Quick answer: Before starting your first fencing project, you need to understand your boundary, choose the right fence type, measure the run accurately, check the posts and ground conditions, and order the full system — panels, posts, gravel boards, fixings, gates and treatment — not just the visible fence panels.
Key takeaways
- Check your boundary and speak to neighbours before starting work
- Decide whether you need privacy, security, decoration, pet control or wind protection
- Fence panels are only one part of the job — posts, gravel boards and fixings matter just as much
- Closeboard fencing is strong and long-lasting, while panel fencing is quicker to install
- Concrete posts and gravel boards can extend the life of a fence line
- Gates, hinges, latches and ironmongery should be planned at the same time as the fence
- Good measuring prevents under-ordering, wasted materials and awkward gaps
- Treat and maintain timber fencing to protect it from weathering
Who this guide is for
This guide is for homeowners, first-time DIYers and customers planning their first fencing project. It is designed for people who have started browsing fencing supplies but are not yet sure what they need, what each component does or how to plan the job properly.
It covers the basics: fence types, posts, gravel boards, gates, fixings, planning checks, measuring and maintenance.
Before you start: a quick note on boundaries and permissions
Fencing can affect neighbours, access, visibility and property boundaries, so do a few checks before buying materials.
Check your title deeds, boundary information or property documents where available. If you are unsure which side is yours, or if there is a dispute, get proper advice before removing or replacing anything.
For height and planning rules, always check your local authority or the Planning Portal before work begins. In England, planning guidance commonly highlights that permission may be needed where a fence, wall or gate is over 1 metre high next to a highway, or over 2 metres high elsewhere, with extra restrictions possible for listed buildings, conservation areas or local covenants.
This article is general guidance only. For legal boundaries, planning permission, shared fences or structural concerns, speak to a suitable professional or your local authority.
Pro tip: Don’t remove a fence until you know it’s yours
If a boundary is shared or unclear, check before taking down panels or posts. A quick conversation and paperwork check can prevent expensive disputes later.
1. Start with the purpose of the fence
The best fence for your project depends on what you need it to do. A fence used for privacy may not be the same as one used for decoration, wind protection, pets or front-garden boundaries.
Before choosing a style, ask:
- Do I need privacy from neighbours or the road?
- Is security the main concern?
- Do I need to keep children or pets safely inside?
- Is the garden exposed to strong wind?
- Do I want a decorative boundary rather than a solid screen?
- Am I replacing like-for-like or changing the design?
- Do I need a gate for access?
Once the purpose is clear, choosing panels, posts, gravel boards and fixings becomes much easier.
| Project goal | What to prioritise | Typical fencing choice |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy | Height, solid coverage and strong posts | Closeboard fencing or solid fence panels |
| Security | Robust panels, secure gates and reliable ironmongery | Closeboard, sturdy panels, gates and strong latches |
| Decorative finish | Style, proportion and planting support | Decorative panels, trellis, arbours or arches |
| Pet or child safety | Minimal gaps, secure posts and working gates | Solid panels, gravel boards and reliable gate hardware |
| Exposed garden | Wind resistance and post strength | Closeboard fencing, strong posts and careful spacing |
2. Understand the main fencing options
There are several common fencing types, and each suits a different kind of project.
Fence panels
Fence panels are one of the simplest ways to replace or install a boundary. They come pre-assembled, which makes the job faster and easier to plan.
They are ideal if you want:
- a quick replacement
- a tidy uniform look
- straightforward measuring
- easy panel-by-panel repairs
The main thing to remember is that the panel is only part of the system. You still need suitable posts, gravel boards, fixings and sometimes capping or accessories.
Closeboard fencing
Closeboard fencing is a strong, traditional fencing option built from vertical featheredge boards fixed to rails. It is popular because it is sturdy, adaptable and well suited to long boundaries.
It is ideal if you want:
- a stronger fence line
- more flexibility on slopes
- a long-lasting boundary
- a classic timber look
- better repairability over time
Because closeboard fencing is built from separate components, it can take more planning than standard panels, but it is often the better choice for exposed or uneven sites.
