How to Install Closeboard Fencing in Suffolk & East Anglia
Closeboard fencing is one of the most popular choices for homeowners and tradespeople across Suffolk and East Anglia. Built on-site from individual components rather than pre-assembled panels, closeboard fencing offers unmatched strength, durability, and flexibility.
At Clarke Fencing in Suffolk, we supply everything you need to build a closeboard fence, whether you prefer a traditional timber system or a modern concrete post and gravel board system. This guide will walk you through the installation process step by step, including tips from professional fencing erectors.
Materials You’ll Need
Fence posts
Gravel boards
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Cant rails (Chamfered weather top edge)
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Feather edge boards (125mm wide)
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Capping rail (optional, for a neat finish and weather protection)
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Fixings (galvanised nails or screws, panel brackets for wooden systems)
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Tools: string line, spade, spirit level, saw, drill, hammer
Wooden vs Concrete Closeboard Systems
Wooden Post & Gravel Board System
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Blends naturally into gardens
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Easy to cut and adjust during installation
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Requires treatment and ongoing maintenance
Concrete Post & Gravel Board System
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Heavier-duty and long-lasting
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Recessed slots make installation easier
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Virtually maintenance free
Both systems are stocked locally at Clarke Fencing’s Suffolk yard, ready for collection or delivery across East Anglia.
Bay Sizes & Peg Support
The most common bay size is 8ft (2.4m), but we also stock 10ft (3m) rails and gravel boards in both wood and concrete.
👉 To prevent sagging in the middle of long bays, use a wooden peg made from 2×2 (50mm x 50mm) timber or an offcut of cant rail. Fix this peg between the gravel board and the bottom cant rail at the bay’s centre — this helps keep the structure rigid and extends the life of your fence.
Cant Rail Spacing & Quantities
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Fences 4ft (1.2m) or under: 2 rails (add a third for heavy-duty)
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Fences 4–8ft high: 3 rails
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Fences over 8ft high: 4 rails
Spacing guidance:
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Top rail: set 100–200mm below the top of the feather edge boards. This prevents warping and allows space for a capping rail.
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Bottom rail: mimic the same 100–200mm gap above the gravel board.
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Middle rail(s): divide the remaining gap evenly.
Step-by-Step: Installing Closeboard Fencing
1. Mark Out the Fence Line
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Use a string line to establish a straight run.
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Mark post positions (2.4m or 3m centres depending on bay size).
2. Set the Posts
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Dig holes at least 600mm (2ft) deep.
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Ensure posts are plumb and aligned with the string line.
3. Fit Gravel Boards
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Fix concrete recessed gravel boards or wooden gravel boards to posts.
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Gravel boards protect your fence from ground moisture and add 150mm (6 inch) to the finished height.
4. Install Cant Rails
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Fix rails using galvanised nails, screws, or brackets.
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Follow the recommended spacing for your fence height.
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Add a central peg support for longer bays to prevent sagging.
5. Fix Feather Edge Boards
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Start from one end, overlapping each board by 25mm (giving 100mm coverage per board = 10 boards per metre).
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Lay the thicker edge of each feather edge board over the thinner edge of the previous board.
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Nail only into the top board, not through the one beneath. Aim for around 30mm penetration into the feather edge.
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This method means the top board “pinches” the one below, holding it securely while reducing splitting.
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Fix each board to every cant rail with galvanised nails.
6. Add Capping
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Once the feather edge boards are installed, finish with a capping rail.
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This protects the top edges of boards from water ingress and provides a neat, professional finish.
Buying Tips for Closeboard Fencing in Suffolk
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Remember your finish height = gravel board height + feather edge board length.
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Allow for 10 feather edge boards per metre run.
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Order a little extra material to cover cuts and wastage.
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For maximum lifespan, choose concrete posts and gravel boards supplied by Clarke Fencing.
Closeboard Fencing from Clarke Fencing
At Clarke Fencing in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, we supply everything needed to build a closeboard fence, from feather edge boards to cant rails, posts, gravel boards, and capping. With over 40 years serving East Anglia, our expert team can advise on the right system for your project and arrange fast local delivery.
Whether you’re a DIYer or a trade professional, a properly installed closeboard fence will provide strength, security, and privacy for years to come.
