Choosing the Right Garden Fence: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know

Your expert guide from Clarke Fencing

When it comes to refreshing your garden boundary, the options can feel overwhelming. That’s why at Clarke Fencing we believe in giving homeowners, landscapers and trade customers the clear, practical advice they need — so you can choose with confidence, install with ease and enjoy your fence for years to come.

In this guide we’ll cover:

What factors to consider when selecting a fence
The common panel types and their strengths
Post, rail and support recommendations (so your fence lasts)
Why maintenance matters (and what you can do)
How Clarke Fencing supports your project from start to finish

1. What to think about before you buy

Scope, site and budget

Start by defining your boundary: where will the fence go, what is the ground like (flat, sloped, undulating), and what is your budget?

Think about the purpose of your fence: privacy, security, decorative, or a mix.
Consider site access: will you be able to deliver panels and materials easily?
Factor in support structure: posts, rails, gravel boards, concrete fixings — these often add more cost than you expect.
Check for planning or neighbour boundary issues (especially if your boundary is close to a public path or shared with a neighbour).

Longevity & durability

A great fence isn’t just about looks on day one: it’s about lasting performance over many seasons.

Choose pressure-treated timber or certified concrete posts to avoid rot, moisture and tree-root issues.
Select gravel boards or raised bases to protect timber panels from ground moisture.
Ensure posts are correctly sized and set (buried deep enough, fixed solidly) to prevent leaning, warping or failure in wind.

Matching your style

You’ll want the fence to complement your garden and home. Do you prefer a crisp contemporary look, a classic cottage-style picket, or something more decorative? At Clarke Fencing we stock everything from rustic lap panels to decorative European designs — so you can match both function and style.

2. Popular fence panel types — and how to Choose the Right Garden Fence

Close-board panels

A favourite for privacy and durability. Strong timber boards framed with support stays, often capped for a neat finish. At Clarke Fencing we recommend this when you need a solid boundary that lasts. (See our article here on “Boundaries and Garden Fence Ideas”.) clarkefencing.co.uk
Pros: excellent privacy, better wind-resistance, can be fitted with concrete or wooden posts.
Cons: higher cost than simple lap panels; more timber means more maintenance if left untreated.

Lap (or overlapping) panels

A traditional choice with a good balance of cost and aesthetics. Timber boards overlap for privacy and weather-defence.
Pros: cost-effective, good for most suburban gardens.
Cons: may not offer quite as much wind resistance or duration as premium close-board.

Picket or decorative panels

Ideal if you’re creating an attractive front garden, defining a zone in the garden, or want something less “heavy”. Decorative panels or picket fences provide charm and character.
Pros: high visual appeal, suits patios, feature walls, or children’s gardens.
Cons: less privacy, less wind protection, may need more maintenance.

Choosing the right panel for you

Ask yourself:

Do I need full privacy (close-board) or partial (lap/picket)?
How much wind and weather will this face?
What is the access for installation?
How much maintenance can I handle (or want to pay for)?
Do I want matching gate(s) and accessories for a coherent look?

3. Posts, rails and supports – get them right

Even the best panels will under-perform if the supporting structure is weak. Here at Clarke Fencing we recommend:

For standard garden panels (up to 1.8 m high) ensure posts are buried at least 600 mm into the ground.
Choose between wooden fence posts and concrete posts — wooden posts look great and are traditional; concrete offers outstanding durability and low maintenance.
Use gravel boards (either concrete or composite) under panels to separate timber from the ground and prevent moisture-driven rot. (Mentioned in our “Boundaries and Garden Fence Ideas” blog.) clarkefencing.co.uk
Make sure rails (if used) are strong, correctly sized, and fixed securely.

A quick installation tip

Mark your post positions carefully, dig or form holes deep enough (and wide enough), insert the posts plumb and fix them securely (with concrete or post-mix), then attach the panels or rails. A well-set post gives the fence its backbone.

4. Maintenance matters

A strong fence is a long-term investment. To keep it delivering:

Check panels annually for timber rot, warping, loose fixings, and treat any exposed timber with preservative.
Check posts for movement or leaning, especially after strong weather.
Keep vegetation (ivy, vines) away from panels when unwanted — this can accelerate wear.
Clean decorative railings or panels so mould doesn’t stick.
For painted or stained finishes, re-coat every few years depending on exposure.

5. Why Clarke Fencing is your reliable partner

We supply pressure-treated, weather-proofed timber and high-quality concrete supports — giving you the durability you expect. clarkefencing.co.uk
We stock a wide range of panel types, posts, gravel boards, gates and installation services — so you can get everything in one place.
We provide expert advice and practical installation support — making sure you get specs right, support structure correct, and the finished fence looks and performs well.
We are equally at home serving homeowners, landscapers and trade customers — so we understand different scales of project, budgets and timescales.

6. Next steps

Define your boundary line, budget and site access.
Choose the panel style that meets your needs (privacy? decorative? budget?).
Select supporting structure (posts, rails, gravel boards) based on your panel choice and site conditions.
Order the full kit (or arrange installation) through Clarke Fencing — we can help you every step of the way.
Keep your fence maintained — and enjoy the peace of mind of a boundary that works for you.

Want more help?
Feel free to contact our team about Choosing the Right Garden Fence or with your specific project details (dimensions, site photos, desired finish) and we’ll guide you on cost, materials and installation.
And don’t forget to check our blog and guides section for more deep-dives on topics like “Installing a Garden Fence from Scratch”, “6 ft vs 6×6 panels” and more.

Thank you for choosing Clarke Fencing — we’re here to help make your boundary project a success.

Jason Clarke

Ask them a question by emailing [email protected]

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