Horizontal slatted fencing has become one of the most popular modern garden fencing styles in the UK. Its clean lines, contemporary appearance, and ability to balance privacy with airflow make it a favourite for homeowners, landscapers, and garden designers alike.

Whether you are creating a modern garden boundary, screening a patio area, or upgrading tired fencing, a horizontal slatted fence can completely transform your outdoor space.

In this guide, we will explain exactly how to build a horizontal slatted fence, including the materials you need, recommended spacing, post options, installation methods, and how to achieve a professional finish that lasts.

If you are looking for ready-to-install materials, browse our range of horizontal slatted fencing products here:

• Slatted Fence Panels
• Fence Posts
• Concrete Fence Posts
• Wooden Fence Posts

Why Choose Horizontal Slatted Fencing?

Horizontal slatted fencing offers a completely different look compared to traditional overlap or closeboard fence panels.

Benefits include:

• Modern architectural appearance
• Improved airflow compared to solid fencing
• Partial privacy without making the garden feel enclosed
• Ideal for contemporary landscaping projects
• Works well with decking, patios, pergolas, and rendered walls
• Can be built as fully bespoke fencing or using pre-made panels

This style is particularly popular in new-build gardens and outdoor entertaining spaces where appearance matters just as much as practicality.

What Timber Should You Use?

Choosing the correct timber is one of the most important parts of building a durable slatted fence.

Most horizontal slatted fencing is built using:

Planed Softwood Battens

Smooth-planed timber creates the cleanest modern finish and is the most common option for residential gardens.

Pressure Treated Timber

Always choose pressure-treated timber for outdoor fencing. This protects against:

• Rot
• Fungal decay
• Moisture damage
• Insect attack

Recommended Slat Sizes

Popular sizes include:

• Planed Battening 3.6m x 47mm x 22mm PAR Treated Green

You can also explore our timber ranges here:

• Timber Rails
• PAR – Planed All Round Timber 

What Fence Posts Should You Use?

Your fence is only as strong as the posts supporting it.

There are two main options:

Wooden Fence Posts

Wooden posts provide a softer, more natural appearance and are ideal for modern timber fencing projects.

Advantages:

• More seamless appearance
• Easier to screw directly into
• Popular for residential gardens

Recommended sizes:

• 100mm x 100mm timber posts
• UC4 pressure-treated posts for ground contact

Browse:

• Wooden Fence Posts

Concrete Fence Posts

Concrete posts offer maximum durability and longevity.

Advantages:

• Extremely long-lasting
• Rot-proof
• Excellent for exposed or windy gardens
• Lower long-term maintenance

Browse:

• Concrete Fence Posts

What Spacing Should You Leave Between Slats?

Spacing dramatically affects both privacy and appearance.

Common spacing options include:

For most gardens, a 15mm–25mm spacing creates the best balance between style and privacy.

Using a spacer block during installation helps maintain perfectly even gaps.

Materials You Will Need

Typical materials include:

• Horizontal timber slats
• Fence posts
• Postcrete
• screws
• Spirit level
• Tape measure
• String line
• Mitre saw, or circular saw
• Drill/driver

Recommended accessories:

• Postcrete & Aggregates
• Timber Screws

Step-by-Step: How To Build a Horizontal Slatted Fence

1. Plan Your Fence Layout

Start by measuring the total fence run.

Mark:

• Post positions
• Gate openings
• Corners
• Ground-level changes

Most fence bays are spaced around:

• 1.8m centres
• 2.4m centres

Smaller spans generally create a stronger fence.

2. Install The Fence Posts

Dig post holes approximately:

• 600mm deep minimum
• Wider for taller fences or exposed locations

Use a string line to keep posts perfectly aligned.

Secure posts using:

• Concrete
• Or fast-setting Postcrete

Recommended:

• Postcrete

Allow posts to fully set before fitting slats.

3. Fit Horizontal Support Rails

Most slatted fences use vertical battens or rails fixed between posts first.

These provide the framework for attaching horizontal slats.

Typically:

• 2 rails for lower fencing
• 3 rails for taller fencing

Ensure rails are level before continuing.

4. Attach The Horizontal Slats

Start at the bottom and work upwards.

Use spacer blocks to maintain consistent gaps.

