Fencing panels are one of the most important elements of any garden; they can offer protection for your plants, privacy for you and your family, and can also be an attractive decorative feature in their own right.
However, there are one or two factors to consider when choosing the panels – and posts – for your outdoor space. Here Lumberjacks, who supply fence panels to customers in Ipswich, Stowmarket, Woodbridge and across Suffolk, outline some of the key considerations about what to purchase when it comes to your garden fencing.
Durability
Durability is a key factor here; you don’t want to have to replace your fence panels in a few years’ time or every time there’s a decently sized storm in the area (of which we’ve had quite a few in the last couple of years).
With this in mind, lap panels (above) are a cost-effective way of replacing old, rotten or worn fencing; they come with a rail top and bottom on one side to stop the whole structure bowing in any high winds.
As the name suggests, lap panels consist of overlapping horizontal boards secured between vertical battens; this means they look more rustic than some of their counterparts such as closeboard fencing.
Beating the Weather
You want your panels to look good and last a long time – so our closeboard panels (above) as well as lap panels should be strong enough to withstand whatever the British climate can throw at them. However, be aware that a lot may depend on your area’s micro-climate – not just how much wind and rain it gets, but what direction the panels face. Closeboard panels are fitted together vertically rather than horizontally and ours are particularly strong, as they are fitted with panel rails and capping for added protection.
Bear in mind that trellis fencing, while it may look insubstantial, won’t put as much stress on the panels and the posts because the wind can pass straight through. And it also helps if you secure them properly – as well as our range of timber posts, we also offer the DuraPost range to customers across Suffolk for a modern metal alternative option. These are stronger than wood but lighter than concrete making them a great choice – for more details follow this link.
Privacy
When it comes to maximising your privacy in your garden, it’s really a choice between lap or closeboard panels if you don’t want anyone peering into your garden from outside. Although most of our panels (of whatever variety) are 6ft tall (1.83m to be precise), our closeboard panels can be cut to your desired height.
However, it may not be practical – or desirable – to put either of these in your front garden; for one thing, you often need to be able to see out (and it doesn’t look very welcoming to visitors as well as your family either. Here, our palisade panels (above) will be more practical and aesthetically pleasing.
Decorative Panels
If you were looking to create a more modern and contemporary feel, then a decorative panel would be a great option. This is because fencing panels don’t need to be just used as part of a boundary with your next-door neighbour; you can use them within the garden as well, to create different zones (such as for different types of plants, or for a children’s play area).
Our range includes the Omega Lattice, pictured above, the Square Horizontal and the Suffolk. All of these have plenty of gaps which climbing and trailing plants can also grow through, making them a great aesthetic option for your garden. Our full range of decorative panels can be found here.
Fencing Panels in Ipswich and across Suffolk from Lumberjacks
We can meet all your fencing needs – and not just panels. As well as DuraPost, we also stock a range of wood treatments so you can keep your fence looking good for many years, as well as a selection of concrete fence posts and gravel boards at our yard in Ipswich.
If you aren’t sure which type of panel is right for your garden, call us on 01473 461394 and we will be happy to provide you with advice. You can also click here and leave an online message and we will get back to you.
