The Best Garden Fences for Security

When it comes to home security in the UK, many homeowners focus on alarm systems, CCTV, and security lighting. However, one of the most effective and often overlooked deterrents is your garden fence. A well-constructed fence not only adds privacy and visual appeal, but also acts as a critical first line of defence against intruders. In this blog, we’ll look at the best garden fencing options for security, along with practical advice for building a fence that’s both strong and stylish.

What Makes a Fence Secure?

Before exploring specific fencing types, it’s helpful to understand what contributes to a secure garden fence:

Height: Taller fences are harder to scale. Aim for 1.8m (6ft) or higher, if local planning rules allow.

Durability: Strong, weather-resistant materials are key — ideally with long guarantees, such as 25 years, to ensure longevity and peace of mind.

Fence Design: A design that is secure and that will not fall apart.

Minimal footholds: Avoid horizontal rails or features that make climbing easier.

Well-secured panels: Screwed into slotted post for maximum stability.

Lockable gates: A weak gate can compromise even the strongest fence.

Privacy: Fences that block visibility into your garden deter opportunistic intruders.

Lighting: Security lighting around access points and fence lines increases visibility and acts as a strong deterrent.

Top Garden Fence Options for UK Home Security

1. Closeboard (Featherboard) Fencing

Best for: Privacy and long-lasting strength

Closeboard fencing, also known as featherboard, is a classic choice in the UK. Made from overlapping vertical boards, it forms a dense, solid screen ideal for privacy. It’s robust and relatively affordable.

That said, while featherboard is strong, framed fence panels offer even greater structural integrity. Always look for panels that are held together with screws rather than nails, as screws provide better long-term strength and resistance to damage.

If you’re installing timber fence panels, make sure they are screwed securely into the posts. One major disadvantage of concrete posts is that many panels simply slot in, making them easier to remove or lift out. Read our blog on The Importance of Properly Attaching Fence Panels to Posts. For added security and longevity, choose timber posts with long guarantees from reputable suppliers.

2. Strong Framed Timber Panels

Best for: High-strength timber fencing

Framed fence panels have a rigid structure that’s far harder to break through or dismantle. When shopping for timber fencing, look for designs that don’t include horizontal rails on the outside, as these act as footholds for climbers. If you do opt for a style with rails, ensure they are installed on the inside of the fence so they cannot be used from the exterior.  On the market, Jacksons have the largest range of framed fence panels.

This approach combines security with a neat, structured look that’s well suited to both traditional and modern gardens.

3. Acoustic Fencing

Best for: Sound reduction and high security

Acoustic fencing, originally designed to reduce noise pollution, is also an excellent option for improving garden security. Its solid, high-density construction makes it difficult to climb or damage. This type of fencing is particularly effective in urban areas or alongside busy roads, offering both privacy and peace of mind.

Read our blog on What is an acoustic fence to find out how they work and why they make a good security fence

4. Metal Security Fencing

Best for: Maximum physical protection

Steel or wrought iron fences, including mesh panel or palisade styles, are ideal for properties where appearance is less of a concern and maximum security is required. Many come with anti-climb features and can be powder-coated to suit your preferred finish.  They also create a securer boundary while allowing visibility outside the property.

If you're looking to combine security with style, ornamental metal fences are a great option. These offer a more decorative look and are perfect for properties where kerb appeal matters. They’re especially popular on high-end or modern homes where you want a sleek, premium finish without compromising on strength.

When selecting metal fences, look for designs that use a pale-through-rail system and hidden post-to-panel connectors. This type of construction hides all fixings from view, making them much harder to tamper with and significantly enhancing the overall aesthetic.

Mesh security fences, while strong and secure, are not the most attractive or private option on their own, especially around domestic gardens. However, they become a much more suitable choice when fitted with timber pales. This combination adds privacy and softens the industrial look of mesh, making it more appropriate for residential properties. It offers the strength of a steel frame with the warmth and visual appeal of timber, giving you the best of both worlds.

5. Brick and Fence Panel Hybrid

Best for: Security with traditional aesthetics

Combining a solid brick wall base with timber or metal fence panels on top provides strength and height without looking overly industrial. It’s a great choice for UK homeowners looking for a more traditional or premium appearance. These walls also help reduce noise and add an extra barrier for intruders to overcome.

6. Trellis with Defensive Planting

Best for: Aesthetic enhancement and soft deterrence

Trellis on top of a fence adds height while maintaining a light and decorative appearance. Although trellis alone is not a security feature, it can make climbing more difficult—especially when used with thorny climbing plants such as pyracantha or climbing roses. This approach is perfect for homeowners who want extra protection without compromising on garden design.

Fence Toppers or Spikes: Adding an Extra Layer of Defence

For an added level of protection, consider fitting fence toppers to make climbing over your fence more difficult and unappealing for intruders. There are a variety of options available to suit different needs and aesthetics:

• Spiked fence toppers: These can be installed along the top edge of your fence to discourage attempts to scale it. Options range from metal spikes to more discreet plastic versions that are legal and designed to cause discomfort without injury.  Security comb from Jacksons is a nice example of a popular choice, found on their fence spikes page.



• Rotating toppers: These consist of rolling bars that make it difficult for anyone to gain a stable grip or footing when trying to climb over the fence.

• Prickle strips: Often used on walls and gates as well as fences, these low-profile strips are easy to install and act as a simple deterrent while being virtually invisible from a distance.

It’s important to ensure any fence toppers comply with local regulations. In most cases, a warning sign is required if you’re using anti-climb devices such as spikes or rotating barriers. When installed correctly and within legal guidelines, they can either be eye catching to put someone off or a subtle yet highly effective way to reinforce your fence without compromising the look of your garden. 

Extra Security Measures

A strong fence is a great foundation, but pairing it with additional security measures will further protect your property:

• Security lighting: Motion-activated lights deter intruders and improve visibility.
• Lockable gates: Use high-quality locks or pad bolts.
• Gravel paths: The sound of footsteps on gravel can serve as a natural alert.
• Visible CCTV: Even dummy cameras can discourage unwanted attention.

Build Smart, Not Just Strong

The best garden fence for security is one that suits your home, fits your aesthetic, and closes off potential weak points. To recap:

• Choose framed, screw-fixed panels for strength and stability.

• Avoid external rails or place them on the inside of the fence.

• Select wooden posts with long warranties.

• Consider acoustic or metal fencing for high-risk areas.

• Use timber-pale cladding on mesh fences to enhance appearance and privacy.

• Pair your fencing with security lighting and locked gates for a complete system.

With the right design, your garden fence can offer security, privacy, and style — all while enhancing the value and appearance of your home.