Fence Selection
If your wondering how to choose the right fence for your garden, you’re not alone. Choosing the right fence in the UK involves considering privacy, security, appearance, maintenance, budget and weather conditions.
This guide explains exactly how to choose the right fence for your garden, compares fence types and helps you select the best fence type for your needs – whether that’s a panel kit, DuraPost system or fully composite fencing.
1. What Do You Need Your Fence to Do?
Before choosing a fence style, be clear about your main goal:
| Goal | Best Fence Type |
| Privacy | Closeboard kits, composite fencing |
| Security | 6ft+ Closeboard or composite systems |
| Low maintenance | Composite fencing, DuraPost |
| Modern appearance | Slatted, composite, DuraPost systems |
| Budget friendly | Timber panel kits/Closedboard |
| Windy areas | Slatted/Picket or hit-and-miss systems |
2. Fence Types Explained
Panel Kits
Panel kits are simple to install and are a cost-effective solution that include pre-made fence panels with posts and fixings.
Pros:
- Simple installation
- Budget friendly
- Ideal for straight boundaries
Best for: DIY installers, rental properties, simple garden layout
All our fence panel kits can be found here
Closeboard Kits
Closeboard (feather edge) fencing is built from individual vertical boards fixed to rails, making it extremely strong and private. Our closed board fencing kit, come with all the posts, rails, capping, gravel boards, feather edge and fixings you will need and is often a great choice of fence for your garden.
Pros:
- Very durable
- Excellent privacy
- Ideal for uneven or sloped gardens
Best for: Windy locations, security fencing, long-term installations
DuraPost Fencing System
The DuraPost is a galvanised powder coated steel posts which is light weight, strong and does not rot, split or crack. Its the modern alternative to wood and concrete posts. This combined with a composite gravel board helps frame the timber infill from any contact with the ground where rot may have occurred. Check out our DuraPost kits.
Pros:
- Extremely strong and long-lasting
- Resistant to rot, warping and wind damage
- Clean modern look
Best for: Exposed areas, modern gardens, customers wanting maximum lifespan
Fully Composite Fencing
Composite fencing is made from recycled plastic and wood fibres, offering a premium, low-maintenance alternative to timber. Mold and rott resistant, sleek and stylish. We have the Urban range and Prima range in full composite
Pros:
- No painting or staining required
- Won’t rot, warp, or fade easily
- Very long lifespan
Best for: Homeowners wanting a premium look with zero maintenance.
3. Choosing the Right Height
- 4ft fencing — Front gardens, decorative boundaries
- 5ft fencing — Medium privacy
- 6ft fencing — Maximum privacy and security
- Over 2 meters – May require local authority permission
In the UK, fences up to 2 metres (approx. 6.5ft) are usually allowed without planning permission.
4. Maintenance: How Much Work Do You Want?
| Fence Type | Maintenance Level |
| Panel kits (timber) | Stain/treat timber every couple of years |
| Closeboard kits | Stain/treat timber every couple of years |
| DuraPost | Minimal |
| Composite fencing | Almost none |
For a low-maintenance fencing solution, consider choosing composite materials or the DuraPost system.
5. Wind, Sun & Garden Conditions
- Windy gardens benefit from slatted or closeboard systems with steel posts
- Shaded areas need rot-resistant materials like composite or treated timber
- South-facing gardens benefit from UV-stable composite materials
6. Budget vs Long-Term Value
| Budget Level | Best Option |
| Low | Panel kits |
| Medium | Closeboard kits |
| Medium – High | DuraPost systems |
| Premium | Fully composite fencing |
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing style over function
- Ignoring wind exposure
- Forgetting about long-term maintenance costs
Final Thoughts
The right fence should suit your garden’s layout, your lifestyle, and how much time you want to spend maintaining it. Panel kits are great for quick and affordable projects, closeboard kits offer strength and privacy, DuraPost provides modern durability, and fully composite fencing delivers a premium, maintenance-free solution.
By choosing the right fencing system now, you’ll enjoy a better-looking, longer-lasting garden boundary for years to come.
