Start with the purpose of your fence
Most fencing decisions come down to a few practical points. Think about why you need the fence in the first place, how much you want to spend across the full run, what level of maintenance you are comfortable with long term, and whether there are any height restrictions in your area.
Once you are clear on the purpose, it becomes much easier to choose a fence that suits your garden. Privacy and security tend to be top priorities, but wind exposure and visual style can be just as important, particularly in more open or coastal locations, or where the fence will be a prominent feature from the house.
Fencing for privacy
Choose boards and panels that reduce gaps and improve screening
If privacy is the main goal, look for fencing with little to no space between boards. A pressure-treated overlap panel can be a good, cost-effective option for many gardens. If you want a sturdier feel and a cleaner finish, feather edge panels or tongue-and-groove fence panels are built from heavier timber and can also help reduce noise travelling through the boundary.
Traditional featheredge fencing remains a popular choice for privacy because it creates a simple, durable barrier and can be made to measure for a neat fit along awkward boundaries. If you are planning a featheredge run and want help working out quantities, Fountain Timber’s Feather Edge Calculator can save time and guesswork.
Fencing for security and access
Focus on height, strength, and a well-fitted gate
A secure fence relies on a combination of height, strength, and as few footholds as possible. A sturdy, lockable gate can be just as integral as the panels or boards themselves, particularly on side access routes and driveways.
Trellis can be a useful security addition in the right setting. A trellis-topped fence can be difficult to climb, and the noise and damage caused by forcing it can deter opportunists. If you want to add another layer of discouragement, training a prickly climbing plant, such as a rose, against a trellis section can make access even less appealing. If security is a key concern, it is also worth looking at garden gate options early, so everything fits and functions properly once installed.
Fencing for windy or exposed gardens
In gardens that experience strong winds, fully solid fencing can act like a sail. In these locations, panels with a degree of airflow can be a sensible choice because they reduce the vortex effect that a solid barrier can create.
Decorative fence panels can work well, as can natural hurdles such as willow panels and hazel hurdles, which allow some wind through while still providing privacy and a defined boundary.
Choosing a style that suits your home
Match the fencing to your property, planting, and garden layout
The look of your fence is an important consideration, especially when the boundary is visible from the house or frames the main garden space. The right choice can add character and help the garden feel finished, while also supporting practical needs like screening, zoning, and defining paths.
If you prefer a classic, softer boundary, picket fencing can be an excellent fit for front gardens, borders, and pathways. For a more contemporary finish, cedar slats are a strong option for screening and modern garden design. Your budget and the total area being fenced will both play a part, so it can help to decide where you want to invest most visually, then choose a practical solution for less prominent sections.
Featured fencing ranges at Fountain Timber
A quick guide to popular options and where they work best
Fountain Timber stocks a wide variety of timber fencing solutions and the components to complete your project, including posts, rails, gravel boards, and capping, all pressure-treated for durability and a long service life.
Traditional featheredge fencing is one of the most popular choices for garden boundaries, combining privacy with a robust, adaptable build.
Skyline Western Red Cedar Slats are ideal for contemporary fencing and screening, with natural colour variation and a modern, planed finish.
Picket fencing is a versatile, timeless option that suits both residential and commercial settings, particularly where you want a defined boundary without fully closing off the space.
DuraPost® is a modern alternative to timber or concrete posts, manufactured in the UK from galvanised steel and designed for a low-maintenance, long-lasting framework that works with panels and boarding.
Wire, stock fencing and netting are often used for agricultural and practical boundaries, particularly where you need a functional solution for livestock or land management.
Planning the posts and finishing details
Build for longevity with the right supporting components
A fence is only as strong as its framework, so it is worth planning posts and fixings alongside the panels or boards. Correct spacing, secure fixing, and suitable ground preparation all contribute to a fence that stays straight and secure over time.
If you are choosing timber posts, pressure treatment is essential for long service life. Fountain Timber stocks a wide range of posts in different sizes for fencing and gates, including pressure-treated options suitable for long-term outdoor use.
For the smaller components that help everything go together properly, it is also worth browsing brackets, clips, and other fencing accessories before you start, particularly if you are working with gravel boards, trellis sections, or specific post types.
Why Fountain Timber for your fencing
Buying from a specialist supplier makes it easier to get the details right, from panel choice through to posts, rails, and finishing trims. Fountain Timber offers high-quality materials and a broad range of fencing options to suit different properties and purposes, with pressure-treated timber used across many core products for added longevity.
You also have access to tools and guidance to help you plan properly, including the Feather Edge Calculator for featheredge projects, which can help you estimate the materials you need with confidence before you order.
How can we help?
The information and advice in this article is provided in good faith and is designed to give general information and guidance. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. If in doubt, we strongly recommend you seek professional assistance.
If you need further advice with your fencing purchase please ask our experienced staff, we will be happy to help!
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