Why Is It Called Closeboard, Featherboard or Featheredge Fencing?

If you’ve been researching fencing options, chances are you’ve come across the terms Closeboard, Featherboard and Featheredge fencing. You may be wondering if these are all the same thing. The simple answer is yes. These three terms all refer to the same style of fence, but the different names can cause confusion.

In this blog, we look at why these names exist, where they come from and what they actually describe.  The term Closeboard, Featherboard and Featheredge is found in other sectors like cladding but mainly fencing.  So the boards are designed for fences.  If you are wondering whether to use any type of timber from a timber merchant rather than specifically designed, cut and treated for fencing applications then read our blog on panels vs building your own fence.

What Is Closeboard or Featheredge Fencing?

Closeboard fencing is one of the most popular fencing styles in the UK. It is known for its strength, durability and smart, traditional appearance. The structure consists of vertical overlapping timber boards, known as featheredge boards, fixed to horizontal rails supported by posts.  It comes in panel form and also kit-form, read our blog on the difference between fence panels and kit-form fencing.

The Closeboard Fencing design creates a strong, private and weather-resistant fence (depending on the quality) that is ideal for boundaries and gardens where both security and appearance are important.

The image above shows some Closeboard Fence Pales.  It clearly shows that the pales are thicker at one end compared to the other.  Note, these pales are from Jacksons Fencing who is known for good quality materials, so will be thicker than other pales on the market.  Cheaper pales are prone to splitting on the thinner side of the pale.

Why Is It Called Featheredge?

The term Featheredge comes from the shape of the individual boards used to build the fence. Each board is sawn diagonally from a single piece of timber, resulting in one edge being thick and the other thin, similar to a feather. This shape allows the boards to be overlapped neatly, which improves strength and reduces gaps.

What About Featherboard?

Featherboard is simply another way of referring to Featheredge fencing. The two terms are often used interchangeably. 'Featheredge is more accurate when talking specifically about the individual boards, while 'Featherboard' is more common when describing the finished panel or fence structure.

Thank you to 1stAid4Fencing for the above image.  This image clearly shows the thick side of the pales and how the thinner side of the pales are overlapped by the next board. This is a kit-form style Closeboard Fence with posts on the other side, rails attached to the posts and then the pales nailed to the rails. The gravel boards will also be nailed to the posts and the capping attached at the top with a counter rail behind. 

Why Is It Also Called Closeboard?

The term Closeboard describes how the boards are installed. They are fixed closely together and overlapped to create a continuous run with no gaps. This gives the fence its solid, enclosed look, which is where the name comes from. Closeboard is more often used in trade or technical contexts, while homeowners might refer to it as Featherboard or Featheredge.

So whether you hear Closeboard, Featherboard or Featheredge, you are talking about the same style of fencing. The different names reflect slight variations in terminology, but they all refer to a tried-and-tested design that remains one of the most reliable and widely used fencing solutions in the UK.

When choosing this type of fence, the most important thing is the quality of materials and craftsmanship. Not all Closeboard panels are made equal, and there can be significant differences between manufacturers.

Some panels use thicker, more robust featheredge boards, which offer greater strength and longevity. The number and type of horizontal rails also varies. Higher quality panels often have three or more rails for added support. In some cases, these rails are weathered or shaped to help shed water, which improves durability over time.

Fixings are another detail to consider. Stainless steel nails or screws are preferable as they will not rust or stain the timber, unlike cheaper alternatives.  Our blog on preventing rust marks on fencing is well worth a read. The type of timber treatment also plays a crucial role. Pressure-treated timber with a long guarantee, ideally 25 years, will be far more resistant to rot and insect attack than basic dip-treated options.

Overall, well-made Closeboard panels are an investment in your boundary. With the right materials and construction, they will provide security, privacy and a smart appearance for many years to come.