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How to Choose Fence Panels: The Complete UK Buying Guide
This guide covers everything you need to know to choose the best wooden fence panels for your garden. Whether you are replacing a few panels after storm damage, fencing a new build plot, or upgrading to a more contemporary style, the advice below will help you get it right the first time.
All the panels mentioned in this guide are available from Walford Timber. Browse our full range of fence panels or read on to find the right option for your project.
Start with your purpose: what do you need your fence to do?
Before looking at styles or prices, think clearly about what you need your fence panels to achieve. Most garden fences serve one or more of the following purposes:
- Privacy. You want to screen your garden from neighbours, passers-by, or an overlooking window. For this, you need a solid or near-solid panel at a height that works for your situation.
- Security. You want to deter entry to your property or keep children and pets safely contained. Here, strength and height matter more than appearance.
- Wind protection. You want to shelter a patio, planting area, or seating space from prevailing winds. Solid panels offer the most protection, though a semi-solid or slatted design can reduce wind load on the panel itself.
- Boundary marking. You need a clear, defined boundary without necessarily needing full privacy or security. Lower panels or open styles work well here.
- Aesthetic. You want your fencing to be a design feature rather than just a boundary. Contemporary slatted and tongue-and-groove panels are increasingly popular choices for this purpose.
Most projects involve a combination of these. Knowing which matters most to you will quickly narrow your options and help you avoid spending more than you need to.
Understand the standard UK fence panel sizes
In the UK, fence panels are made to a standard width of 6ft (1.83m). This is consistent across virtually every manufacturer and means you can replace panels without repositioning posts. Heights vary, and choosing the right height is one of the most important decisions you will make.
The four standard fence panel heights
Height | Metric | Best use | Typical styles available |
3ft | 0.9m | Low decorative borders, front garden boundaries, and dividing zones within a garden | Lap, Closeboard, Interwoven |
4ft | 1.2m | Partial screening, side passages, raised beds | Lap, Closeboard, Interwoven |
5ft | 1.5m | Rear and side boundaries added privacy without a fully enclosed feel | Lap, Closeboard, Interwoven |
6ft | 1.83m | Full privacy and security: the most popular garden fence height in the UK | All panel styles |
What does a 6×6 fence panel mean?
A 6×6 fence panel is 6ft wide and 6ft tall, approximately 1.83m by 1.83m. This is the most widely sold size in the UK and is the standard choice for rear garden boundaries where full privacy is wanted. If you are searching for 6×6 fence panels, all of the styles in the Walford Timber range are available in this size.
Planning permission and fence height
In England, fences up to 2 metres (approximately 6ft 6in) tall are permitted on most boundaries without needing planning permission. A 6ft panel sits just under this limit and is therefore the maximum practical height for most domestic installations. However, restrictions can apply in conservation areas, to listed buildings, and where prior planning conditions exist. Always check with your local planning authority if you are unsure. You can read our longer guide to planning permission here.
Choose the right fence panel style
Once you know the height you need, the next decision is style. The style of the panel affects the look of your garden, the level of privacy it provides, its wind resistance, and its price. Here is a clear guide to all the styles available from Walford Timber.
Lap fence panels
Lap fence panels are the most popular style in the UK and a great choice for any domestic garden boundary. They are made from thin horizontal boards that overlap, creating a traditional, familiar look at an accessible price point.
- Available in 3ft, 4ft, 5ft, and 6ft heights
- Pressure-treated for long life, with no additional treatment needed on installation.
- 10-year guarantee
- Best choice when you want a solid, traditional boundary at a sensible price
Lap panels are also sometimes called wavy lap, wavy, or overlap panels. View our Lap Fence Panel range.
Closeboard fence panels
Closeboard fence panels are the strongest and most durable style in our standard range. Constructed from vertical feather-edge boards fixed to a robust horizontal rail framework, they offer superior wind resistance and a longer lifespan than lap panels.
- Available in 3ft, 4ft, 5ft, and 6ft heights
- Significantly stronger than lap panels in exposed or windy positions
- The preferred choice for contractors and landscapers who want a panel that performs
- Works well alongside our PermaTimber® posts with a 15-year guarantee against fungal decay
If your garden is exposed, or you want a fence that lasts, closeboard is the panel to choose. View our Closeboard Fence Panel range.
Interwoven fence panels
Interwoven fence panels are made to order in our workshops and offer a traditional woven appearance that many homeowners prefer for cottage and country-style gardens. Horizontal slats are woven between vertical stakes to create a solid, attractive panel.
- Available in 3ft, 4ft, 5ft, and 6ft heights
- Made to order for a consistent, quality finish
- Good privacy with a natural, characterful appearance
Premier and contemporary fence panels
If you want fencing that makes a statement as well as marking a boundary, our Premier range delivers a higher specification finish with a more architectural look. All Premier panels are manufactured in our workshops from joinery-grade timber and pressure-treated for long outdoor life.
- Marlow: A heavy-duty horizontal slatted panel with a profiled shadow line. Gaps between slats allow wind to pass through while still providing good screening. A strong, contemporary look.
- Malvern: A premium slatted screen with a refined finish, designed for high-end garden installations.
