be a trellis fence and the others to be more private. This all depends on your style, garden shape and preference.
9. Delivery
Not many people will be coming to pick up their fence panels unless they own a van. They are just too big. Our friendly drivers can deliver the fence panels to you.
Based in Northfleet, Kent, we’re ideally located to access key motorways, allowing us to deliver to locations including London, Kent, Essex and Surry. For more information please see our delivery page
Need More Help
We realise that our fence panel buying guide 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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