Feather Edge Fence Panels

What Are Feather Edge Fence Panels?

Feather edge fencing, sometimes called closeboard fencing, gets its name from the distinctive way the timber boards are cut and overlapped. Each individual board is sawn diagonally across its thickness, resulting in a tapered profile where one edge is thicker and the other is finely feathered or very thin.

Each board is fitted vertically, with a consistent overlap of roughly an inch between them, usually around 25 to 30 millimetres. This overlap is key, as it forms a tightly sealed surface without any open gaps, giving you a sturdy, wind-resistant fence that also keeps your garden private.

The featheredge boards are typically fixed to horizontal fence rails (most commonly two or three, depending on how tall the fence is), which span the distance between solid fence posts.

Construction 

• Timber Type: The majority of feather edge fences are built using softwood (most commonly pine or spruce) that’s been pressure treated to withstand outdoor conditions. This treatment process forces preservatives deep into the wood, helping to defend it against rot, fungal decay, and wood-boring insects. For the best results, choose timber graded for outdoor use: UC4 for any posts that go directly into the ground, and UC3 for components like rails and boards that sit above ground level.
• Feather Edge Boards: These are the vertical boards that form the face of the fence, the part you actually see. Most are around 100 to 150mm wide, and you can get them in different lengths depending on how tall you want your fence. When fitted, each board overlaps the next slightly - this overlap gives the fence a solid, continuous surface and also helps reinforce the structure.
• Fence Posts: Traditionally, wooden posts are used, either dug directly into the ground (with concrete for stability) or set in post holders. Concrete posts are another popular option, offering exceptional durability and resistance to rot, though they have a different aesthetic.
• Horizontal Rails (Arris Rails or Square Rails): Horizontal Rails (Arris or Square) Rails run horizontally between the posts and give the boards something to attach to. You’ll usually see two types used: arris rails, which have a triangular shape to help shed water, and square rails, which are more traditional in shape. How many rails you’ll need depends on the height of the fence: two for a lower fence, three for anything taller or more exposed to the weather.
• Gravel Boards: Gravel boards run horizontally between the fence posts at the base. Their job is to raise the feather edge boards slightly off the ground. By doing that, they prevent moisture from soil or wet grass soaking into the wood, which is one of the main causes of early damage. You’ll find them in either concrete or treated timber, both have their place depending on the look you’re going for and how long you want the fence to last.

Applications

• Full Garden Fencing: Feather edge fence panels are most often used to create strong, reliable boundaries around a property.
• Private Corners: If you’ve got a patio or hot tub area and want to keep things out of sight, these panels are perfect for screening. 
• Divide Up Your Garden: You can also use them to section off areas - maybe a veg patch, a compost corner, or a space for the kids to play. It’s an easy way to give structure to your garden.
• A Tidy Backdrop For Plants: The natural timber blends in nicely behind shrubs, flowers, and climbing plants. It doesn’t distract, and it helps colours pop in borders and beds.
• Narrow Side Spaces: They work well down the side of a house or between neighbouring properties - anywhere you need a fence that’s solid, simple, and built to last.

Installation Advice

You can fit feather edge panels using either timber or concrete posts, and each has its place. Concrete posts tend to be the more durable option - they don’t rot and require very little upkeep over time. Timber posts, on the other hand, often look better in garden settings where you want a softer, more natural finish. It mostly comes down to what suits the look of the space and how long you want it to last.

Whatever you go with, it’s important not to sit the panels directly on the ground. Leave a gap - around 50mm is usually enough - to stop moisture from creeping up into the boards. It also helps with airflow at the base, which makes a big difference long-term. And don’t forget to use the right fixings to keep everything securely in place.

If you’re not totally confident about installing it yourself, it’s worth getting a professional in.