What kind of fence
fits your garden?

Closeboard / feather-edge

A familiar solid timber appearance for a rear or side boundary. Available as framed panels or a system built on site.

Cost guidance

Compare with overlap on the same installed specification.

Care to plan for

Inspect boards, rails and supports; follow the timber and finish instructions.

The key trade-off

A solid-looking boundary still needs suitable supports, foundations and exposure assessment.

Comparison image: overlap is shown on the right.

Overlap / lap panels

Horizontal overlapping timber boards form framed panels. Check the actual framing and specification rather than buying by style name alone.

Cost guidance

Often considered for an initial budget option; compare panel construction and the full fitted scope.

Care to plan for

Check panels and connections; retained posts must suit any replacement panel.

The key trade-off

The cheapest panel price can exclude posts, bases, removal and installation.

Slatted screens

A contemporary rhythm of boards and gaps. Useful for a targeted screen as well as a complete run, when the actual sightlines suit.

Cost guidance

Our estimator includes a provisional slatted-timber option; double-sided and bespoke designs need their own price.

Care to plan for

Keep fixings and supports accessible; plan how both faces and gaps will be cleaned or finished.

The key trade-off

Single slats allow direct views. Offset double slats can obscure views but may remain see-through at an angle.

Picket fencing

A lighter-looking frontage with repeated upright pales. Choose spacing, top shape and a matching gate around the actual entrance.

Cost guidance

Ask for a complete frontage and gate price; a low fence is not automatically a simple installation.

Care to plan for

Inspect pales, rails, gate fittings and any chosen coating.

The key trade-off

An open design defines an edge while retaining views. It is not a universal safety or pet-containment barrier.

Trellis & toppers

Open lattice can frame planting or soften a view. It is a different choice from an immediate solid privacy screen.

Cost guidance

Price the lattice, compatible supports and installation together; adding it to an old fence may need support work.

Care to plan for

Manage the mature plant and retain access to the supporting structure.

The key trade-off

Plant cover changes with growth and season. A topper adds to the finished height and needs separate checks.

Illustrative comparison: composite-style boards are shown on the right; not a named product.

Composite systems

Manufactured boards with product-specific colours, profiles and supporting components. Compare an actual system, not just the material label.

Cost guidance

Obtain a separate complete system quotation. Our timber estimator does not price composite.

Care to plan for

Follow the named product’s cleaning, movement and maintenance instructions.

The key trade-off

Check compatible posts, rails, expansion allowances and replacement availability; low maintenance is not no maintenance.