Question one: how much privacy and strength
If you want a solid, long-lasting screen that resists knocks, closeboard is the stronger answer. Its overlapping vertical boards are fixed individually onto rails, so the fence feels substantial and stays closed as it ages. It suits boundaries that are used hard or overlooked. Be honest with yourself about dogs, children and wind exposure, because a fence in an open spot works harder than one tucked between buildings.
If your needs are more modest, such as marking a side boundary or screening a quiet corner, lap panels are a sensible and tidy option. They give good coverage and a uniform appearance without the heavier build, which suits a lot of ordinary gardens.
Question two: how level is the ground
Level ground suits both styles. Lap panels slot neatly between evenly spaced posts and can be fitted quickly when the garden is flat. On older plots in Cleobury Mortimer, ground is often uneven, and that is where the choice becomes more important. If there is a hedge or tree close to the line, mention it, since roots and branches can alter where posts can go.
Closeboard is built on site, so it can follow a slope or cope with a change of level without leaving large gaps. Lap panels step down in stages, which can look awkward on a steep fall and may need extra boarding underneath to close the gaps. None of this needs to be settled in one go, and talking through a photo of the boundary is usually enough to narrow the choice sensibly.
Question three: what about upkeep
Both styles are timber and both benefit from treatment after they have dried out, then again every so often. A gravel board along the base is the single most useful addition, since it keeps the bottom edge out of wet soil. Whichever you choose, a tidy finish at the corners and around gates makes the biggest visible difference, so ask how those details will be handled.
Closeboard can be mended board by board, whereas a lap panel is usually changed as a whole. If the boundary is shared with a neighbour, check your deeds and ask your local council about height limits, as this is general information and not legal advice. If you are replacing an old fence, tell us what failed before, since the cause is often the key to choosing a style that will last longer this time.
Quick tips
- Decide first how much privacy you need, then match the fence style to that rather than the other way round.
- On uneven ground, ask us how the fence will follow the slope before agreeing to panels.
- Add a gravel board to either style to protect the bottom edge from damp.
- Keep a note of when the timber was last treated so upkeep does not slip.
If you are in Cleobury Mortimer, DY14, and still unsure, send us a photo and say where the fence will go. We also work in Bewdley and Tenbury Wells. Ring or message us and we will give straight advice with no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
How do I decide between closeboard and lap panels?
Ask three questions: how much privacy and strength you need, how level the ground is, and how much upkeep suits you. Closeboard handles strength and slopes better. Lap panels suit modest needs and flat ground. A photo of your Cleobury Mortimer boundary usually narrows the choice.
Do both styles need treating after they are fitted?
Yes, both are timber and benefit from treatment once dried out, then again every so often. A gravel board along the base is the most useful addition, since it keeps the bottom edge out of wet soil.
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