Decorative fencing and trellis
Decorative panels, trellis, arbours and arches are best used where appearance matters as much as privacy. They can soften a boundary, support climbing plants or create a more open feel.
They are ideal for:
- garden dividers
- patio screening
- planting areas
- entrances and pathways
- low-privacy decorative boundaries
Pro tip: Panels are quicker, closeboard is more flexible
If you want a fast, neat replacement, panels are simple. If the run is uneven, exposed or needs extra strength, closeboard fencing is often the better long-term choice.
3. Know the parts of a fence
A common first-time mistake is only thinking about the panels. A complete fence line is a system, and every component has a job.
| Component | What it does | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Fence panels | Create the main visible boundary | Provide privacy, security and the overall look |
| Fence posts | Support the panels or rails | The strength of the fence depends heavily on the posts |
| Gravel boards | Sit below panels at ground level | Help protect timber panels from soil splash and moisture |
| Rails | Support featheredge boards in closeboard fencing | Keep the boards aligned and structurally secure |
| Featheredge boards | Form the vertical face of closeboard fencing | Create a strong, overlapping timber boundary |
| Postcrete or concrete mix | Secures posts in the ground | Keeps the fence upright and stable |
| Fixings and brackets | Connect panels, rails, clips and accessories | Poor fixings can shorten the life of the fence |
| Gates and ironmongery | Provide access and security | Hinges, latches and bolts should suit the size and weight of the gate |
4. Choose the right posts
Posts are one of the most important parts of any fencing project. If the posts fail, the fence fails.
Timber posts
Timber posts give a traditional look and are often easier to work with on site. They are a popular choice for domestic fencing and can be cut, drilled and fixed with standard tools.
They should be treated for external use and installed properly to reduce the risk of rot.
Concrete posts
Concrete posts are heavier and more difficult to handle, but they are extremely durable and low maintenance. They are commonly used with fence panels and concrete gravel boards.
They are a strong option where:
- the site is exposed
- the ground is damp
- long-term durability matters
- you want easier panel replacement later
Repair spurs
Fence repair spurs can be used to reinforce a weakened timber post where a full replacement is not practical. They are especially useful when the panel is still serviceable but the base of the post has started to fail.
Pro tip: Strong posts beat expensive panels
A premium panel on a weak post will still fail. Spend time getting the post choice, depth and alignment right before worrying about the visible finish.
5. Do you need gravel boards?
Gravel boards sit between the ground and the fence panel. They are easy to overlook, but they can make a big difference to the life of a fence.
They help protect fence panels from:
- soil contact
- splashback from rain
- mower and strimmer damage
- damp ground
- small changes in level
Concrete gravel boards are durable and work well with concrete posts. Timber gravel boards can give a softer, more natural look and may be easier to cut on site.
If your fence line sits against soil, lawn, gravel or planting, gravel boards are usually worth including.
6. Measure the fence run properly
Accurate measuring is essential. A small error at the start can leave you short of panels, posts or fixings.
How to measure your fence
Start by measuring the total length of the fence run. Then mark where posts will go, allowing for the width of each panel and post.
Also check:
- changes in ground level
- corners and returns
- gates and access points
- existing walls or buildings
- tree roots or obstacles
- drains, inspection covers and services
- whether the run is straight or stepped
For standard panel fencing, you will usually work in panel widths. For closeboard fencing, you have more flexibility because the fence is built from individual boards, rails and posts.
| What to measure | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Total fence length | Helps calculate panels, posts, rails and boards |
| Fence height | Affects panel choice, post length and possible planning checks |
| Ground levels | Determines whether the fence can run level, slope or step |
| Gate openings | Ensures the right gate size, posts and ironmongery are ordered |
| Corners and returns | Changes the number of posts and fixings required |
| Obstacles | Trees, walls, drains and roots can affect post positions |
Pro tip: Mark it out before you order
Use string line, spray marker or pegs to mark the fence run in the garden. It helps you spot awkward corners, slopes and gate positions before materials arrive.
