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Gardening blog

Wooden garden fencing guide

  • Craig Davis
  • Feb 27
  • 4 min read

Updated: Mar 26


Horizontal tongue and groove and trellis - Kingston
Horizontal tongue and groove and trellis - Kingston

Choosing the perfect garden fencing for your outdoor space


When it comes to garden fencing, wooden garden fencing is a classic and timeless way to add privacy and security to your outdoor space. In the UK, there are various types of wooden fencing styles that you can choose from to enhance your garden's beauty and functionality.


In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the most popular wooden garden fencing styles in the UK. The style you choose can have a big impact on the overall look and feel of your outdoor space.

Closeboard fencing
Closeboard fencing - Surbiton

What types of fencing are there?


1. Closeboard fencing

Closeboard fencing is a popular choice for garden fencing in the UK. It's a sturdy and durable option that provides good privacy and security. Closeboard fencing is made up of vertical featheredge boards that are partially overlapped to create a solid panel. This style of fencing is typically made from pressure-treated softwood, but can also be made from other types of wood such as western red cedar or Siberian larch.


Picket fencing
Picket fencing - Richmond Hill

2. Picket fencing

Picket fencing is a popular option for those looking to create a traditional and charming garden look. It's a relatively low fence style that provides a clear boundary, while still allowing for a clear view of your garden. Picket fencing comes in various heights and styles, including flat-top, round-top, and pointed picket slats that are attached to horizontal rails. This style of fencing is typically made from pressure-treated softwood, but can also be made from other types of wood such as oak or western red cedar. Often it is painted white.


Trellis fencing
Trellis fencing and new patio - Esher

3. Trellis fencing

Trellis fencing is an elegant and stylish option for adding height and visual interest to your garden without blocking out too much light. Trellis fencing is made up of a grid of horizontal and vertical slats that are spaced apart to create a lattice effect. It's a decorative fence style that's often used to create a boundary, provide privacy or support climbing plants. Trellis fencing is available in various materials such as treated softwood, western red cedar or oak, and can come in various styles, including diamond, square, or lattice.


Panel fencing
Tongue and groove double gates

4. Panel fencing

Panel fencing is a practical, popular and versatile option that offers both privacy and security. It's a cost-effective way to create a solid and secure fence that provides good privacy. Panel fencing is made up of horizontal slats that are attached to vertical rails, creating a solid panel. It's available in different heights and styles and can be used to create a variety of looks, from modern to rustic. We recommend it’s installed using concrete slotted posts due to the nature of the clay wet ground in our area. We can install wooden fascias on concrete to conceal the concrete if necessary

900 mm high Overlap panels - Surbiton
900 mm high Overlap panels - Surbiton

Panel fencing is generally made from treated softwood and can come in various styles. It goes up in price from overlap panels, then close board panels and tongue and groove



Closeboard panel fencing and trellis - Kingston
Closeboard panel fencing and trellis - Kingston

Jackson fencing - Their timber fencing comes with a 25-year guarantee, thanks to the Jakcure® treatment.

They offer vertical bar fencing, and noise-reducing acoustic barriers. Their stylish designs, from slatted panels to decorative trellises, blend aesthetics with strength.


Jackson’s Canterbury combo - Kingston
Jackson’s Canterbury combo - Kingston


Slatted fencing
West red cedar - Venetian trellis

5. Venetian trellis or screening

Horizontsl trellis is a contemporary and stylish option for garden fencing in the UK. It's a great choice if you want to create a modern and minimalist look in your garden. It is made up of narrow horizontal slats that are spaced apart to create a gap between them. This style of fencing is typically made from western red cedar or Siberian larch, but can also be made from other types of wood. We install it with 20mm to 5 mm gaps depending on the amount of light or screening our clients want.


Screening trellis - Richmond
Screening trellis - Richmond

6. Hit and miss fencing

Hit and miss fencing panel
Hit and miss fencing panel

Hit and miss fencing is a modern and stylish option that provides privacy while still allowing some light and air to pass through. It's a fence style that consists of alternating vertical boards that overlap each other, creating a gap between each board. Hit and miss fencing is often made from treated softwood, western red cedar or oak, and comes in various heights and styles, including flat-top and arched-top.


Post and rail fencing
Post and rail fencing

7. Post and rail fencing

Post and rail fencing is a popular option for those looking to create a rustic and natural look in their garden. It's a simple fence style that consists of horizontal rails that are attached to vertical posts. Post and rail fencing is often made from treated softwood, western red cedar, or oak, and can come in various styles, including half round or square.


Composite fencing - Kingston
Composite fencing - Kingston

8. Composite fencing


One of the biggest advantages of composite fencing is its low maintenance. Unlike wood, it doesn’t require staining, painting, or sealing to stay in top condition. It resists rot, warping, and insect damage, making it a long-lasting investment. A simple occasional wash is all it takes to keep composite fencing looking great for years, providing a hassle-free and durable solution for any outdoor space.


When choosing the right style of wood garden fencing for your garden, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you should consider the purpose of your fence and what you want it to achieve. Do you want to create privacy, add decoration, or define boundaries? Secondly, you should consider the overall style of your garden and choose a fence that complements it. Finally, you should consider the maintenance requirements of the fence and choose a style that suits your lifestyle.


In conclusion, wooden garden fencing is a versatile and attractive way to enhance the functionality and beauty of your garden. Whether you prefer a traditional picket fence or a modern hit and miss fence, you can be sure that it will provide a natural and aesthetically pleasing addition to your garden. By carefully considering your options and choosing a high-quality wood and style, you can create a beautiful and functional outdoor space that meets your needs and suits your style.


Other options could be composite fencing




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