Timber Fencing: The Homeowner’s Guide to Choosing the Right Fence

Does your fence need replacing?

Timber fencing is a versatile and cost-effective choice. It’s relatively easy to work with (ideal if you’re considering tackling the project yourself!), visually appealing, and there is a wide range of styles to suit any home and garden. Whether you're creating a private space, defining boundaries or making it secure for children and pets, timber fencing has an option to suit your needs.

In this guide, we’ll detail the most popular timber fencing options for homeowners, along with tips to help you choose the right one for you.

1. Panel Fencing

Treated softwood closeboard panel fencing

Fencing panels are usually in treated softwood, with varying heights and styles available.

Ideal for: Any garden where you need to create a private space quickly and cost-effectively.

Top DIY tip: Gravel boards at the base of the fence protect panels from ground moisture and extend their life.

Pros:

• Relatively simple and quick to install

• Good value-for-money

• Individual panels can be replaced making it cost-effective and easy to repair

• Can be stained or painted after installation

Cons:

• Waney-edge (also known as larch lap) panels are less robust than closeboard

• Gaps may appear over time on waney-edge panels as the timber shrinks

2. Closeboard Fencing

Treated softwood closeboard fencing

A classic style of fencing that suits any property. Components for closeboard fencing are generally treated softwood, with the option of concrete fence posts and gravel boards for a longer life.

Ideal for: Homeowners requiring longer-term strength and durability combined with good privacy and security.

Top DIY tip: Take your time with alignment and overlap—consistent spacing is key for a neat result. Ideally, the distance between the fence post centres should not exceed 3m (10ft).

Pros:

• Strong and very durable construction

• Ideal for sloping gardens as the boards can follow the level of the ground

• Easy to maintain – individual components can be replaced rather than having to replace an entire panel

• Secure - there are no gaps in closeboard fencing

• Can be painted or stained

Cons:

• Slightly more complex to build

• Requires more timber, so higher cost than panel fencing

3. Cleft Rail

Chestnut cleft rail fencing

Unlike sawn rails, chestnut cleft rails are split, resulting in a natural and non-uniform look. Rails are a standard length of 9 feet 6 inches and have pre-shaped ends that fit snugly into mortices in the fence posts.

Ideal for: Rural properties, paddocks and animal enclosures (can be used with wire fencing to make it secure)

Top DIY tip: Ensure fence posts are deeply embedded in the ground – at least one-third of their length. All posts should be inserted at the same height from the ground, so the rails can follow the level of the ground between each set of posts.

Pros:

• Rustic appearance

• Works well on uneven ground as the rails follow the natural slope of the land between each set of posts.

• Available in varying heights, with one to four rails

• Can be paired with stock fences for secure enclosures

• No need to treat chestnut rails

Cons:

• Not suitable for privacy

• Offers less security than closeboard or panel fencing

4. Palisade

Timber palisade fencing - painted white

Treated softwood pales are fixed to rails and posts making an attractive palisade fence that adds curb appeal to your property.

Ideal for: Front gardens and decorative edging, or for areas where you don’t want to impede sight lines.

Top DIY tip: Mark post spacing carefully and pre-drill pales to avoid splitting. Always use galvanized or stainless steel nails and screws to prevent rust and staining on timber.

Pros:

• Classic, decorative look

• Great for front gardens

• Affordable

• Can be painted/stained

Cons:

• Can be susceptible to weather damage

• May take slightly longer to install than alternatives

• Provides less privacy and security than some other options

5. Post and Rail

Made from treated softwood, post and rail fencing is one of the simplest to build. Perfect for defining boundaries without impeding views.

Ideal for: Large gardens, paddocks or decorative borders

Top DIY Tip: Use a post-hole digger to make digging easier.

Pros:

• Easy to construct

• Inexpensive for long runs

• Strong and sturdy

• Can use with wire mesh/netting for secure animal enclosures

Cons:

• Affords no privacy

To Conclude

Taking on a timber fencing project can be incredibly satisfying as it will make an instant difference to your home! Simply choose a style that suits your location, your DIY ability and your budget and ensure you adhere to any planning requirements by checking first with your local planning authority or with Listed Building Consent (if applicable). We have a wide range of fencing products for homeowners to purchase direct (either in person or online). Take a look at our webshop for our full offering.

Unsure that you want to take on a fencing project yourself? PRO Fencing offer supply and installation of all types of fencing. Contact our expert team for advice and a quote – email enquiries@profencing.co.uk or fill out an online Contact Us form and we’ll get back to you.