What is a Fence Gravel Board and why it is Used?

A gravel board is a crucial but often overlooked part of a fencing installation. Positioned at the base of a fence, it sits between the ground and the fence panel or rails, creating a barrier that protects the timber fence from direct contact with soil, moisture, and garden debris. Whether you’re installing a panel fence or a post and rail system, gravel boards help extend the life of your fencing and improve its long-term performance.

What Does a Gravel Board Do?

The primary function of a gravel board is to shield the bottom of the fence from rot and water damage. Timber that remains in contact with soil is at far greater risk of decay, particularly in damp or shaded areas of a garden. Over time, this can lead to weakening and structural failure. Gravel boards prevent this by raising the fence slightly off the ground, reducing exposure to moisture and extending its usable life.

Gravel boards also serve as a physical barrier to prevent soil, mulch, or gravel from spilling out of borders or garden beds and pushing up against the fence. In some cases, especially in sloped gardens, they help level the base of the fence across uneven ground.

Matching Materials: Gravel Boards and Fence Posts

Gravel boards are typically made from the same material as the posts used in the fence installation. For example, if you’re using concrete fence posts, you’ll generally install concrete gravel boards to match. This creates consistency not only in appearance but also in strength and durability. Concrete gravel boards are extremely long-lasting, rot-proof, and ideal for areas where a maintenance-free finish is important.

For timber fences, wooden gravel boards are more common. These are usually made from softwood and pressure treated to withstand prolonged exposure to the elements. The treatment process for timber gravel boards is often the same as that used for the fence posts and is far more rigorous than the treatment used for the fence panels themselves.

Timber Treatment and Longevity

Timber gravel boards and posts are treated with preservatives using a deeper and longer process than panels. This ensures they resist decay, insects, and fungal attack. The treatment is usually carried out via a pressure treatment method where preservatives are forced deep into the timber fibres. Posts and gravel boards are often treated to a higher specification because they are in closer contact with the ground or in areas where water can collect.

What is Best: Concrete or Timber Gravel Boards?

Both concrete and timber gravel boards have their benefits and drawbacks, and the best choice often comes down to the priorities of your project.

Concrete gravel boards are extremely durable and require no maintenance. They do a better job of holding back soil where there is a difference in ground height on either side of the fence, making them ideal for properties with raised beds or sloped gardens. However, many find them unattractive compared to timber and they can make a garden feel harsher or more industrial.

Timber gravel boards, on the other hand, offer a more natural and visually appealing finish that blends better with most garden settings. They are also easier to work with, and when screwed to the fence posts, they add strength to the overall structure. This added rigidity can help improve security and may even help reduce the risk of fence panels being removed or tampered with. The downside is that unless they come with a long guarantee, such as 25 years as there is a risk of them rotting over time, particularly if they are not treated to the same standard as the posts.

In short, concrete offers maximum durability and structural performance, while timber provides better aesthetics and versatility, with the trade-off of needing higher quality treatment and guarantees to ensure longevity.

Hedgehog Gravel Boards

In recent years, hedgehog gravel boards have grown in popularity across the UK as more homeowners and councils look to make gardens and green spaces more wildlife-friendly. These gravel boards are specially designed with a pre-cut hole or arch at the bottom, allowing hedgehogs to roam freely between gardens without the need to climb or dig under fences.

Hedgehog populations have declined significantly due to habitat fragmentation, with solid fencing being one of the main barriers. By including a gravel board with a hedgehog hole, you can play a part in helping these iconic British animals survive and thrive.

These boards retain all the protective qualities of a traditional gravel board while offering a safe and simple way to support biodiversity. Available in both timber and concrete, hedgehog gravel boards are a thoughtful addition to any new fence installation and are often recommended by local wildlife groups and environmental planning schemes.

An example of a wooden gravel board with a hole to allow hedgehogs to pass between gardens.  Read more about Jacksons Hedge hog wooden gravel boards on their website.

Overview

A gravel board may seem like a simple addition, but it plays a vital role in ensuring the longevity and durability of your fencing. Whether concrete or timber, choosing the right gravel board to match your fence posts ensures both structural strength and a consistent finish. If you're installing a timber fence, do not underestimate the importance of using properly treated gravel boards. They are a key component in building a fence that stands the test of time.

Also read our related blog on 'What is a Fence Slat' and 'What is a Fence Panel'.