Popular Garden Fence Panel Styles in the UK
Garden fencing is an important part of many UK homes. A well chosen fence panel can improve privacy, security and the overall appearance of a garden. With a wide range of styles available, homeowners often choose panels based on durability, cost and the look they want to achieve.
In this guide, we look at some of the most popular fence panel styles in the UK and explain why they are commonly used in domestic gardens.
Closeboard Fence Panels
Closeboard panels are widely considered the most popular fencing style in the UK. These panels are also commonly known as featherboard or featheredge panels, because they are made using overlapping featheredge boards fixed to horizontal rails.
This overlapping construction creates a strong and solid structure that performs well in the British climate.
Why they are popular
- Excellent privacy with no gaps between boards
- Strong and durable in harsh weather
- Long lifespan when pressure treated
- Suitable for most garden styles
Closeboard panels are often used in rear garden boundaries, where homeowners want a sturdy and secure fence that can withstand wind and rain.
A Closeboard Panel with a Concave Top
Lap Fence Panels
Lap Panels, sometimes known as Waney lap panels or overlap panels, are another very common style in the UK. They are made from horizontal timber boards that slightly overlap each other and are fixed to a timber frame.
They are widely used because they are inexpensive and easy to install.
Why they are popular
- Low initial cost
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Widely available from most fencing suppliers
- Traditional appearance
However, waney lap panels are generally considered a budget option. They are relatively lightweight and not as strong as closeboard fencing, which means they can be more vulnerable to damage in strong winds.
While the initial cost is cheap, they are known to have a shorter lifespan, meaning they may need replacing more frequently. Over time this can make them more expensive in the long run compared with stronger fence panel types.
Slatted Fence Panels
Slatted fencing has become increasingly popular in modern garden design. These panels are often known as Venetian fence panels and are made using horizontal timber slats with small gaps between them.
This design creates a contemporary look while allowing light and air to pass through the fence.
Why they are popular
- Modern and stylish appearance
- Allows airflow, which can help in windy gardens
- Lets natural light into the garden
- Works well in contemporary landscaping
Some versions use a double slatted design, often known as Venetian Hit and Miss panels. These panels have slats on both sides of the fence, offset from each other. This provides greater privacy while still allowing airflow, making them more suitable for boundary fencing between properties.
Hit and Miss Fence Panels
Hit and miss fencing is another popular style that balances privacy and airflow. This design is created by attaching boards on both sides of the rails in alternating positions.
The boards overlap when viewed straight on, but there are small gaps between them.
Why they are popular
- Good level of privacy
- Allows wind to pass through the fence
- Reduces wind resistance compared with solid panels
- Attractive and slightly more decorative appearance
Hit and miss fencing gives privacy from normal viewing angles, but still allows wind and some light to pass through. This can make it a good choice for exposed gardens where solid fencing may catch too much wind.
Tongue and Groove Fence Panels
Tongue and groove fence panels use interlocking boards boards. The edge of each board has a tongue on one side and a groove on the other, allowing them to slot neatly together.
It is important to note that most Tongue and Groove fence panels use boards that overlap in a tongue and groove effect where the boards are shaped to create the same appearance.
Why they are popular
- Clean and uniform appearance
- Stronger construction than many basic panels
- Very good level of privacy
- Often used in premium fencing designs
Tongue and groove panels are often chosen for gardens where appearance is just as important as privacy and durability.
Woven or Hurdle Fence Panels
Woven fence panels, often referred to as hurdle panels, are made from thin timber branches or slats woven together between vertical supports.
This traditional style of fencing has been used in rural areas for centuries and is still popular in gardens that favour a natural or rustic appearance.
Why they are popular
- Natural and traditional look
- Lightweight and decorative
- Works well in cottage gardens
- Suitable for creating informal garden boundaries
Woven fencing is usually used for decorative sections of a garden, vegetable plots or informal boundaries rather than as a high security fence.
Picket Fence Panels
Picket fencing is a classic and recognisable style, often used for front gardens and decorative boundaries. This type of fencing uses evenly spaced vertical boards attached to horizontal rails.
Unlike solid fencing styles, picket panels allow visibility through the gaps while still marking the boundary of a property.
Why they are popular
- Attractive traditional look
- Ideal for front gardens
- Allows light and airflow
- Helps maintain open views
Picket fencing is particularly common in cottage style gardens or areas where a welcoming, decorative boundary is preferred over privacy.
Trellis Fence Panels
Trellis fence panels are made using a lattice pattern of thin timber battens that create diamond or square shaped gaps. They are often used on their own or fitted to the top of a solid fence panel.
Because of the open structure, trellis panels are ideal for supporting climbing plants such as roses, clematis and ivy.
Why they are popular
- Decorative appearance
- Ideal for supporting climbing plants
- Allows plenty of light and airflow
- Often used to add height to an existing fence
Trellis panels are commonly used in gardens to soften the look of a boundary while still providing structure for plants and garden design.
What to Look for in a Quality Fence Panel
Not all fence panels are made to the same standard. When choosing fencing it is worth looking for features that improve strength, durability and lifespan.
Framed panels are generally stronger because the surrounding frame provides support and helps the panel keep its shape over time.
Stainless steel fixings are also a good sign of quality. They resist rust and corrosion far better than standard fixings, helping the panel last longer.
Thank you to Jacksons for allowing use of some of their images. Their higher quality fence panels are supplied with long 25 years guarantees and are pressure treated so that they require no further treatment. This can save time and maintenance while ensuring the fence remains protected for many years.
Choosing the Right Fence Panel Style
Fence panels are an essential feature of many UK gardens, offering privacy, security and visual appeal. While closeboard panels remain the most widely used option, styles such as waney lap, slatted, hit and miss, tongue and groove, woven and trellis fencing all offer different advantages depending on the needs of the garden.
By understanding the strengths and limitations of each style, homeowners can choose fencing that provides the right balance of durability, cost and appearance. Choosing well made panels with strong framing, stainless steel fixings and long guarantees can also make a significant difference to how long a garden fence lasts.