Important tips:

• Pre-drill timber where necessary
• Use exterior-grade screws
• Check levels regularly
• Keep slats perfectly parallel

For a premium look:

• Hide fixings where possible
• Use black screws for contrast
• Ensure all slats are cut consistently

5. Add Finishing Touches

To complete the fence:

• Sand rough edges
• Apply protective treatment if required
• Fit matching gates
• Add lighting or landscaping

Matching products:

• Garden Gates
• Decking Supplies

Should You Build From Scratch Or Buy Ready-Made Panels?

Build From Scratch

Best for:

• Custom sizing
• Unique spacing
• Bespoke garden designs

Ready-Made Slatted Panels

Best for:

• Faster installation
• Consistent appearance
• Easier DIY fitting

Browse ready-made options:

• Decorative & Slatted Fence Panels

How Long Does Horizontal Slatted Fencing Last?

A properly installed pressure-treated slatted fence can last:

• 10–15+ years with timber posts
• Even longer with concrete or steel posts

Lifespan depends on:

• Ground contact
• Timber quality
• Drainage
• Exposure to weather
• Ongoing maintenance

Using quality materials is critical for long-term durability.

Is Horizontal Slatted Fencing Good For Wind?

Yes, horizontal slatted fencing can perform very well in windy areas because the gaps allow air to pass through the structure.

Compared to solid fence panels, slatted fencing often experiences:

• Reduced wind resistance
• Less strain on posts
• Lower risk of storm damage

For exposed gardens:

• Use stronger posts
• Reduce post spacing
• Install deeper footings

Related Guides

You may also find these helpful:

• Installing Residential Fencing: A Beginner’s Guide
• Factors To Consider When Choosing The Right Fence For You
• The Types of Fence Panels To Choose From For Your Garden

Shop Horizontal Slatted Fencing Materials

At Clarke Fencing, we supply a wide range of fencing materials suitable for modern horizontal slatted fencing projects, including:

• Decorative slatted fence panels
• Timber battens and rails
• Wooden fence posts
• Concrete fence posts
• Postcrete and fixings
• Matching gates and landscaping products

Whether you are building a fully bespoke slatted fence or installing ready-made decorative panels, our team can help you choose the right materials for your project.

The post How To Build a Horizontal Slatted Fence – A DIY Guide appeared first on Clarke Fencing.

Railway sleepers are one of the most popular landscaping materials for building raised beds, retaining walls, steps, and garden borders. But the strength of any sleeper project comes down to one thing: how well it’s fixed together.

Using the correct railway sleeper brackets and fixings ensures your structure stays solid, safe, and long-lasting, especially when dealing with soil pressure or stacked builds.

In this guide, we’ll break down the main types of sleeper fixings available, including flat plates, corner plates, pins, and T posts, and explain exactly when and how to use them.

Flat Sleeper Plates

Flat Sleeper Joining Plate

Galvanised Sleeper Joining Plate

What are they?

Flat steel plates used to join sleepers together in a straight line.

Best used for

• Garden edging
• Straight runs of sleepers
• Low-level retaining
• Extending sleeper lengths

Why use them

Flat plates are the simplest way to connect two sleepers horizontally, keeping everything aligned and secure.

They’re ideal for:

• Decorative borders
• Path edging
• Non-structural builds

For anything taller or load-bearing, you’ll want to combine these with pins or posts.

Corner Sleeper Plates

Galvanised Sleeper angle bracket

Sleeper Fixed with Angle bracket

What are they

90-degree steel brackets designed to fix sleepers together at corners.

Best used for

• Raised beds
• Planters
• Sleeper steps
• Box structures

Why use them

Corner plates provide essential structural strength at joints, preventing movement or separation over time.

If you’re building any kind of square or rectangular sleeper structure, these are a must.

Straight Sleeper Pins (Single & Double Height)

Single Sleeper Fixing Pin – Galvanised

Double Sleeper Fixing Pin – Olive Green

What are they

Heavy-duty steel pins driven through or alongside sleepers into the ground.

Best used for

• Securing sleepers to the ground
• Preventing movement
• Low retaining walls
• Edging and borders

Why use them

Flat pins provide ground anchoring, stopping sleepers from shifting over time.

