How panel fencing is built
Panel fencing uses factory made sections that slot or fix between posts. It goes up quickly because most of the work has already been done off site, and the finished look is tidy and uniform.
The weakness of any panel is that it presents one large, flat face to the wind. On an exposed boundary the whole section catches every gust, and the strain goes into the posts and the fixings. Panels with lighter construction can loosen or split in a bad winter.
How closeboard is built
Closeboard is assembled in place. Horizontal rails run between the posts and vertical boards are nailed to them, overlapping slightly. Often a gravel board runs along the bottom to keep the timber off the soil.
Because it is built board by board, closeboard tends to be more rigid and more forgiving. If a single board is damaged it can be replaced on its own rather than swapping out a whole section.
Comparing them side by side
Neither option is better in every situation. It depends on how exposed the boundary is, how long you want it to last and how it needs to look.
- Speed: panels usually go up faster
- Strength in wind: closeboard is generally sturdier
- Repairs: closeboard can be fixed one board at a time
- Look: panels give a uniform finish, closeboard a more solid, traditional one
- Slopes: closeboard follows falling ground more easily, panels step down
Fencing
- Secure posts and solid installation
- Old fencing removed where agreed
- Styles to suit traditional and modern gardens
The part that matters more than either
Whichever you choose, a fence is only as good as its posts. Posts set firmly and deeply in the ground keep everything upright; posts that are shallow or loose let even the best boards lean. When a fence fails in a storm, it is very often the posts that went first.
Keeping timber off the ground matters too. A gravel board along the bottom takes the contact with wet soil and can be replaced far more cheaply than the fence above it.
Sloping and awkward boundaries
Many gardens in the area fall away from the house or have boundaries that rise and dip. Panels have to step down in blocks, leaving triangular gaps underneath that need filling. Closeboard can be built so the rails follow the ground, giving a continuous line.
If your garden also needs levelling, it can make sense to sort the ground first and fence afterwards, so the boundary finishes at the right height.
Choosing for your garden
For a sheltered boundary where you want a quick, neat result, panels are often the practical choice. For an exposed side of the garden, a long run, or a boundary you want to last with minimal fuss, closeboard is usually worth considering.
Talk to your neighbour before replacing a shared fence and agree which side faces which way. If you would like a second opinion on which suits your boundary, call Ashley on 07904 481178.