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Close board fencing

Close board is what we recommend to most homeowners who want a fence to last. It is built on site from feather edge boards fixed to arris rails, rather than dropped in as a prefabricated panel.

Why close board outlasts panels

A panel is a factory-made unit sized to a standard bay. A close board fence is a structure: posts, arris rails, gravel board, then overlapping vertical boards nailed on individually. There is far more timber in it and far more fixing, so it resists wind, impact and being leant on.

It also follows ground contours. On a sloping garden, close board can be scribed to the ground line so there is no stepped gap underneath — something panels cannot do.

Typical specification

Concrete or timber posts, two or three arris rails depending on height, a concrete or timber gravel board, pressure-treated feather edge boards, and a capping rail to keep water off the end grain.

  • Heights from 0.9m up to 1.8m (2m with a topper, subject to permitted heights)
  • Concrete posts and gravel boards for longest life
  • Capping rail to protect board ends
  • Individual boards replaceable if one is damaged

Frequently asked questions

Is close board more expensive than panels?
Yes, typically noticeably more per metre, because there is more material and far more labour. It generally lasts considerably longer, so cost per year is often lower.
Can close board follow a sloping garden?
Yes. That is one of its main advantages — the boards can be cut to follow the ground rather than stepping.

Get a free written fencing estimate

Tell us the length of the boundary and what you want it to do. We will give you an itemised price with the old fence removal included.