They are especially useful when:

• Fixing the first course of sleepers
• Working on soil or soft ground
• Adding extra reinforcement to plate-fixed joins

Corner Pins (Single & Double Height)

Single Sleeper Corner Pin – Galvanised

Double Sleeper Corner Pin – Olive Green

What are they

Reinforced steel pins designed for corners, available in sizes to suit:

• Single sleeper height
• Two sleepers high (stacked builds)

Best used for

• Retaining wall corners
• Multi-layer sleeper builds
• High-load areas

Why use them

Corners are the weakest point in any sleeper structure. Corner pins provide:

• Deep ground anchoring
• Vertical stability across multiple sleepers
• Resistance against soil pressure

If you’re building anything over one sleeper high, these become essential.

Sleeper T Posts (DuraPost® System)

1500mm Sleeper T Post Fixed to Sleepers

1200mm Sleeper T Post – Galvanised

What are they

The DuraPost® Sleeper T Post is a modern steel solution designed to secure sleepers vertically with maximum strength and durability.

Key features

• Cold-rolled structural steel for high strength
• Magnelis® coating for advanced corrosion resistance
• Patented T-shaped design for superior support
• Pre-drilled 9mm holes for fast installation
• Compatible with SITEMATE® timber screws

Best used for

• Retaining walls
• Raised beds
• Garden borders
• Structural sleeper builds

Why use them

T posts offer a more engineered, long-term solution compared to traditional pins.

They:

• Provide consistent spacing and alignment
• Deliver superior strength in retaining applications
• Speed up installation with pre-drilled fixings
• Work with both reclaimed and new sleepers

This is the go-to option for professional landscapers or high-end garden builds where longevity matters.

Which Sleeper Fixings Should You Use?

Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Flat plates → Straight joins (low load)
• Corner plates → Corners in raised beds and planters
• Flat pins → Ground anchoring and basic support
• Corner pins → Reinforced corners and stacked sleepers
• T posts → Heavy-duty, long-term structural builds

In most real-world projects, you’ll use a combination of all of these railway sleeper brackets.

Installation Tips for Best Results

• Always start with a solid, level base
• Use pins or posts to anchor the first layer
• Combine plates + pins for maximum strength
• Use galvanised or coated fixings to prevent rust
• Add drainage behind retaining walls to reduce pressure

Materials You May Also Need

To complete your sleeper project, consider:

• Railway Sleepers
• Postcrete
• Hex Head Timber Screws
• Aggregates

Final Thoughts

Railway sleeper brackets and fixings are what turn a simple stack of timber into a strong, reliable structure.

Whether you’re building a small raised bed or a full retaining wall, choosing the right combination of:

• Plates
• Pins
• Posts

…will ensure your project stands the test of time.

If you’re unsure what you need, it’s always better to over-spec your fixings than risk movement later.

Learn How to Build with Railway Sleepers

Now that you understand the different types of railway sleeper brackets and how they’re used, the next step is putting that knowledge into practice.

If you’re planning a structural project, such as a retaining wall, it’s important to consider factors like drainage, ground preparation, and reinforcement. Our full step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know, including materials, layout, and installation techniques to ensure a long-lasting build.

👉 Read our full guide:
How to Build a Railway Sleeper Retaining Wall

Alternatively, if you’re working on a simpler garden project like a planter or border, raised beds are one of the easiest and most effective ways to use sleepers in your garden.

👉 Follow our step-by-step guide here:
How to Make a Raised Bed with Railway Sleepers

The post Railway Sleeper Brackets Explained: Flat Plates, Pins & T Posts appeared first on Clarke Fencing.

0.9m High Square Horizontal Panels

1.8m High Superior Double Slatted Panels

Decorative fence panels have become an increasingly popular option for homeowners looking to improve both the appearance and functionality of their garden boundaries. While traditional fencing panels are designed primarily for privacy and security, decorative panels offer an attractive alternative that combines practical fencing with modern design.

By incorporating different patterns, textures and finishes, decorative panels can transform what would normally be a simple boundary fence into an important feature of the garden landscape.

At Clarke Fencing, we supply a wide range of decorative garden panels designed to suit both modern and traditional outdoor spaces. Whether you are updating tired fencing, redesigning your garden, or installing fencing around a new property, decorative panels provide a durable and visually appealing solution.

This guide explains everything you need to know about decorative fence panels, including panel styles, sizing differences, installation tips and how to ensure your fence lasts for many years.

