Panel fencing in Broadstairs.

Where panel fencing works

Panel fencing is quick to fit and cheaper per metre than closeboard because the panels come pre-made. It is the right choice for sheltered rear-garden runs where the wind load is moderate: think St Peter's, Reading Street, the inland side of Viking Bay, and anywhere the neighbour's house or garden shelters the boundary. It is not the right choice for the Kingsgate clifftop belt or for exposed corners where the sail load rips panels out of the posts.

Overlap vs lap

Overlap panels have horizontal boards with each board overlapping the one below. Slightly heavier, look a bit more solid, and hold up better in medium wind. Lap panels have thinner horizontal boards on a lighter frame. Cheaper, lighter, quicker. Both are 6ft x 6ft as the standard size. We fit either. If the run is not exposed and you want the cheapest working answer, lap. If you want it to last a bit longer and take a bit more weather, overlap.

Concrete posts and gravel boards

Panel fencing sits between posts. We use concrete slot posts on almost every job now because timber posts are the failure point on 90% of the old fences we replace. Concrete posts, 100mm slot, take the panels straight in. 150mm gravel board at the bottom lifts the panel timber clear of ground moisture. That combination doubles the working life of the panels.

The Broadstairs pricing band

£70 to £100 per linear metre for panel on concrete posts and gravel boards, supplied and fitted, including stripout of the old fence for standard runs. Photo quote via WhatsApp lands you inside the band.

Timing and turnaround

A 12 to 15 metre panel run is usually a one-day job. Faster than closeboard because the panels are pre-made. Ideal for holiday-let landlords who want the boundary back up before the next guest arrives: WhatsApp the photo Sunday evening, panel back up by Thursday.