Can Fence Panels Be Cut to Size?

When installing a fence, it’s unlikely that your fence run will end at the exact width of a standard fence panel. In most cases, you’ll need to cut a panel to size to ensure a perfect fit. But can all fence panels be cut? And what’s the best way to do it?

Cutting Fence Panels to Size

When we talk about cutting a fence panel to size, we’re usually referring to reducing its width rather than its height. The easiest way to do this is by using slotted wooden fence posts, as the cut end of the panel will be hidden within the post. This helps to keep the installation looking neat and disguises any minor imperfections.

Before cutting a panel, check the manufacturer’s website for specific instructions. Some panels are easier to modify than others, and the manufacturer may provide useful guidance on how to do it correctly. They will also likely recommend applying a brush-on timber treatment to any cut ends to protect against moisture and extend the panel’s lifespan.

How to Cut Different Types of Fence Panels

Closeboard (Featherboard) and Picket (Palisade) Panels

Closeboard (Featherboard) and picket (also known as palisade) panels are some of the easiest to cut. The process is straightforward:

1. Measure and mark - Determine the required width and mark the panel.
2. Remove pales - Carefully take off the pales (vertical boards) in the area you plan to cut.
3. Cut the rails - Using a saw, cut the horizontal rails at the marked width.
4. Apply treatment - Brush a timber preservative onto the cut ends to protect against rot.
5. Reattach the pales - Fix the removed pales back onto the newly cut edge so they are flush with the end of the panel.
6. Adjust spacing if needed - If the new width looks uneven, slightly reposition the remaining pales to maintain a consistent appearance.

Lap Panels

Lap panels can also be easily cut down, but the method is slightly different:

1. Measure and mark - Mark the panel where it needs to be cut.
2. Cut through the slats - Using a saw, cut through the horizontal slats at the marked width.
3. Reinforce the frame - Take the cut-off frame batten from the discarded section and reattach it to the newly cut end to maintain structural integrity.
4. Apply treatment - Treat all cut edges with a brush-on timber preservative.

Decorative Fence Panels

More decorative panels, such as Woven, Hit and Miss, or framed designs, can be more challenging to cut down. 

If you need to cut a decorative panel, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, also the manufacturer may supply 'fence panel width reduction kits' as seen in the link. Some styles, such as Tongue and Groove panels, may be easier to cut than others, but additional reinforcement might be necessary to maintain strength.

Final Cutting Down Tips

• Use the correct tools, such as a handsaw or circular saw, depending on the panel type and material.
• Look at the manufacturers website for instructions of even panel reduction kits.
• Wear safety gear, including gloves and eye protection.
• Double-check your measurements before cutting to avoid mistakes.
• Treat all exposed cut ends with a timber preservative as per the manufacturers instructions to prevent water damage and prolong the panel’s lifespan.

By following these steps, you can successfully resize a fence panel while maintaining its strength and appearance.