What Are Decorative Fence Panels?

Decorative fence panels are timber fencing panels designed with aesthetic features that enhance the visual appeal of garden boundaries. Unlike traditional lap panels, which use overlapping featheredge boards purely for strength and privacy, decorative panels incorporate design elements that make the fencing itself part of the garden design.

Decorative fencing can include features such as:

• Horizontal slatted boards

• Vertical slatted designs

• Tongue and groove boards

• Diagonal or woven patterns

• Lattice or trellis tops

• Arched panel designs

These panels still perform the core functions of garden fencing, providing privacy, security and boundary definition, but they also add architectural interest and texture to the garden.

Because of their versatility, decorative fence panels are often used in landscaped gardens, modern outdoor spaces and properties where appearance is just as important as practicality.

Popular Types of Decorative Fence Panels

Decorative panels are available in a variety of styles, each offering a slightly different balance between privacy, airflow and visual design.

Horizontal Slatted Fence Panels

Horizontal slatted panels have become one of the most popular decorative fencing styles in recent years. The evenly spaced timber slats create a contemporary look that suits modern garden designs.

1.8m Single Slatted Panel

0.9m Single Slatted Panel

These panels allow light and air to pass through the fence while still providing a defined boundary. This can help make smaller gardens feel more open while still maintaining separation between neighbouring properties.

Horizontal slatted panels are commonly used in contemporary garden designs and are often paired with modern landscaping features such as decking, porcelain paving, and raised beds.

Tongue and Groove Decorative Panels

Tongue and groove panels use interlocking boards that slot together tightly to form a solid surface.

1.8m Tongue & Groove Panel

This design provides excellent privacy and strength while maintaining a clean and premium finish. Because there are no gaps between boards, tongue and groove panels are often used where full screening is required.

They are also popular in gardens where homeowners want fencing that looks more refined than traditional overlap panels.

Woven Fence Panels

Woven fence panels feature timber strips interwoven together to create a textured pattern.

1.8m Premium Woven Fence Panel

This style provides a softer, more traditional look compared with modern slatted fencing. Woven panels are particularly well suited to cottage gardens and natural landscaping styles where a more organic appearance is preferred.

The woven structure also adds depth and character to the fence line, helping the fencing blend naturally with surrounding plants and garden features.

Trellis Topped Decorative Panels

Many decorative panels incorporate trellis or lattice sections along the top.

1.8m Tongue and Groove Lattice Top

These sections allow additional light to pass through while still maintaining privacy in the lower part of the fence. Trellis sections can also reduce the visual impact of tall fencing, helping the boundary feel less imposing.

One of the biggest advantages of trellis panels is their ability to support climbing plants. Plants such as clematis, climbing roses and honeysuckle can grow through the trellis, gradually transforming the fence into a living feature of the garden.

Decorative Fence Panel Sizes Explained

One important difference between decorative fence panels and traditional fence panels is the panel width.

Traditional garden fence panels in the UK are typically manufactured to 1.83 m wide, which is equivalent to the traditional 6 ft fencing bay.

However, many decorative panels are manufactured to metric sizing, which means they are usually 1.8 m wide rather than 1.83 m.

Although the difference between 1.8 m and 1.83 m is small, it becomes noticeable when installing panels between standard posts designed for 6 ft fence bays.

Why Decorative Panels Are 1.8 m Wide

Decorative panels are often produced using metric measurements, particularly when they are manufactured using modern European-style fencing systems.

Because of this, the standard decorative panel width is 1.8 m, which is slightly narrower than the traditional 1.83 m fencing bay used in older UK fencing systems.

When installing decorative panels between standard posts, this small difference can leave a gap between the panel and the post if it is not addressed during installation.

Using Fence Panel Extenders

To solve the width difference between 1.8 m decorative panels and 1.83 m fence bays, Clarke Fencing supplies fence panel extenders.

These extenders are designed to bridge the gap and ensure the panel fits securely between posts.

Typically, the extenders add approximately:

14 mm on each side of the panel

This allows the panel to reach the full width required for standard fencing bays and align correctly with gravel boards and posts.

