Close Board Fencing in Surrey
The most durable, most popular fencing choice, concrete posts, gravel boards and feather-edge boards, built to last 20+ years.
Built to Last, Not Just to Look Good on Day One
Close board fencing, also called featherboard or feather-edge fencing, is the most popular residential boundary fencing in the UK. When it is installed properly with concrete posts, concrete gravel boards and quality feather-edge boards, it provides complete privacy, excellent weather resistance, and a clean uniform appearance that improves with age.
The key word is "properly". Many close board fences are installed with wooden posts sunk directly into the ground, these rot at soil level within 10–15 years. GK Landscapes uses concrete posts or concrete spurs (where the timber post sits above ground level, bolted to a concrete spur below) as standard. The concrete gravel boards at the base keep timber boards clear of the soil and prevent the ground rot that shortens most fences' lives.
Heights Available
Standard heights are 1.2m, 1.5m, 1.8m and 2.0m. Fences over 2m require planning permission in most cases. Trellis toppers can be added to 1.8m fencing to provide additional height for privacy or climbing plants, Patrick advises on whether this requires planning consent at your site visit.
- Free no-obligation quote, site visit always included
- Clear written price before any work starts
- Patrick Greenwood personally on site
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- 10/10 for communication
- No subcontractors on standard jobs
- No deposit required on most jobs
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Free site visit. Written price. No deposit.
Close Board vs Panel: What's the Difference?
Close Board
Individual boards nailed to a frame. Follows uneven ground. Each board replaceable. Far more durable, especially with concrete posts. 20–25 year lifespan. Patrick's recommendation for most garden boundaries.
Panel Fencing
Pre-made panels slotted between posts. Quick and affordable. Cannot follow slopes without stepping. Waney lap panels typically last 8–12 years. Good for level ground and budget-conscious projects.
Concrete Posts
Last indefinitely. Rot-free at ground level, the point where timber posts almost always fail first. Standard on all GK Landscapes close board fencing.
Timber Posts
Used for panel fencing and lighter applications. Pressure treated for longevity. Typically last 10–15 years before replacement is needed at ground level.
| Option | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| Close board (concrete posts + gravel boards) | £110–£160 per linear metre |
| Close board (timber posts) | £90–£130 per linear metre |
| Trellis topper (per linear metre) | £40–£65 per linear metre |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Concrete posts cost more upfront but they do not rot. The most expensive part of a fence replacement is usually the labour and disruption, not the materials. A fence on concrete posts can have its boards replaced once or twice over 40 years with the structure still solid. A fence on timber posts typically needs the whole structure replaced every 10–15 years.
Yes, this is one of its main advantages over panel fencing. Individual boards can be fitted to follow the ground profile (called 'raking') or the fence can be stepped at intervals. GK Landscapes assesses which approach works best for your garden's topography at the site visit.
With concrete posts and concrete gravel boards, the structure should last indefinitely. The feather-edge boards themselves typically last 15–20 years before they need replacing. The arris rails usually last a similar time. The total cost of ownership is much lower than panel fencing over a 20-year period.
Yes, fence paint or stain applied every 2–3 years extends board life and maintains appearance. Patrick advises using a good quality exterior timber treatment. Pressure-treated boards are factory-treated and do not strictly need painting, but most homeowners prefer a coloured finish.
Boards are supplied pressure treated (green or brown). If you want a specific colour, dark grey, black, slate, heritage green, this can be applied during or after installation. The most popular colour in Surrey right now is dark grey or anthracite.