A fence is a big investment. It frames your property, secures your pets, and gives you privacy from the neighbours. But walk into a timber yard or browse online, and the sheer number of options—Close Board, Lap, Picket, Slatted, Trellis—can be overwhelming.
At Joe's Fencing & Landscaping, we see too many homeowners choose a fence based solely on price, only to have it blow down in the first winter storm. To help you get it right the first time, here is our guide to matching the fence style to your specific needs.
1. The Goal: "I Want Total Privacy"
If your garden is overlooked or you simply want to turn your backyard into a secluded sanctuary, you need a solid barrier with no gaps.
The Solution: Feather Edge (Close Board)
This is the gold standard for strong, solid fencing. It is constructed from vertical boards that overlap each other, fixed to heavy horizontal rails. Pros: incredibly strong; offers 100% privacy; difficult to climb. Cons: Because it is solid, it catches the wind like a sail (see below).
2. The Goal: "I Live in a Windy Area"
In exposed parts of Bristol (like Dundry or exposed hills in Totterdown), a solid fence acts as a wind sail. Eventually, the pressure will snap the posts.
The Solution: Hit and Miss Fencing
This style uses boards fixed alternately on the front and back of the rail. Pros: It allows wind to pass through the fence rather than pushing against it, reducing the load on the posts by up to 30%. It still offers good privacy (you can only see through it at an extreme angle). Cons: Slightly more expensive due to the extra timber required.
3. The Goal: "I Want a Modern Look"
Standard panels can sometimes look a bit "functional." If you have renovated your house with bi-fold doors and rendered walls, you want a fence to match.
The Solution: Horizontal Slatted Screens
Drawing inspiration from contemporary architecture, these fences use narrow horizontal strips with gaps in between. Pros: They make small gardens look wider; they let light filter through, creating beautiful shadow lines. Cons: Less privacy than a solid fence, though this can be mitigated by installing a black mesh behind the slats.
4. The Goal: "I'm on a Budget"
Sometimes you just need to secure the boundary without breaking the bank.
The Solution: Lap Panels (Waney Edge)
These are the pre-fabricated panels you see in most DIY stores, made from horizontal slats framed in timber. Pros: The most affordable option; quick to install. Cons: Not as strong as Feather Edge; can be prone to rotting if not treated regularly; less resistant to heavy impact (footballs, etc.).
5. The Foundation: Wood vs. Concrete Posts
The fence is only as good as what holds it up. Timber Posts: Look natural and blend in. However, even treated timber will eventually rot at ground level (usually after 10–15 years). Concrete Posts: Not as pretty, but they are permanent. They will not rot, and if a panel breaks, you can simply slide the old one out and drop a new one in.
The Verdict
Don't just buy the cheapest panel. Consider the wind, the view, and how long you want it to last. A slightly higher upfront cost for a "wind-proof" design can save you hundreds in repairs down the line.
Featured Image Image * [A composite image showing three distinct fence styles side-by-side: A solid Feather Edge fence, a decorative Horizontal Slatted fence, and a Picket fence] Image Alt Text * Comparison of different garden fence styles: Feather edge, slatted, and picket Tags Select Tags * Fencing Guide, Garden Privacy, Feather Edge, Windproof Fencing, Bristol SEO Settings Meta Title * How to Choose the Right Fence for Your Home Meta Description * Unsure which fence to buy? We compare Feather Edge, Lap Panels, and Slatted fencing to help you choose the best option for privacy, wind, and budget.