What is the most popular type of fence panel?

Wooden fence panels remain the top choice for garden fencing in the UK. Traditional designs such as Featherboard fence panels are widely used, offering a classic and robust solution. However, as home styles have evolved over the past decade, contemporary fence panels like Venetian and Hit and Miss have gained popularity. These modern, semi-solid designs provide a stylish alternative while maintaining privacy and airflow. Sustainability is now a key consideration when choosing a fence panel. Homeowners are opting for durable fencing solutions that last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements. This not only saves money in the long term but also helps minimise waste, preventing treated fence panels from ending up in landfill an environmentally friendly choice.

What are the different styles of fence panel?

Fence panels come in a variety of styles, each designed to suit different needs and aesthetics.

Solid Fence Panels – These provide maximum privacy and security, making them ideal for enclosed gardens and properties requiring strong boundaries.

Semi-Solid Fence Panels – Offering a balance between privacy and airflow, semi-solid panels allow light to filter through while also reducing wind resistance. Popular examples include Venetian and Hit and Miss fence panels.

Open Fence Panels – Designed for decorative purposes or garden segmentation, these panels provide minimal privacy but enhance visual appeal. Common types include picket fence panels, often used at the front of cottages, and trellis panels, which add structure while supporting climbing plants.

Fence panels can also be grouped into modern/contemporary designs, which suit sleek, minimalist aesthetics, or traditional/timeless styles, which complement classic garden landscapes.

How Long Do Fence Panels Last?

Our fence panels are designed for exceptional durability. Our Jakcure® vacuum pressure treatment process, allows us to confidently guarantee our wooden products for 25 years, giving you peace of mind your fence panels will remain strong and reliable for decades without the need for ongoing maintenance like painting or staining. The lifespan of other fence panels varies significantly. Many untreated or poorly treated panels may only last a few years before showing signs of decay, requiring frequent repairs or replacement. With Jacksons Fencing, you can trust in the long-term performance and quality of our products, offering peace of mind and excellent value over time.

What sizes are fence panels?

The standard width of our fence panels is 1.83m (6ft). Different heights are available but 1.83m (6ft) or 1.65m (5.41ft) are our most popular heights of fence panel. We recommend gravel boards (140mm) with our panels, so this brings the overall height of the fence to either 1.97m or 1.79m. Other heights are available to suit different requirements. Fence panels can be cut to size (widthways) for a specific or awkward gap, or to finish a fence run, using a cut down kit on site. For more on the size of fence panels view our advice. 

Do I Need to Paint or Stain Fence Panels?

Our fence panels do not require painting or staining. Treated with our premium Jakcure® pressure treatment process, they are designed for durability and come with a 25 year guarantee, ensuring maintenance-free performance. In contrast, many other fence panels on the market come with limited guarantees and often require regular painting or staining to prolong their lifespan, resulting in additional time and cost for upkeep. If you wish to paint or stain our panels for aesthetic reasons, this is entirely possible. However, we recommend reviewing our FAQs for detailed guidance before proceeding.

Are fence panels a fire risk?

When exposed to fire, timber will burn. There are risks when timber fencing is exposed to nearby bonfires or sources of ignition as flames could spread to the panels. The risks are far less than composite fencing, which is predominantly made from plastic and wood fibres. Composite fencing has been observed to catch alight and spread far more rapidly than timber fencing, producing much taller flames and more heat. Thick, acrid smoke is produced which causes significantly more damage and risk to life. Fire and rescue services and the Government's Defence Infrastructure Organisation have published fire safety advice for those who intend to choose composite fencing or decking. Here is one from Lancashire Fire and Rescue.