- Montpellier: A double-sided slatted panel, finished on both faces. Ideal where both sides of the fence are visible.
- Tintern: A solid tongue and groove screen offering complete privacy with a clean, contemporary finish.
- Omega Lattice Top: A solid panel with a decorative lattice top section, combining privacy with a traditional ornamental detail.
- Square Horizontal: Clean horizontal boards with a modern, minimal appearance.
- Slatted Panel: Horizontal slats with airflow gaps, combining style with wind resistance.
- Flat Top Tongue and Groove: A solid contemporary panel with a flat top profile for a sharp, architectural finish.
- Hazel Hurdle: Handmade from natural hazel, these traditional panels suit cottage gardens and natural planting schemes perfectly.
Browse our full range of Premier and decorative fence panels.
Think about your posts and gravel boards
Fence panels do not stand alone. The posts and gravel boards you choose are just as important as the panels themselves, and cutting corners here is one of the most common reasons fences fail ahead of time.
Choosing the right posts
Posts bear the full weight and wind load of your fence, so quality matters. Walford Timber offers three main options:
- Timber posts (PermaTimber®): Pressure treated to a 15-year guarantee against fungal decay and wood-destroying insects. A cost-effective and reliable choice for most domestic installations.
- Concrete posts: Heavier and more robust than timber posts, concrete posts are the longest-lasting option and eliminate the risk of rotting at ground level.
- DuraPost metal posts: Galvanised steel posts that combine strength with a slim profile. Compatible with most panel types and an increasingly popular choice for contemporary installations.
As a general rule, posts should be set to a depth of at least one-third of their total length. For a 6ft fence, you need a 9ft post set approximately 2 to 2.5ft into the ground.
Why gravel boards matter
Gravel boards sit at the base of the fence between the posts, keeping the bottom of your fence panels clear of damp soil and standing water. This single addition can significantly extend the life of your panels by preventing moisture ingress at the most vulnerable point. Walford Timber supplies both timber and concrete gravel boards to suit every installation.
Consider your budget
Fence panels range from an accessible entry-level price to premium bespoke options, and a quality product is available at every price point. Here is a broad guide to how the range breaks down:
- Standard range (Lap, Closeboard, Interwoven): The most cost-effective options, starting from £24.46 for a lap panel. Ideal for straightforward domestic boundary fencing where value and practicality are the priority.
- Decorative range (Omega Lattice Top, Square Horizontal, Slatted, Tongue and Groove): A mid-range option that introduces more contemporary or decorative styling. Suitable for gardens where appearance matters as much as function.
- Premier range (Marlow, Malvern, Montpellier, Tintern): Premium joinery-grade panels manufactured for discerning homeowners and landscapers who want a high specification finish that stands out.
When budgeting, remember to include the cost of posts, gravel boards, post mix or concrete, and fixings. A complete installation almost always costs more than the panels alone.
Look for quality you can trust
Not all fence panels are equal. The difference between a panel that lasts five years and one that lasts twenty comes down to the quality of the timber, the depth and effectiveness of the treatment, and the care taken in manufacturing.
At Walford Timber, every fence panel we supply is:
- Manufactured in Britain: We control the entire production process in our own workshops, ensuring consistent quality at every stage.
- Pressure treated as standard: Pressure treatment drives preservative deep into the timber fibres, protecting against rot and insect attack from the inside out. It is far more effective than surface dipping or painting.
- Produced from FSC-certified timber: Our timber is sourced from sustainably managed forests, giving you confidence that your fence panels are an environmentally responsible choice.
- Backed by our guarantee: Standard panels carry a 10-year guarantee, and our PermaTimber® posts carry a 15-year guarantee against fungal decay and wood-destroying insects.
With over 80 years of expertise in timber and fencing, we supply homeowners, landscapers, and contractors across the UK from our branches and via nationwide delivery.
Frequently asked questions
How long do fence panels last?
A good quality pressure-treated wooden fence panel, correctly installed with proper posts and gravel boards, will typically last between 10 and 20 years. The exact lifespan depends on the quality of the treatment, the site’s exposure, and the condition of the installation.
What is the most popular fence panel in the UK?
The lap fence panel is by far the most widely sold style in the UK, thanks to its combination of traditional appearance, solid privacy, and accessible price. Closeboard panels are the most popular choice where strength and wind resistance are the priority.
Can I get fence panels delivered nationwide?
Yes. Walford Timber offers nationwide delivery across the UK mainland on all fence panels and fencing products. Delivery costs and timescales are calculated at checkout based on your postcode and order size.
Do I need planning permission for a 6ft fence?
In most cases, no. In England, fences up to 2 metres (approximately 6ft 6in) are permitted on most residential boundaries without planning permission. However, restrictions apply in conservation areas and for listed buildings. Always check with your local planning authority if you are uncertain.
Ready to choose your fence panels?
Browse the complete range of wooden fence panels at Walford Timber. From traditional lap and closeboard panels to contemporary Premier slatted screens, all our panels are manufactured in Britain, pressure-treated, and delivered nationwide. If you need advice on which panel is right for your project, contact our team, and we will be happy to help.
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