What to look for in Fence panels?

NewtoDIY

I need to replace my front drive boundary fence and was wondering if any of you have tips about what to look out for when purchasing wooden fence panels? They're going to rest on gravel boards and slot into concrete posts. I went to B&Q and didn't like the look of their panels at all. Am looking at Closeboard/Shiplap panels only as I like the smart look of these.
Thanks

Gra76

I recently bought 20+ fence panels from fencestore.co.uk and they were all good quality and well priced. They're also all available to view online. They'll deliver them to your door and you get discount on bulk purchase. I couldn't fault them other than they delivered one panel short, but they had it on the next available wagon up here and I had it within a couple of days so can't complain!

I went to B&Q to look at panels before I chose my current ones and I totally know where you're coming from as the ones I saw were fairly poor quality and didn't look like they'd last long at all.

Jnelhams

Try your local Timber Merchant or Builders yard

NewtoDIY

I was thinking more about what to look out for as in quality of the panels. How do you tell whether they will shrink or not?

Furts

NewtoDIY wrote: »

I was thinking more about what to look out for as in quality of the panels. How do you tell whether they will shrink or not?

None will be wonderful quality.. This is because fencing uses low grade timber that is not up to joinery standards. Often this is UK grown timber.

Shrinkage should not be an issue - it would be if you were talking about mitres on architrave, but fencing is for outdoor use where it will get wet, then dry, then wet...

Look at the panels you are choosing - nail fixings are better than staples. Three vertical stiffeners are better than two, but two are better than one.

Modern timber treatment IMHO is suspect. Pressure treated timber is far superior to the dipped timber sold to unsuspecting DIY users.

If you want your fence to last, treat the capping on the top of the panel, any cut ends, and the gravel boards, with real preservative.

NewtoDIY

Furts, thanks for this specific info - appreciated!

I'm trying to find Shiplap panels because I like the way that they look. But shrinkage in these would look bad so I'll heed your points.

Furts

NewtoDIY wrote: »

Furts, thanks for this specific info - appreciated!

I'm trying to find Shiplap panels because I like the way that they look. But shrinkage in these would look bad so I'll heed your points.

I assume by shiplap you are referring to planed timber. If so you want pressure treated, unsorted joinery grade, redwood. Source this through a timber merchant or builders merchant - the DIY sheds do not have the knowledge or the quality. Then treat all cut edges before erecting. Plus, fully decorate before fixing.

I am not aware of shiplap panels for fencing. When used for cladding buildings it is a different situation because they will only receive rain on one face. They will tend to dry from the inside outwards, plus there will be some protection from overhanging eaves. I am aware of many such buildings - they have weathered and look grim.

Ken68

I have seen standard cheap fence panels with THREE uprights in the middle, so assume they are stronger.

NewtoDIY

Furts wrote: »

I assume by shiplap you are referring to planed timber.

I think in the UK they sell them as tongue & groove panels although there are not many. I think they look really smart.

This is what I'm looking for:
http://durcansproducts.ie/product.asp?strParents=&CAT_ID=184&P_ID=517&title_lnk=SHIPLAP-PANEL-WITH-D-RAIL

I agree with the treating them first aspect.

Ken68

Unless your site is well sheltered , the wind will eventually get to even the strongest panels. Something permeable is the long term answer.

Retro_Bunny

We're replacing some older rotten ones as well and are going for these from Waltons:
http://www.waltons.co.uk/4x6-waltons-pressure-treated-feather-edge-fence-panel

I've tried to take advice from posts above - pressure treated not dipped etc.

I'd be very grateful for any opinions prior to ordering.