7. Plan gates and access early
Gates should be planned before the fence is installed, not added as an afterthought.
Think about:
- where people need to enter and exit
- whether bins, bikes or mowers need access
- which way the gate should open
- whether the opening is wide enough
- whether the gate needs a latch, bolt or lock
- whether posts are strong enough for the weight of the gate
Gate ironmongery is important. Hinges, latches, bolts and locks must suit the gate size, weight and level of use.
A light garden gate needs different hardware from a wide, heavy access gate.
8. Think about ground conditions
Ground conditions affect how difficult the fencing job will be and how long the finished fence will last.
Soft or wet ground
Soft ground may need deeper holes, more care around post setting and stronger support. It is also worth thinking about drainage, especially where water collects along the fence line.
Sloping gardens
On a slope, fencing can either follow the slope or step down in sections. Closeboard fencing is often more flexible on slopes because it is built from individual components.
Exposed gardens
If the fence line is exposed to wind, strength matters. Solid panels can act like sails in strong wind, so post quality, depth and fixing choice become even more important.
Roots and obstacles
Tree roots, old concrete, buried rubble or drains can all affect post positions. Check the run carefully before digging.
Pro tip: Exposed gardens need stronger planning
If your garden catches the wind, do not under-spec the posts. A solid fence needs a strong support system to avoid leaning or storm damage.
9. What tools and supplies will you need?
The exact tools depend on the fence type, but most first fencing projects need a practical mix of digging, measuring, cutting and fixing equipment.
Useful items include:
- tape measure
- string line
- spirit level
- post hole digger or spade
- club hammer
- drill or impact driver
- saw
- clamps
- exterior screws or nails
- brackets or panel clips
- post mix or concrete
- PPE, gloves and eye protection
- wood treatment or preservative
Good setting out makes the rest of the job easier. A straight string line and properly levelled posts are the difference between a fence that looks professional and one that looks rushed.
10. How to maintain a new fence
A new fence will last longer if it is maintained properly.
Basic maintenance jobs
- clean off soil and plant debris
- keep climbing plants under control
- avoid letting soil pile against timber
- check posts after storms
- tighten loose fixings
- treat cut timber ends
- repaint or retreat timber when needed
- check gates, hinges and latches regularly
Timber fencing naturally weathers over time. A suitable fence paint, stain or preservative helps protect it from moisture, UV and everyday exposure.
Pay special attention to cut ends, drilled holes and any areas close to the ground, as these are more vulnerable to moisture.
Pro tip: Treat cut ends straight away
Any cut timber exposes fresh grain. Brush on a suitable end-grain treatment or preservative before installation to help reduce moisture uptake.
11. First fencing project checklist
Use this checklist before ordering materials.
| Step | What to check |
|---|---|
| Boundary | Confirm which fence line you are working on and speak to neighbours where appropriate |
| Permission | Check height, location, listed building or conservation area restrictions before work starts |
| Purpose | Decide whether privacy, security, decoration, pets or wind resistance is the priority |
| Fence type | Choose panels, closeboard, decorative fencing or trellis based on the job |
| Measurements | Measure the full run, height, gate openings, corners and ground levels |
| Posts | Choose timber or concrete posts and allow enough length for proper setting |
| Gravel boards | Decide whether timber or concrete gravel boards are needed at ground level |
| Gates | Plan gate size, swing direction, hinges, latches and locks |
| Fixings | Order suitable screws, nails, clips, brackets and post mix |
| Tools | Prepare measuring, digging, levelling, cutting and fixing tools |
| Treatment | Protect cut timber ends and plan future painting or staining |
Final thoughts: start with the system, not just the panels
A good fence is more than a row of panels. It is a complete system made from panels or boards, posts, gravel boards, fixings, gates, treatment and careful setting out.
For a first fencing project, the best approach is to plan carefully, measure twice, choose the right support system and order everything you need before work starts.
Whether you are replacing tired fence panels, building a stronger closeboard boundary, adding a gate or improving privacy before summer, Lawsons can help you choose the right fencing supplies for the job.