Using panel extenders helps ensure that:

• Decorative panels sit securely within the posts

• The fence remains structurally stable

• Panels line up neatly with gravel boards

• The installation looks clean and professional

Without these extenders, panels may move within the posts or appear misaligned, which can reduce the strength and appearance of the fence.

Installing Decorative Fence Panels

Installing decorative fence panels follows a similar process to installing standard garden fencing, although attention should be paid to the panel width.

Step 1: Install Fence Posts

Fence posts should be installed first to create the framework for the fence line. Posts can be timber or concrete depending on the installation method and desired appearance.

Posts should be spaced to suit the panel width and installed securely using concrete or postcrete.

Step 2: Install Gravel Boards

Gravel boards should be installed at the base of the fence to lift the panels off the ground.

This prevents direct contact between the timber panels and soil, helping to reduce moisture absorption and extend the lifespan of the fence.

Step 3: Insert Panel Extenders

If using 1.8 m decorative panels between standard posts, panel extenders should be fitted to each side of the panel before installation.

These extenders ensure the panel fits securely within the fencing bay.

Step 4: Install the Fence Panel

Once the posts and gravel boards are in place, the panel can be lowered into position between the posts.

The panel should sit securely on top of the gravel board and be fully supported by the posts on either side.

Decorative Fence Panels vs Traditional Fence Panels

When choosing between decorative and traditional fence panels, it is important to consider both the functional and aesthetic requirements of your garden.

Traditional lap panels remain popular for basic garden boundaries, while decorative panels are often chosen for gardens where appearance and landscaping design are important.

How Decorative Fencing Enhances Garden Design

Decorative fencing can significantly improve the overall appearance of a garden.

Instead of acting purely as a boundary, decorative panels can become part of the landscape design. When combined with other garden features such as decking, raised beds, pergolas, and outdoor seating areas, decorative fencing can help create a cohesive outdoor space.

Many modern gardens now treat fencing as an architectural feature rather than just a functional barrier.

Decorative Fence Panels from Clarke Fencing

For over 40 years, Clarke Fencing has been supplying fencing materials to homeowners and trade customers across Suffolk and East Anglia.

As an independent family-run business, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality fencing products alongside friendly advice and reliable service.

Our decorative fence panel range includes a wide selection of modern and traditional styles designed to suit a variety of garden layouts.

Customers can browse our full range of fencing materials online or visit our Stowmarket yard, where our experienced team can help you choose the right materials for your project.

In addition to decorative fencing, we also supply:

• Fence panels

• Fence posts

• Gravel boards

• Gates

• Decking

• Landscaping supplies

Everything required to complete your garden fencing project can be sourced in one place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are decorative fence panels 1.8 m wide instead of 1.83 m?

Many decorative fence panels are manufactured using metric measurements rather than traditional imperial sizes. As a result, decorative panels are typically produced at 1.8 m wide, which is slightly narrower than the traditional 1.83 m (6 ft) fencing bay.

How do you fit 1.8 m decorative panels between standard fence posts?

To fit decorative panels into a standard fencing bay, panel extenders can be used. These extenders add around 15 mm on each side of the panel, allowing it to fit securely between posts designed for 1.83 m fence panels.

Are decorative fence panels strong?

Yes. Decorative fence panels are built using strong timber frames and quality boards designed for outdoor use. While their design focuses on appearance, they still provide reliable garden boundary fencing.

Do decorative fence panels provide privacy?

Some decorative panels offer full privacy, particularly tongue-and-groove panels. Others, such as slatted panels, provide partial screening while allowing more light and airflow into the garden.

Can decorative fence panels be used with concrete posts?

Yes. Decorative fence panels can be installed using either timber posts or concrete posts, depending on your preferred installation method.

How long do decorative fence panels last?

With proper installation and maintenance, pressure-treated decorative fence panels can typically around 10 years. Using gravel boards and keeping panels clear of soil contact can significantly extend their lifespan.

The post Decorative Fence Panels: A Complete Guide to Modern Garden Fencing appeared first on Clarke Fencing.

Lap fence panels, often referred to as waney lap fence panels, are one of the most widely used garden fencing solutions in the UK. Known for their practicality, affordability and traditional timber appearance, these panels provide a reliable way to create secure and private garden boundaries.

The design of waney lap fencing uses overlapping featheredge boards fixed to a timber frame. This construction method creates a strong and durable panel that performs well in British weather conditions while maintaining a natural timber look that blends easily into most garden environments.

