Fence Panels Unveiled: Your Ultimate Guide in UK

Discover the world of fence panels in our comprehensive guide. Learn how to choose the perfect fence panels for your garden, from types to materials. 

Fence Panels: The Essential Guide to Structure, Style, and Selection

A fence panel, often referred to simply as a panel, is a crucial component of a fence structure. These panels are situated between fence posts or walls and play a pivotal role in defining a fence's appearance, functionality, and durability. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various aspects of fence panels, including their composition, types, materials, and factors to consider when choosing the right one for your garden or outdoor space.

Understanding Fence panels

A fence panel is a section of a fence that fits between two supporting elements, typically fence posts or walls. These panels are designed to create a barrier or enclosure while contributing to your outdoor space's aesthetic appeal. Fence panels are usually composed of horizontal rails that provide structural support and vertical pickets, spindles, or balusters that form the visible part of the fence. The arrangement of these components can vary depending on the style and purpose of the wall.

Composition of Fence panels

Hedge boards can be constructed in two primary ways: pre-fabricated or custom-made from individual boards and rails. The choice between these two methods largely depends on the material you select for your fence. Let's delve into these options:

1. Pre-fabricated Hedge boards: These panels are manufactured in standardized sizes and designs, making them easy to install. Common materials for pre-fabricated panels include vinyl and ornamental aluminium. They are available in standard lengths of 6 or 8 feet, with more extended discussions risking sagging under their weight. Shorter boards might require additional posts and hardware, increasing the overall cost.
2. Custom-Made Hedge Boards: For wooden fences, panels can be crafted on-site by assembling individual boards and rails. This approach allows for more excellent design, dimensions, and materials flexibility. Wooden hedgeboards can be tailored to match your specific needs and aesthetic preferences.

Beds and Fence panels: a perfect match

Luxury Bed: A luxury bed is typically designed with high-quality materials and craftsmanship to provide exceptional comfort and aesthetics. These beds often feature premium upholstery, intricate detailing, and sometimes even integrated technology like adjustable bases or built-in speakers. Luxury beds can come in various styles, including contemporary, classic, and transitional designs, catering to different tastes.

Sleigh Bed: A sleigh bed is characterized by its distinctive curved headboard and footboard, resembling the shape of a sleigh or sledge. Its classic and elegant design adds a touch of sophistication to the bedroom. Sleigh beds are available in various materials, such as wood or metal, and can complement traditional and modern bedroom decor.

Ottoman Beds (Double): They are known for their practicality and storage solutions. They feature a hydraulic mechanism that lets you lift the mattress base, revealing a hidden storage compartment underneath. Ottoman beds are an excellent choice for smaller bedrooms or anyone looking to maximize storage space without sacrificing comfort.

Modern Bed: Modern beds are characterized by their sleek, minimalist design and clean lines. They often incorporate materials like metal, glass, or leather and may lack ornate details. These beds are perfect for those who prefer a contemporary and uncluttered look in their bedroom.

Wall Bed (UK): Wall beds, also known as Murphy beds, are designed to save space in smaller living areas. They can be folded against the wall when unused, freeing up floor space for other activities. Wall beds are popular in the UK and come in various sizes and styles to suit different needs.

When choosing a bed, consider comfort, size, style, and functionality to find the perfect match for your bedroom. Selecting a mattress that complements your decor and meets your specific requirements for storage, space-saving, and aesthetics is essential.

Choosing the Best Wooden Fence panels for Your Garden

Wooden hedgeboards have been a timeless choice for marking boundaries and enhancing outdoor spaces due to their versatility, affordability, and visual appeal. When selecting wooden hedge boards for your garden, several factors come into play, ensuring you make the right choice from the outset.

Consulting an Expert

Whether you plan to fence a small domestic garden or a large commercial property, seeking expert advice is a wise move. Experts can offer valuable insights into the best design, suitable wood types, and maintenance practices to ensure the longevity of your fence. They can conduct site surveys and provide cost estimates, helping you make an informed decision. Environmental factors and your specific requirements will also be taken into consideration.

The Most Popular Types of Wood

Pine and cedar wood are two common wood species for crafting durable wooden edge boards. These woods are favoured for their aesthetic appeal and durability. However, they possess distinct characteristics that make them suitable for different purposes.

