For many homeowners in Bristol, particularly in densely populated areas like Bishopston, Bedminster, or Easton, privacy is the number one concern. When your garden is overlooked by neighbouring windows or a busy public footpath, it can be hard to truly relax.
At Joe's Fencing, we recently completed a project that perfectly highlights the effectiveness of Closeboard Fencing as a privacy solution. This project wasn't just about marking a boundary; it was about reclaiming a living space.
The Challenge: The "Fishbowl" Effect
Our client approached us with a common problem. Their rear garden backed onto a communal alleyway, and the existing boundary was a low, sparse hedge and a rotting picket fence. They described the feeling of being in a "fishbowl"—unable to have a BBQ or let the kids play without feeling watched by passersby.
The brief was simple but strict:
- Maximum Height: They wanted the fence as high as legally permitted (2 metres/6.6ft).
- Zero Visibility: No gaps, no knots to pop out, just a solid wall of timber.
- Durability: It needed to withstand the wind tunnel effect created by the alleyway.
The Solution: 2m High Closeboard
We recommended a custom-built Closeboard (Featheredge) fence. Unlike pre-fabricated panels, Closeboard is built element-by-element on site. This allows for a much stronger, heavier structure that follows the contours of the ground perfectly, leaving no gaps at the bottom.
The Specification
- Posts: 100mm x 100mm pressure-treated timber posts, set 600mm deep in rapid-setting concrete for maximum stability.
- Rails: Three heavy-duty triangular arris rails. Using three rails instead of two prevents the tall boards from bowing in the middle over time.
- Cladding: 150mm wide featheredge boards, overlapping by 25mm to ensure a complete visual seal.
- Gravel Boards: A timber gravel board at the base to protect the featheredge from ground moisture.
The Installation Process
Step 1: Clearing the Line
The first day involved the heavy labour of removing the old hedging and the rotting fence. We grubbed out the roots to ensure a clear run for the new fence line. As licensed waste carriers, we removed all the green waste and old timber from the site, leaving the garden tidy.
Step 2: Setting the Framework
Precision is key with Closeboard fencing. We set the first and last posts, running a string line to ensure the fence would be dead straight. Because the ground sloped slightly towards the alley, we "stepped" the fence bays gradually to maintain a level top line without leaving gaps at the bottom.
Step 3: Boarding Up
This is where the privacy was restored. We nailed the featheredge boards individually to the rails. This method creates a continuous run of timber that is incredibly strong. Because the boards overlap significantly, even as the wood shrinks slightly in summer, no gaps will open up.
Step 4: The Finishing Touch
To finish the look and protect the timber, we installed a weather capping rail along the top. This gives the fence a premium, framed appearance and stops rain from soaking into the top of the boards, significantly extending the lifespan of the fence.
The Result: A Private Sanctuary
The transformation was immediate. The moment the last board was nailed in, the road noise from the alleyway was visibly dampened, and the garden felt completely secluded.
The client told us: "It’s like adding an extra room to the house. We finally feel like we can sit outside in our pyjamas with a coffee and nobody can see us. It feels incredibly solid and secure."
Why Choose Closeboard for Privacy?
If you are feeling overlooked in your garden, Closeboard is the gold standard because:
- Height: It is easily built to the maximum 2m height.
- Solidity: There are no gaps between slats (unlike palisade or trellis).
- Security: The vertical boards are difficult to climb, and the robust construction deters intruders.
Is your garden lacking privacy? We can visit your property to discuss a bespoke Closeboard solution that fits your space perfectly.
Featured Image Image [A photograph of a newly installed, tall Closeboard fence running down the side of a garden, showing the sturdy posts and capping rail, blocking the view of a street behind] Image Alt Text [High privacy Closeboard fencing installation in Bristol] Tags Select Tags Closeboard Fencing Privacy Garden Security Case Study Bristol SEO Settings Meta Title Closeboard Fencing for Privacy: Recent Project | Joe's Meta Description See how we transformed an overlooked Bristol garden with high-security Closeboard fencing. The ultimate solution for privacy and durability.