Choosing the right fencing for your garden can improve privacy, add structure, and enhance the overall look of your outdoor space. With so many options available, it helps to understand how different fencing components work together and which styles suit different gardens. 

Start with the Foundations: Fence Posts 

Every fencing project starts with fence posts, as they provide the strength and stability for everything else. In many UK gardens, concrete fence posts are a popular choice thanks to their durability and resistance to rot. They’re particularly well suited to exposed or high-wind areas and require very little maintenance over time. Timber posts can still work well in sheltered gardens, but choosing the right post type is key to ensuring your fence lasts. 

 

Fence Rails 

Our fence rails are used when constructing a fence from scratch using lap or feather-edge boards. 

 

Choosing the right panels and infill 

The style of fencing you choose will have a big impact on both privacy and appearance. 

Feather edge fence panels are a classic choice for UK gardens. They offer excellent privacy, work well on uneven ground, and suit both traditional and rural settings.  

Both feather and waney edge fence panels have overlapping boards, with the feather edge panels having the stronger, thicker boards and the waney being thinner. 

For a more modern look, fence slats are becoming increasingly popular. Slatted fencing allows light and air through while still creating a defined boundary, making it ideal for contemporary gardens or smaller spaces where you don’t want the area to feel closed in. 

If you want to add height or a decorative finish, fence trellis is a simple but effective option. Often fixed to the top of existing fencing, trellis panels are great for climbing plants and can soften the look of a solid fence without compromising privacy entirely. 

 

Fence Capping 

At Harlow Bros, our fences come with fence capping already installed. This protects panels from rainwater and helps to prevent rot. This extends the life of timber fencing, while also giving the fence a cleaner, more polished finish. However, our fence capping is also available to buy on its own - this is usually purchased individually to repair existing capping, or as part of a bespoke feather-edge fence build using fence rails. 

 

Choosing what’s right for your garden 

The best fencing solution depends on your garden’s size, exposure, and how you plan to use the space. A combination of strong posts, well-supported rails, and the right panels or slats will ensure your fence looks good and performs well for years to come. 

By understanding how each element works together, you can make informed choices and create a garden boundary that’s practical, durable, and suited to your style.