What Is a Gravel Board?
A gravel board sits between the ground and the fence panel or feather edge boards, forming a protective barrier that prevents direct contact with soil. Its main purpose is to raise the fencing timber off the ground, protecting it from rot, damp, and decay caused by constant exposure to moisture.
Gravel boards also serve a structural purpose. When there’s a difference in ground levels between neighbouring properties, a gravel board helps act as a small retaining wall, stopping soil from pushing directly against the panels or feather edge boards. This prevents damage, reduces the risk of warping, and keeps your fence line stable over time.
6″ Brown Wooden Gravel Board
6″ Green Wooden Gravel Board
12″ Recessed Concrete Gravel Board
6″ Recessed Concrete Gravel Board
In addition, they provide a clean, level base for the fence and help keep garden debris, mulch, and vegetation from resting against the wood — all of which contribute to a longer-lasting, neater finish.
At Clarke Fencing, we supply both wooden gravel boards and concrete gravel boards, suitable for lap panels, closeboard fencing, and heavy-duty boundary installations.
Why Use Gravel Boards?
Adding gravel boards to your fence is a small investment that makes a big difference in strength and longevity.
Key benefits include:
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Protects timber from rot by lifting panels or feather edge boards off damp ground.
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Acts as a retaining edge where soil levels vary, preventing earth from pushing against the fence.
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Improves fence stability and alignment on uneven terrain.
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Creates a consistent, level base for fence panels.
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Reduces long-term maintenance and repair costs.
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Enhances appearance, giving a professional finish to the fence line.
Wooden Gravel Boards
Wooden gravel boards are made from pressure-treated softwood and designed to match the appearance of timber fencing and posts. They’re ideal for garden fencing where a consistent, natural look is preferred.
Common Uses
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As the base board for closeboard fencing, supporting feather edge boards.
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Beneath Featheredge Boards and Fence Panels to raise and protect the bottom edge.
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Paired with timber fence posts and attached with a Gravel board bracket (Pictured Below) for a uniform appearance.
6″ x 1″ Gravel Board Bracket
Advantages
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Matches timber fencing for a seamless aesthetic.
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Lightweight, easy to handle, and simple to cut to size.
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Cheaper upfront than concrete and easy to replace if damaged or rotten.
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Environmentally friendly, made from renewable materials.
Disadvantages
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Requires occasional re-treatment to maintain weather protection.
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May warp or decay over time if in prolonged contact with wet soil.
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Not as strong as concrete when retaining heavy or wet ground.
Best suited for: domestic gardens and decorative fencing where visual consistency and easy maintenance matter most.
Concrete Gravel Boards
Concrete gravel boards are the heavy-duty alternative, built to withstand decades of weather exposure without rotting, bending, or splitting. They’re reinforced with steel and completely maintenance-free.
Common Uses
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Installed with concrete fence posts in slotted panel systems.
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Ideal for long fence runs, public boundaries, or damp ground.
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Suitable where soil levels differ, providing additional strength and support.
- Paired with timber fence posts and attached with a Gravel board bracket (Pictured Below) for a uniform appearance.
6″ x 2″ Gravel Board Bracket
Advantages
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Completely rot-proof and weather-resistant.
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Reinforced for extra strength — can help retain soil on sloped ground.
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Zero maintenance and extremely long lifespan (25+ years).
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Provides a crisp, professional finish that matches concrete posts.
Disadvantages
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Heavier to handle — may require two people to fit safely.
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Higher initial cost than timber.
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Some homeowners prefer the warmer appearance of wood for domestic gardens.
Best suited for: properties that need long-term durability, minimal upkeep, and strong resistance to soil pressure or moisture.
Choosing Between Wooden and Concrete
| Feature | Wooden Gravel Boards | Concrete Gravel Boards |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Natural timber finish | Smooth grey concrete |
| Durability | 10–15 years (treated) | 25+ years |
| Maintenance | Requires re-treatment | Virtually none |
| Strength | Moderate | High — can retain soil |
| Weight | Light and easy to fit | Heavy, requires 2-person lift |
| Cost | Lower upfront cost | Higher initial cost, longer lifespan |
When deciding between the two, it comes down to budget, appearance, and practicality:
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Kick boards are inexpensive and easy to replace if they rot — far cheaper than replacing a full fence panel. They’re the natural choice for timber fencing and a softer, more traditional garden look.
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Concrete cost more initially but never rot or decay. They’re maintenance-free and ideal for anyone who wants a long-term, worry-free installation.
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Aesthetic preference is also key: choose wood for a consistent, natural style or concrete for a modern, clean-lined finish.
Recommendation:
Use wooden gravel boards with timber posts and fencing for natural continuity, and concrete boards with slotted concrete posts where strength and longevity take priority.
