Feather edge boards are taper-sawn so that one edge is thicker than the other. They are installed vertically with each board overlapping the previous one by around 20mm, which creates a solid, layered finish. Close board fencing uses exactly this method. Standard square or bevelled-top boards, by contrast, are uniform in thickness and are better suited to styles where boards sit flush or with a small gap between them, such as slatted or palisade designs.
Timber Fence Boards for Close Board and Feather Edge Fencing
MacBlair stocks a range of pressure-treated timber fence boards suited to garden boundary projects of all sizes, from replacing a few damaged sections to building a full close board fence from scratch. Boards are available in a choice of profiles:
- Bevelled top and bottom boards: a classic square profile, typically 144mm wide x 19mm thick, used with a splayed fence rail
- Round top boards: the same core dimensions with a shaped top edge for a softer finish
- Feather edge boards: taper-sawn for overlapping installation, giving solid privacy and good performance on uneven ground
- Square top boards: a clean, straight-cut option well suited to more contemporary layouts
All boards are pressure-treated to Usage Class 4, which means they carry meaningful protection against rot and insect attack for outdoor ground-adjacent use. Lengths typically run from 1.0m up to 1.8m, with 150mm x 22mm being the most common size across close board fencing. Keep in mind that pressure treatment is not a waterproofing process. Applying a wood preservative treatment or fence paint after installation will significantly extend the life of the boards.
For close board fencing, plan on around 10 to 12 boards per metre run, depending on how much overlap you allow between boards. A standard 20mm overlap is typical. Boards fix to horizontal rails using 50mm to 65mm galvanised or stainless steel nails — avoid uncoated fixings, as they will stain the timber and corrode quickly outdoors. MacBlair also stocks fence posts and fence post supports to complete the job.
Fence boards are a straightforward way to replace storm-damaged sections without pulling out an entire run. Swap individual boards as they deteriorate rather than replacing whole fence panels, which keeps maintenance costs down over time. Order online from MacBlair for delivery across Northern Ireland, or collect from a local branch.
Fence Boards FAQ's
For close board or feather edge fencing with a standard 20mm overlap, allow approximately 10 to 12 boards per metre. For a typical bay between two fence posts — usually 2.4m wide — you will need around 29 boards. It is worth buying a few extra to account for any that need cutting or that arrive with minor defects.
Use 50mm to 65mm galvanised or stainless steel nails when fixing feather edge or close boards to horizontal rails. If you prefer screws, exterior-grade screws at least 50mm long will give a solid fixing without splitting the timber. Always use galvanised or stainless fixings outdoors — uncoated nails will rust quickly and leave dark staining on the wood.
Pressure treatment protects against rot and insect attack, but it does not make the timber waterproof. Applying a fence paint, stain, or wood preservative after installation will give the boards much better weather resistance and help maintain their appearance over time. This is particularly worthwhile in Northern Ireland where rainfall is frequent throughout the year.
The most common size is 150mm wide x 22mm thick, available in lengths from 1.0m up to 1.8m. Feather edge boards are also frequently available in 125mm widths and ex-22mm thickness before sawing. The right length depends on the height of fence you are building — a 1.8m (6ft) fence will typically use boards of the same length, sitting on top of a gravel board at the base.