Closeboard fencing is a strong, traditional way to create a secure garden or property boundary. Rather than using complete ready-made panels, you build it from separate posts, rails and overlapping vertical boards. This gives you a continuous fence that can follow changes in ground level and be adapted to fit the exact length of your boundary.

K C Fencing and Timber Ltd supplies and manufactures fencing materials for trade and DIY customers across the West Midlands. Here is what you need to know before ordering materials for a closeboard fence.

What is closeboard fencing?

Closeboard fencing, sometimes called feather edge fencing, consists of vertical feather edge boards fixed to horizontal timber rails. Each board overlaps the next, helping to create a solid screen with good privacy and wind resistance.

The horizontal rails are supported by posts set at regular intervals. A gravel board is normally fitted along the bottom to keep the timber boards away from damp ground. Depending on the design, you may use timber posts or concrete posts with suitable fittings.

Closeboard fencing should not be confused with closeboard fence panels. Panels are manufactured as complete rectangular sections and fitted between posts. Traditional closeboard fencing is assembled along the boundary from individual components. Both can provide a similar appearance, but component-built fencing offers more flexibility on sloping, uneven or unusually shaped sites.

Which components do you need?

A typical closeboard fence uses the following parts:

Fence posts: These support the complete structure. Concrete posts are durable and do not rot at ground level, while timber posts offer a traditional all-timber finish.
Arris rails: These are horizontal rails with a triangular profile. They run between the posts and provide the fixing points for the feather edge boards.
Feather edge boards: Each board is thicker along one edge and thinner along the other. The boards are fitted vertically and overlapped to form a solid fence.
Gravel boards: Fitted at the base, these protect the feather edge boards from direct contact with soil and surface moisture. Both timber and concrete gravel boards are available.
Fixings and supports: You may need rail brackets, cleats, clips, suitable nails or screws, depending on your posts and construction method.
Post-mix concrete: Posts generally need to be securely set in the ground using an appropriate concrete mix.

Your exact quantities will depend on the boundary length, fence height, post spacing, ground conditions and whether you are replacing an existing fence. Measure carefully and allow for cuts, corners, end posts and any gate openings.

When should you choose closeboard fencing?

Closeboard fencing is a practical choice when strength and privacy matter. Its overlapping construction leaves no direct sightline through the fence, making it useful for rear gardens, side boundaries and commercial premises.

It is particularly helpful on sloping ground. You can adjust individual boards or step the rails to suit the site instead of trying to make standard rectangular panels fit. It also works well on boundaries with non-standard bay widths because the rails and boards can be cut to the required dimensions.

Choose closeboard fencing if you want:

A solid boundary with a high level of privacy
A robust structure made from replaceable components
Flexibility for slopes, corners or awkward boundary lengths
A traditional timber appearance
A choice between timber and concrete supporting products

If speed and simple replacement are your priorities, ready-made fence panels may be more suitable. If you need a fence tailored closely to the shape of the site, component-built closeboard fencing is often the better option.

How is closeboard fencing built?

Construction starts with accurate setting out. Mark the boundary, locate the post positions and check for pipes, cables or other services before digging. You should also confirm who owns the boundary and whether any height or planning restrictions apply.

The posts are installed first. They must be upright, aligned and set firmly enough for the fence height and site conditions. Correct post spacing is important because the rails need secure support at each end.

Next, the gravel boards are fitted at the base. They establish the lower line of the fence and help prevent the timber boards from sitting against soil. Where concrete posts are used, choose compatible concrete posts, gravel boards and rail fittings.

Arris rails are then fitted horizontally between the posts. A fence will normally have multiple rails, with the number and position selected to give suitable support for its height. The rails should be level or set in a controlled step on sloping ground.

Finally, the feather edge boards are fixed vertically to the rails. Start at one end, check that the first board is plumb and maintain a consistent overlap as you work. Fix through the thicker part of each board without overdriving the fixing. Irregular overlap can create gaps, spoil the appearance and affect the strength of the finished fence.

Timber posts or concrete posts?

Timber posts give closeboard fencing a uniform, traditional look and can be straightforward to work with. They should be suitable for outdoor ground contact and installed carefully to reduce standing water around the base.

Concrete posts are heavier but provide long-lasting support and are not vulnerable to rot at ground level. They are often paired with concrete gravel boards so that the main structural and ground-level components are concrete, while the rails and feather edge boards remain timber.

Your choice will depend on appearance, expected lifespan, handling requirements and the condition of the site. Concrete products require safe lifting because of their weight. If access is narrow or you are working alone, plan how materials will reach the boundary before ordering.

How do you calculate the materials?

Begin by measuring the complete fence line in metres. Note each corner, level change, end point and gate opening. Decide on the post spacing and use this to calculate the number of bays. Remember that a straight run generally needs one more post than the number of bays.

For feather edge boards, divide the fence length by the effective width of each board after overlap, rather than using its full width. Add a reasonable allowance for cuts, damaged pieces and adjustments. Calculate rails per bay and include one gravel board, or the required gravel board length, along each section.

You can use our fence calculator as a starting point. For an awkward layout, bring your measurements to the yard or contact us so we can help you prepare a practical materials list.

Looking after a closeboard fence

Inspect the fence periodically, especially after strong winds. Look for loose fixings, damaged boards, movement around posts and soil collecting against the bottom of the timber. Replace split or badly warped feather edge boards before they place extra pressure on neighbouring boards.

Where appropriate, use a suitable exterior timber treatment and follow its instructions. Good drainage and keeping vegetation under control will also help. One advantage of component-built closeboard fencing is that an individual board or rail can often be replaced without renewing an entire bay.

Order closeboard fencing materials

K C Fencing and Timber Ltd supplies closeboard fencing materials to trade and DIY customers in Wednesbury, Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Walsall, Dudley, West Bromwich, Worcester, Redditch, Stourbridge, Kidderminster, Halesowen and surrounding West Midlands towns. Delivery is available across the West Midlands, or you can collect free from our yard at 83 Portway Road, Wednesbury WS10 7DZ.

Call 01902 288162 or request a quote for posts, rails, feather edge boards, gravel boards and other fencing materials for your project.

Closeboard Fencing Explained