The standard width for UK fence panels is 6ft (approximately 1.83m). Heights typically range from 3ft up to 6ft, with 6ft x 6ft being the most common choice for rear garden boundaries. Always measure your post spacing before ordering to make sure the panels will fit correctly, particularly if you are replacing panels in an existing run.
Pressure Treated Fence Panels for Boundaries, Privacy and Garden Screening
MacBlair stocks a broad range of fence panels to suit gardens, boundaries and screening projects of all sizes. The selection covers traditional lap and closeboard styles alongside contemporary slatted and hit-and-miss designs, giving plenty of choice whether the priority is privacy, kerb appeal, or both. Heights run from 3ft through to 6ft, with the standard 6ft x 6ft panel being the most popular option for rear garden boundaries. Complement any run with matching Fence Posts and Fence Rail for a complete, co-ordinated result.
Timber panels in the range are pressure treated to resist rot and fungal decay, removing the need for annual re-treatment and extending serviceable life considerably. Closeboard and featheredge panels use overlapping vertical boards for a solid, weatherproof structure suited to exposed sites. Lap panels offer dependable coverage at a lower price point. Slatted and hit-and-miss panels allow airflow through the fence line, which reduces wind load and suits more sheltered positions where a lighter aesthetic is preferred. Composite options are also available for a low-maintenance finish that holds its colour without painting.
Common panel applications include:
- Rear garden boundaries and perimeter screening
- Side passage enclosures and courtyard dividers
- Front garden borders using lower 3ft or 4ft panels
- Screening off bins, sheds or utility areas
- Windbreaks on exposed plots where semi-open panels reduce load
Once the panels are up, protect and refresh the timber with a quality Fence Paint or Wood Preservative Treatment. For the full fencing setup, the Fencing category also carries post supports, gate hardware and postcrete to get every part of the job finished properly.
Fence Panel FAQ's
Lap panels use horizontal boards layered over one another, giving solid coverage at a budget-friendly price. They suit sheltered gardens and are one of the most widely used styles in the UK. Closeboard panels use overlapping vertical featheredge boards fixed to a strong frame, making them more durable and better suited to exposed or windy sites where a sturdier structure is needed. Closeboard panels generally last longer and cost a little more than standard lap.
Pressure treated fence panels have preservative forced deep into the timber during manufacture, which protects against rot and fungal decay without the need for regular re-treatment. Dip treated panels have a surface coating that will need topping up periodically, typically every one to two years, with a fence paint or wood preservative. Applying a fresh coat of treatment or fence paint every couple of years is good practice regardless of panel type, as it extends lifespan and keeps the timber looking its best.
As a general rule across the UK, a fence in a rear garden can be up to 2 metres (approximately 6ft 6in) high without requiring planning permission. For front gardens and boundaries adjoining a highway, the limit is typically 1 metre. Rules can vary depending on your property type, location, and any existing planning conditions, so it is always worth checking with your local council if you are unsure before installing taller panels.
Solid panels like closeboard and lap create a flat surface that catches the full force of the wind, which puts pressure on posts and fixings. For exposed sites, slatted or hit-and-miss panels are a better choice because the gaps between boards allow air to pass through, significantly reducing wind load. If privacy is still a priority on a windy plot, a hit-and-miss panel with offset boards gives good coverage while still letting air flow through the fence line.