A-Z of Garden Fencing Terms
Garden Fencing Terms Explained A to Z
A comprehensive glossary of garden, decorative and agricultural fencing terms. Designed to help homeowners, DIYers and professionals understand common fencing language.
A
Acoustic Fencing
Fencing designed to reduce noise transmission.
Angle Iron
Metal section bent at ninety degrees, used in fixings and supports.
Arris Rail
Triangular timber rail used to strengthen closeboard fencing.
B
Balustrade
Protective barrier used on decking or raised areas.
Ballast
Aggregate mixed with cement for fixing posts.
Basket Weave Panel
Decorative panel made by weaving timber slats around battens.
Bevelled Rail
Fence rail with an angled top edge to shed water.
Birdsmouth Fencing
Traditional timber fencing where vertical boards are cut with a V shaped notch at the top.
The profile allows rainwater to run off and provides a decorative finish.
C
Cant Rail
Sloped top rail designed to allow water runoff.
Capping Rail
Rail fitted to the top of panels for protection and appearance.
Cattle Mesh
Wire fencing used for livestock control.
Chain Link Fencing
Metal diamond pattern mesh fencing.
Closeboard Fencing
Vertical overlapping boards offering strength and privacy.
Concrete Post
Durable alternative to timber posts that does not rot.
Counter Rail
Additional rail fixed behind kit form featheredge boards for support.
D
Decorative Fencing
Fencing designed primarily for visual appeal.
Diamond Trellis
Diagonal lattice trellis forming diamond shapes.
E
End Grain Preservation
Protective treatment applied to cut timber ends.
Estate Railings
Ornamental metal fencing used in formal settings.
F
Featheredge Board
Tapered timber board used in closeboard fencing.
Fence Cap
Protective top fitted to fence posts.
Fence Panel
Prefabricated section of fencing.
Fence Post
Vertical support holding fencing in place.
G
Galvanisation (Galvanization - US spelling)
Zinc coating applied to metal to prevent corrosion.
Gravel Board
Board fitted at the base of fencing to protect panels from moisture.
H
H Shaped Post
Slotted post used in modular fencing systems.
Hit and Miss Fencing
Alternating boards that allow airflow while maintaining privacy.
I
I Beam Post
Steel structural post shaped like an I section.
Intermediate Post
Post positioned between end or corner posts.
J
Jakcure
Deep timber treatment process for long term protection supplied by Jacksons Fencing.
Jamb Post
Post positioned either side of a gate opening.
K
Knee Rail Fence
Low post and rail fencing used for boundaries.
L
Lap Panel
Fence panel with horizontally overlapping boards.
Lattice Panel
Open grid trellis panel for climbing plants.
Line Wire
Tensioning wire used with mesh fencing.
M
Mortice and Tenon Joint
Traditional strong woodworking joint.
N
Netting
Wire mesh used for small animals or poultry.
Noise Barrier
Alternative term for acoustic fencing.
O
Overlap Panel
Fence panel with horizontally overlapping boards.
Osier or Willow Panel
Woven panel made from natural materials.
P
Paddock Fencing
Post and rail fencing used for paddocks or fields.
Palisade Fencing
Vertical pales with spacing between.
Picket Fencing
Low decorative fencing commonly used in front gardens.
Postcrete
Quick setting concrete mix for fixing posts.
R
Rabbit Netting
Fine wire mesh for small animal control.
S
Shadowbox Fence
Another term for hit and miss fencing, mainly a US term
Slotted Post
Post with built in slots for fence panels.
Spur Post
Additional support post next to an existing post.
T
Trellis Panel
Decorative panel used for screening or climbing plants.
Tree Stake
Support stake for young trees.
W
Wall Plate
Fixing that allows a fence (or more commonly gate) to be attached to a wall.
Wattle Fencing
Traditional woven fencing made from hazel or willow.
Welded Mesh
Rigid wire mesh fencing.
Wire and Mesh Fencing
General term for practical wire fencing types.
Z
Zones
Defined garden areas created using fencing or screens.
Want to learn more about gate terminology? Visit our gate terms page for clear definitions and practical advice.