1. Pressure Treated Wooden Hedge boards: These panels are highly durable and ideal for domestic fences. The wood undergoes treatment with chemical preservatives and is placed in a chamber to withstand the effects of severe weather conditions and pests. While they still require regular maintenance, pressure-treated panels are relatively easy to work with and can last years without needing replacement.
2. Dip-Treated Wooden Hedge boards: Dip-treated panels are immersed in a wood preservative solution, protecting the elements. Although they require annual painting due to the water-based treatment, using a spirit-based paint can extend their longevity.

Choosing the Right Wooden Hedgeboard

When it comes to wooden edge boards, there is a wide variety available to suit your needs. The choice depends on factors such as garden dimensions, intended purpose, design preferences, and the type of wood. Here are some popular options:

1. Traditional Wooden Hedge Boards: These panels, also known as horizontally waney-edged or overlap panels, are constructed from boards cut directly from trees, some of which may still have bark. They slightly overlap, offering maximum security and privacy for your garden.
2. Feather Edge Panels: Often referred to as close-board panels, these are suitable for marking boundaries and ensuring privacy. Feather edge panels are crafted from tapered boards to form a solid wooden fence.
3. Picket Panels (Palisade): Ideal for securing pets and other animals, picket panels are known for their classic appearance.
4. Decorative Fencing: This category includes horizontal woven and lattice panels, which can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your garden.
5. Willow Panels: Made from willow or hazel, these panels add security and beauty to specific sections of your garden.

For inquiries or further information regarding custom wooden panel types and designs, do not hesitate to consult our experts at Sheds to Last.

Comparing Fence panels and Traditional Fencing

Both edge boards and traditional fencing have their own sets of advantages and disadvantages. Here's a comparison of the two:

Fence panels:

• Ease of Installation: Installing fence panels is straightforward, especially when using timber-slotted fence posts. Posts are installed level, and meetings are slotted into them one after the other. For added security, screwing timber hedge boards into timber posts is recommended.
• Access and Maintenance: Fence panels can be lifted from the slotted posts if access is required. This makes maintenance tasks more manageable, although regular maintenance is still necessary.
• Height Options: hedge boards come in various heights, and when combined with a gravel board, they can comply with height regulations.
• Trellis Topper Panels: Including trellis topper panels for decoration when installing a panel fence is easy.

Traditional Fencing:

• Aesthetics: Some traditional fencing, like feather board, may have a more visually appealing appearance as it conceals posts from the outside.
• Adaptability to Sloping Ground: Unlike hedge boards, traditional fencing can be easier to install on sloping terrain without requiring stepped adjustments.
• Repair: In the event of damage, it's usually more cost-effective to replace individual components of a traditional fence, such as broken pales, compared to entire panels.
• Flexibility in Length and Angle: Traditional fencing offers greater flexibility when it comes to changing angles or adjusting the length of the fence run.

Installation Considerations

If you've decided to install your own fence, it's essential to understand the specific requirements and challenges involved in the process. Here are some key considerations:

• Sloped Ground: If your outdoor space has sloped terrain, you must follow a different installation approach, resulting in a "stepped" fence. Fence posts should match the height of the higher panel in each adjacent pair, ensuring a level alignment. Gravel boards may need to be partially inserted into the ground, depending on the steepness of the slope.
• Professional Assistance: For those lacking confidence in DIY projects, it's advisable to seek the assistance of skilled tradespeople specializing in fencing services. Platforms like Checkatrade.com can help you find recommended professionals for the job.

Before embarking on the installation process, make sure you have answers to critical questions, such as:

• Ownership and Height Regulations: Confirm which fence is your responsibility and ensure compliance with local height regulations. Adherence to rules can lead to costly alterations or removal of your newly installed fence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, fence panels are fundamental to any fence structure, offering practical functionality and aesthetic appeal. Whether you opt for pre-fabricated panels or custom-made wooden ones, selecting the right hedge board for your garden is crucial. Seeking expert advice and considering factors such as wood type, purpose, and design will help you make an informed decision. Additionally, understanding the advantages and disadvantages of hedge-boards versus traditional fencing will aid in choosing the most suitable option for your outdoor space.

Remember that proper installation and maintenance are crucial to ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of your fence. Whether you choose hedge boards or traditional fencing, a well-constructed and well-maintained fence can enhance the beauty and security of your garden for years to come.