Lap fence panels are commonly used for a wide range of applications including garden boundaries, landscaping projects and property perimeter fencing. They offer a balance between strength, privacy and cost effectiveness which makes them one of the most popular fencing choices for homeowners.

Whether you are replacing old fence panels or installing a new garden fence, waney lap panels provide a simple and dependable fencing solution that suits both traditional and modern outdoor spaces.

What Are Waney Lap Fence Panels?

Lapped Fence Panel

Lap Fence Panel Run

Waney lap fence panels are constructed using horizontal overlapping timber boards, usually made from featheredge boards, fixed across a supporting timber frame.

The name “waney lap” comes from the overlapping board design. Each board sits slightly over the one below it, creating a layered structure that improves strength and helps water run off the panel.

This style of fencing is also sometimes referred to as:

• Lap fence panels

• Overlap fence panels

• Waney lap panels

• Horizontal lap panels

Although the terminology varies, all of these terms generally refer to the same style of traditional garden fencing.

The overlapping board design offers several practical advantages. It provides strong privacy screening, helps protect the fence from weather exposure and allows the panels to flex slightly during strong winds. This flexibility helps reduce the risk of damage compared with completely rigid fencing systems.

Because of their simple construction and proven reliability, waney lap fence panels have remained a popular fencing choice across the UK for many decades.

Benefits of Lap Fence Panels

There are several key reasons why lap fence panels continue to be one of the most popular fencing styles for domestic gardens.

Excellent Privacy for Gardens

Privacy is one of the main reasons homeowners install fencing around their property.

6ft Lapped Fence Panel

Waney lap fence panels use tightly overlapping boards which create a solid barrier that helps prevent visibility through the fence. This makes them ideal for back gardens where homeowners want to create a more private outdoor environment.

A well installed lap fence allows you to enjoy your garden space without feeling overlooked by neighbouring properties or nearby public areas. This makes it easier to relax outdoors, entertain guests or spend time with family.

Improved Property Security

Garden fencing also plays an important role in improving the security of your property.

Lap fence panels create a defined boundary that helps discourage unwanted access to your garden. When installed with strong fence posts and suitable fixings, they form a durable perimeter fence that helps protect your outdoor space.

For households with children or pets, fencing also helps keep them safely within the garden area while preventing them from wandering outside the property.

Durable and Weather Resistant

Outdoor fencing must be able to withstand constant exposure to the elements.

Lap fence panels are usually manufactured from pressure treated timber, which helps protect the wood from rot, fungal decay and insect damage. This treatment process helps extend the lifespan of the fence and ensures the timber remains strong when used outdoors.

The overlapping board design also helps rainwater run down the face of the panel rather than sitting on the timber. This improves durability and reduces the risk of moisture damage over time.

When installed properly with suitable fence posts and gravel boards, waney lap panels can provide many years of reliable garden fencing.

Protection from Wind and Weather

A well constructed fence can also provide valuable protection against strong winds and harsh weather conditions.

Lap fence panels act as a windbreak which helps reduce wind exposure within the garden. This can help protect plants, garden furniture and other outdoor structures from damage.

The overlapping board construction provides strength while still allowing the panel to flex slightly under wind pressure. This flexibility helps prevent panels from cracking or snapping during storms.

For gardens that are exposed to strong winds, this design feature is particularly beneficial.

Traditional Timber Appearance

Waney lap fencing provides a natural timber appearance that works well in a wide range of garden styles.

The simple overlapping board design creates a classic look that blends easily with plants, lawns and landscaping features. This makes lap fencing suitable for both modern and traditional gardens.

Unlike some decorative fencing styles that focus heavily on design, waney lap panels offer a balance between practicality and appearance. They provide effective garden boundaries while maintaining a natural outdoor aesthetic.

How Long Do Lap Fence Panels Last?

One of the most common questions homeowners ask when choosing fencing is how long the panels will last.

Pressure treated lap fence panels typically last 10 years, depending on several factors including installation quality, exposure to moisture and general maintenance.

The lifespan of your fence can be improved by installing the panels correctly and using suitable supporting materials.

For example, installing gravel boards beneath the fence panels helps lift the timber off the ground and prevents direct contact with damp soil. This significantly reduces the risk of rot and helps extend the life of the fence.

