This article looks at how to choose the right garden fence for your budget, privacy needs and property style, comparing closeboard, decorative, waney lap, composite and acoustic fencing, along with the posts that go with them.
There's also a look at the planning permission rules around fence height, so you know what you can build before you order.
This article is a four-minute read.
Not all garden fencing does the same job. Some panels shut out noise from a busy road, some are chosen for how they look from the street, and some are simply the cheapest way to mark a boundary. Here, Lumberjacks, look at the main options and how to choose between them.
Garden Fencing from Lumberjacks in Ipswich
At Lumberjacks, we stock closeboard, decorative, waney lap, composite and acoustic fencing, along with the posts to match. If you're not sure which is right for your garden, call us on 01473 461394 or fill in the online form, and we will be happy to advise you.
Closeboard Panels – the Strongest All-Rounder
Closeboard is our most robust panel type. This is because the boards overlap tightly, run vertically, and are capped, allowing the fence to sheds rainwater well, and stand up to higher winds. This enables them to outlast lighter panels, particularly when used with durable posts and a gravel board underneath. They best suit larger plots, exposed gardens, or anywhere that needs a sturdy, long-term boundary. Explore our selection of closeboard fencing.
Waney Lap Panels – the Budget-Friendly Choice
Waney lap panels are usually the cheapest way to fence a garden. They use horizontal, overlapping boards on a lightweight frame that make them quick to install. Although they can cope with mild to moderate wind, they are not the best choice for an exposed plot. For more information on waney lap panels see our dedicated guide.
Decorative Panels – for Personality and Kerb Appeal
Where closeboard and waney lap are about function, our range of decorative fencing is about how the fence looks. The range includes bell-top styles, an Omega lattice, Square Horizontal, and slatted panels in single or double configurations, pressure treated and fully framed for added durability. They tend to suit front gardens, low boundaries, or anywhere the fence is part of the garden's look rather than just a boundary.
Composite Fencing – If Low Maintenance Is a Key Factor
If low maintenance and longevity are a priority, composite fencing offers a practical alternative to traditional timber fencing, while also providing a contemporary look. They are a good choice for modern gardens, where you want the fence to form part of the overall garden design. Our Vista and Urban ranges provide a choice of styles and colours.
Acoustic Fencing – if Noise is Your Priority
If your garden backs onto a busy road, acoustic fencing is worth considering. Our panels, which can be built up to whatever height suits your project, have been soundproof tested to ensure they reduce the ambient noise within your garden.
Choosing the Right Posts
The panel is only half the job – the posts need to match.
- Our cold rolled steel DuraPost system is guaranteed never to rot, split or warp, is around 80% lighter than concrete, and has withstood winds of up to 110mph in testing.
- Concrete posts are the heaviest-duty option and won't rot, but are harder to handle and install.
- Timber posts give the most traditional look and are the cheapest option, but need regular re-treating and are the most vulnerable to the wind and rot at ground level.
Lifespan and Maintenance at a Glance
As a general guide, well-installed closeboard panels with durable posts and a gravel board should last upwards of 15 years. Waney lap and decorative panels tend to be replaced sooner, commonly within a decade, particularly if they are on damp ground.
These are broad industry figures rather than a guarantee, since actual lifespan depends on installation, exposure and how often the timber is treated. Whatever you choose, a gravel board is worth fitting to keep the timber off wet soil.
Know Before You Build
You generally won't need planning permission for a fence up to two metres high, dropping to one metre next to a highway used by vehicles. This assumes your property isn't a listed building and hasn't had its permitted development rights removed by an Article 4 Direction. If either applies to you, check with your local planning authority first.
Garden Fencing in Ipswich from Lumberjacks
Whether you're after the value of waney lap, the character of a decorative panel, the peace of acoustic fencing, or the strength of closeboard fencing in Suffolk, Lumberjacks can supply what your garden needs.
We deliver across Suffolk, including Felixstowe, Woodbridge, Stowmarket and Hadleigh, and into Essex and Norfolk. Call us on 01473 461394 or fill in our online contact form for advice on which fence and posts are right for you.
