Maintaining clear boundaries around your property is a vital part of homeownership. Not only does a well-defined fence make things easier when selling—allowing buyers to clearly see the property lines—but it also promotes harmonious relationships with neighbours.
Even if you’re not planning to move, a thoughtfully designed fence can elevate your garden’s look. It offers privacy, acts as a backdrop for plants, and creates a stunning contrast when painted in dark tones.
Planning and Regulations
Before you start building, it’s important to understand planning regulations regarding fence height:
- Front garden or fences bordering a pavement or road: Max height is 3ft 2in (1 metre)
- Back garden fences: Max height is 6ft 6in (2 metres)
These limits include any trellis on top. Since local planning policies can vary, it’s always best to check with your local authority for specific guidance.
Who Owns Which Fence?
Figuring out fence ownership can be tricky. A good starting point is your property deeds, which should indicate boundary responsibilities. You may also be able to spot clues in the current layout—for instance, fence posts are typically installed inside your boundary, so they don’t take up your neighbour’s garden space. That said, this isn’t a hard rule.
If you’re planning to replace a fence, it’s courteous to talk to your neighbours first. They may even be open to sharing the cost if it’s a boundary fence that benefits both sides.
High-Quality Timber Fencing by Paterson’s Garden Buildings
At Paterson Garden Buildings, we build fences with the same care and premium materials as our garden buildings.
- Timber: 19mm pressure-treated Scandinavian Red Pine, a slow-grown wood that resists warping and cracking—lasting up to 3x longer than alternatives.
- Fence posts: 100x100mm, pressure-treated, and set into concrete at up to 2ft deep.
- Rails: Either 3 or 4 horizontal rails (for featheredge styles), providing strong support for fence slats.
Fence Styles to Suit Every Garden
The design of your fence is entirely up to you, whether you want:
- Simple ranch-style fences
- Solid privacy fences using overlapping slats like:
- Featheredge
- Tongue and groove
- Lap panels
- Hit-and-miss style (alternating slats for airflow and privacy)
For windy or exposed locations, consider designs that allow airflow. Gaps between slats—horizontal, vertical, or alternating—can prevent the fence from acting like a sail in strong winds, reducing stress on the structure.
Practical Add-Ons: Gravel Boards, Wildlife Gaps, and Finishing Touches
- Gravel boards at the base protect your fence from moisture and keep soil in place.
- Consider leaving small gaps for wildlife—like hedgehogs—to pass through. These prickly little helpers are great for natural slug and snail control and are sadly in decline.
- Add post caps to protect exposed wood and coping rails to help shed rainwater, further extending the life of your fence.
Custom Gates to Match Your Fencing
Complete your project with a custom-built gate in matching style. Whether for a garden path or driveway, we’ll tailor the gate to suit your measurements and aesthetic.
Ready to Enhance Your Outdoor Space?
A well-built fence is more than just a boundary—it’s a feature that adds beauty, privacy, and structure to your garden. Whether you’re replacing an old fence or starting from scratch, Paterson’s Garden Buildings can help you create something durable, attractive, and uniquely yours.