Regularly checking your fence for damage and ensuring posts remain secure will also help keep your fencing in good condition for longer.

Are Waney Lap Fence Panels Strong?

Waney lap fence panels are designed to provide reliable strength for most domestic garden boundaries.

The layered featheredge board construction creates a strong panel while allowing a small amount of flexibility during strong winds. This flexibility helps absorb pressure and reduces the risk of structural damage.

When installed using strong fence posts and secure fixings, lap panels provide a dependable fencing solution for most residential gardens.

However, for projects where maximum strength is required, heavier duty fencing such as closeboard panels may sometimes be recommended.

For the majority of garden installations though, waney lap panels offer more than enough durability.

Can Lap Fence Panels Be Installed with Concrete Posts?

Yes, lap fence panels can be installed using either timber fence posts or concrete fence posts.

Both installation methods are commonly used and each offers its own advantages.

Concrete posts are extremely durable and resistant to rot, making them a long lasting choice for fencing installations. They are often used with slotted fencing systems where the panels slide directly into the post grooves.

Timber fence posts provide a more natural appearance which can complement the look of waney lap panels very well. However, timber posts must be pressure treated and installed correctly to ensure long term performance.

Whichever option you choose, posts should always be securely fixed into the ground using concrete or post mix to ensure the fence remains stable.

Materials Needed to Install Lap Fence Panels

To build a strong and long lasting fence, lap panels should be installed alongside suitable supporting materials.

Fence Posts

Fence posts provide the structural support for the entire fence system. They must be securely fixed into the ground to keep the panels stable and upright.

Suitable options include both timber fence posts and concrete fence posts depending on the preferred installation method.

Gravel Boards

Gravel boards are installed along the base of the fence to prevent the timber panels from sitting directly on the ground.

This helps protect the panels from moisture and significantly increases the lifespan of the fence.

Gravel boards also protect panels from accidental damage caused by lawn mowers and garden maintenance equipment.

Fence Panel Clips or Brackets

Panel clips or brackets are used to secure fence panels firmly to the posts.

These fixings help keep the panels stable and prevent movement during strong winds.

Using the correct fixings ensures the fence remains strong and secure for many years.

Clarke Fencing – Trusted Fencing Specialists

For nearly 40 years Clarke Fencing has supplied high quality fencing materials and timber products to customers across Suffolk and East Anglia.

As an independent family run business, we take pride in offering reliable products, practical advice and friendly service to both homeowners and trade professionals.

Our fencing range includes everything needed for a complete installation including fence panels, posts, gravel boards, gates and fencing accessories.

Customers can browse our full range online or visit our yard in Stowmarket where our experienced team is always happy to help with product advice and recommendations.

Whether you are installing a new garden boundary or replacing old fencing, Clarke Fencing provides the materials and expertise to help you get the job done properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are waney lap fence panels?

Waney lap fence panels are traditional garden fence panels made using overlapping featheredge boards fixed to a timber frame. The overlapping design creates a strong and durable panel that provides effective privacy screening.

How long do lap fence panels last?

Pressure treated lap fence panels typically last around 10 years, depending on installation conditions and maintenance.

Are lap fence panels strong enough for garden fencing?

Yes. Lap fence panels are designed to provide reliable strength for most domestic garden boundaries when installed with suitable posts and fixings.

What is the difference between lap panels and closeboard panels?

Lap panels use overlapping featheredge boards fixed to a frame, while closeboard panels use vertically fixed featheredge boards attached to horizontal rails. Closeboard fencing is generally heavier duty but also more expensive.

Can lap fence panels be installed with concrete posts?

Yes. Lap panels can be installed with either timber or concrete fence posts depending on the preferred installation method.

The post Lap Fence Panels: Benefits, Lifespan and Installation appeared first on Clarke Fencing.

Chicken wire fencing is one of the most versatile and cost-effective ways to create boundaries, protect gardens, or build poultry enclosures. Whether you’re fencing off a vegetable patch, creating a chicken run, or marking out land, the basic system remains the same:

Posts, optional rails, wire netting, and fixings.

In this guide, we walk through each component and explain how they work together to form a strong, practical wire fencing system.

Step 1: Setting Your Posts

Every good fence starts with solid foundations.

