Fence Panel Buying Guide

Lap fences are a type of traditional privacy fencing most commonly used in residential environments. They have overlapping vertical timber boards that are secured to vertical battens on the back to create a durable panel. Lap fence panels are found in standard sizes and are relatively inexpensive compared to other types. 

The structure of lap fences means they’re perfect for maintaining privacy because they prevent gaps between the timber boards. Lap fences are also easy to install and can offer a traditional look to a garden.

The extra privacy from lap fences can be a drawback if you’re interested in who’s coming and going around your property. They can also be more vulnerable to wind damage as the design catches wind and puts stress on the fence panels. The overlapping design can also trap moisture which can attract mould and mildew – meaning occasional maintenance is needed.

Closeboard fences, also known as featheredge fence panels, are used for residential and commercial environments. With vertical overlapping timber boards mounted on horizontal battens, they’re ideal for privacy and security as there are no gaps in the panel, and the battens make it difficult for intruders to break.

You’ll find our closeboard fences at Toolstation are noise reducing, meaning soundwaves are slowed down when they travel through the panel – perfect if the garden backs onto a road or a railway line. They’re a highly durable fence, and water runs down the fence rather than collecting in the overlapping boards, so they’re protected from moisture.

The nois-reducing design of closeboard fences mean they come at a higher cost than simpler alternatives. You’ll also want to consider how much privacy you need, as closeboard fencing offers limited visibility to see who is coming and going.

Hit-and-miss fence panels are a type of traditional fencing structured by placing horizontal timber boards on alternating sides of vertical posts. The design means there are gaps between the boards which allow wind to pass through – making them perfect for windier areas. 

Despite the gaps between the boards, there is still overlap to maintain privacy in residential environments. Their traditional yet distinctive design adds character to a garden, and can even create an attractive dappled light effect across a lawn.

At certain angles, it’s possible to see through the gaps between the boards – so if privacy is your main priority over wind protection, then a closeboard or lap fence may be a better alternative. You may also find that hit-and-miss fences come at a higher cost than standard overlap fence panels.

Slatted fences are a type of modern, contemporary fence panel with horizontal timber boards with gaps in between. Single-slatted fences feature the slats on one side of the fence posts, while double-slatted fences have the horizontal boards on both sides of the post – meaning a slight overlap for greater privacy. 

The gaps between the timber boards allow wind to travel through the panel – making slatted fences great for windy areas. Slatted fences are also relatively easy to install and add a stylish element to modern gardens. 

When it comes to slatted fences, there is reduced privacy compared to traditional fence panels as there are gaps in between the slats – these gaps also mean they’re less effective at noise reduction. Slatted fences could also get damaged easily if they’re hit, such as by a football.

Tongue-and-groove fence panels are a type of contemporary fence ideal for privacy in residential properties. They are made up of interlocking boards, with a groove on one edge and a protruding tongue on the other so they fit together. The timber boards on tongue-and-groove fences are mounted horizontally and fixed to vertical posts.

These fences are a stylish, contemporary alternative to traditional lap fences. They’re also low maintenance due to the completely flush design that doesn’t collect moisture. This flat, interlocking design also means tongue-and-groove fences are very durable and long-lasting.

Tongue-and-groove fences can come at a higher cost than simpler alternatives such as overlap fence panels. You won’t be able to see anything going on outside the fence, such as people coming and going. Also, you might need professional installation, as mistakes can lead to warping which can reduce stability.

Lattice-topped fences have a traditional panel – often a hit and miss or an overlap fence – on the bottom, with a lattice or trellis top as an added decorative feature. Classic lattice-topped fences have timber boards arranged in a diamond pattern, while the timber boards on contemporary slatted-topped fences are arranged horizontally with gaps in between.

These fences combine privacy and decoration, so you can get the best of both worlds. Topped fences are as easy to install as traditional panels, and come in a range of heights to suit the needs of any garden. They’re also relatively affordable compared to some contemporary fences, such as fully slatted panels.

Lattice and trellis-topped fences are less effective at noise reduction than full panels and specialised noise-reduction fencing. They’re also easier to climb over than solid panels as the tops provide places to grip and step on. The decorative section of the fence panel could get damaged as the timber battens are thinner.

Picket fences are characterised by their short height and rounded or spiked tops. They’re easily installed by simply hammering them into the ground. 

These fences are ideal for boundary marking, such as for front gardens, or back gardens in remote areas where privacy is not much of a concern. Because of the open structure of picket fences, they’re highly wind resistant. 

If privacy is a concern – such as in suburban or built-up areas – then picket fences will not be suitable. They’re also easily jumped over, meaning they won’t provide much protection from intruders. Picket fences may also be easily knocked down – although they’re just as easy to put back in the ground.