Machine round pointed stakes or posts are commonly used because they’re quick to install and provide reliable support for wire fencing systems. The pointed ends allow posts to be driven directly into softer ground, while larger diameter posts offer greater stability for longer runs or taller fences.

Machine Round Pointed Stake

A popular choice for chicken wire fencing is a 1.8m × 75mm machine round pointed post, driven or set to a recommended depth of 600mm (2ft). This leaves approximately 1.2m above ground, which provides a good balance of stability and fence height for poultry enclosures.

For longer service life, applying post saver sleeves to ground-contact posts is strongly recommended, as this helps resist rot at soil level.

Recommended post spacing for Chicken Wire Fencing

• Typically 1.8m (6ft) centres

Corner and end posts take the most load, so ensure these are installed firmly. Posts can either be driven in or dug and set with postmix depending on ground conditions and fence strength requirements.

Step 2 (Optional): Adding Wooden Fence Rails

Once posts are in place, you can choose to add wooden fencing rails. Rails act as fixing points for your wire netting and help distribute tension evenly along the fence line.

For a common chicken fence height of around 1.2m, rails are usually fitted at the top and bottom, depending on the height of netting being used.

Popular options include:

3.66m x 100mm Half Round Fence Rail

87mm x 38mm Timber Fence Rail

Rails significantly improve rigidity, especially on longer runs, and provide multiple fixing points for staples. For fences over 900mm (3ft), adding a middle rail spaced evenly between top and bottom is recommended.

Using rails makes installation easier and results in a stronger, neater finish.

Step 3: Choosing the Right Wire Netting

Chicken wire comes in different mesh sizes depending on what you’re fencing, The most common and standard mesh size for chicken fencing is 25mm (1 Inch) Hexagonal Wire Netting

25mm Pre-Galvanised Chicken Wire

Smaller meshes are ideal for poultry and small animals, while larger meshes suit garden boundaries and general-purpose fencing. Often referred to as chicken wire or poultry netting, pre-galvanised hexagonal wire netting is flexible, easy to handle, and suitable for a wide range of outdoor projects.

Roll the netting out along your fence line, pull it tight against the rails or posts, and prepare to fix it in place.

How to Cut Chicken Wire guide.

Step 4: Fixing with Galvanised Netting Staples

Galvanised netting staples are used to secure wire netting directly to timber posts and rails.

Galvanised Cut Point Staples

Staples are hammered over the wire and into the wood, holding everything firmly in position. Using galvanised fixings helps protect against rust and ensures your fence lasts longer outdoors.

Staples are available in various sizes and bag weights, allowing you to choose the right option depending on rail thickness and project size.

Work methodically along each rail, spacing staples evenly to prevent sagging and keep tension consistent.

Fixing Chicken Wire Direct to Posts vs Using Rails

Option 1: Fix wire directly to posts

For lighter-duty fencing or shorter runs, wire netting can be fixed straight to the posts using galvanised cut point staples. This is quicker and uses fewer materials but provides less rigidity.

Option 2: Fix rails first, then attach wire

For stronger, longer-lasting fences, install wooden rails between posts and fix the wire to the rails instead. This spreads tension across the fence line, reduces movement, and gives a cleaner, more professional finish.

Rails are especially recommended for:

• Longer fence runs

• Taller fencing

• Permanent installations

• Areas exposed to wind or livestock pressure

Typical Uses for Wire Fencing

Chicken Wire Stapled on to Half Round Rails

Wire Mesh Fencing with Machine Round Posts

This type of fencing system is widely used for:

• Garden boundaries and plant protection

• Chicken runs and poultry enclosures

• Light agricultural fencing

• Landscaping projects

• General outdoor and DIY applications

Its flexibility makes it ideal for both trade and domestic customers.

Final Thoughts

A strong wire netting fence isn’t about one product, it’s about using the right combination:

• Machine round pointed posts for support

• Treated wooden fence rails for structure

• Wire netting for containment

• Galvanised staples for secure fixing

When installed correctly, this simple system creates a durable, practical fence suitable for countless outdoor applications.

If you’re planning a project, make sure you have all components ready before starting. It saves time on site and ensures a cleaner, stronger result.

You can also read our guide on how to cut chicken wire for clean edges and easier installation.

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Garden Fence Types Explained 

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