How many featheredge boards do I need per metre?

For standard 100mm wide boards with a 25mm overlap, you need approximately 13.3 boards per linear metre. For 125mm wide boards with a 25mm overlap, you need exactly 10 boards per metre.

What is the maximum height for a garden fence in the UK?

In most of the UK, you can install a fence up to 2 metres high without planning permission. However, if the fence is next to a public highway or road, the limit is usually 1 metre. Always check with your local planning office if unsure.

Why should I use a gravel board?

Gravel boards (wood or concrete) sit at the base of the fence. They prevent the vertical featheredge boards from touching the damp ground, which significantly reduces the risk of rot and extends the life of the fence by several years.

What is an arris rail?

An arris rail is a triangular timber rail that provides the structural framework for a closeboard fence. It is traditionally notched into the fence posts and the featheredge boards are nailed directly to its flat faces.

How many featheredge boards do I need per metre?

For standard 100mm wide boards with a 25mm overlap, you need approximately 13.3 boards per linear metre. For 125mm wide boards with a 25mm overlap, you need exactly 10 boards per metre.

What is the maximum height for a garden fence in the UK?

In most of the UK, you can install a fence up to 2 metres high without planning permission. However, if the fence is next to a public highway or road, the limit is usually 1 metre. Always check with your local planning office if unsure.

Why should I use a gravel board?

Gravel boards (wood or concrete) sit at the base of the fence. They prevent the vertical featheredge boards from touching the damp ground, which significantly reduces the risk of rot and extends the life of the fence by several years.

What is an arris rail?

An arris rail is a triangular timber rail that provides the structural framework for a closeboard fence. It is traditionally notched into the fence posts and the featheredge boards are nailed directly to its flat faces.

Closeboard Fence Calculator

Traditional featheredge fencing material takeoff.

Total Fence Length (m)

Height (m)

Post Spacing (m)

Featheredge Board Width (mm)

Material Takeoff

Installation Tip: Traditional closeboard fencing uses **Arris Rails** that are notched into the posts. Ensure you buy 'recessed' posts or use arris rail brackets for a secure fit.

Closeboard Fencing: The UK Standard for Privacy

Built to Last

Closeboard (or featheredge) fencing is widely considered the most durable and versatile timber boundary in the UK. Unlike pre-made panels, it is built 'in-situ', allowing it to follow the contours of sloping ground perfectly.

Our **closeboard fencing calculator** provides a complete material breakdown, from the structural arris rails to the final number of individual featheredge boards.

Standard Components

Fence Posts100mm x 100mm

Arris RailsTriangular 3m / 2.4m

Featheredge Overlap25mm (Standard)

Slope Management

One of the main advantages of closeboard fencing is its ability to handle slopes. While fence panels must be 'stepped', a closeboard fence can be 'raked'. This means the gravel board and arris rails follow the angle of the ground, ensuring there are no gaps at the bottom of the fence.

**Tip:** If raking a fence, you will need slightly longer featheredge boards for the downhill sections to maintain a level top line.

Preservative Treatment

Ensure all your timber is **Pressure Treated (Tanatised)**. This forces preservative deep into the wood fibres. Any cut ends (especially the tops of posts) should be treated with a brush-on preservative to prevent water ingress.

Fence Post Depth

For a 1.8m (6ft) fence, your posts must be at least 2.4m (8ft) long. This allows 600mm (2ft) to be buried in the ground and secured with concrete for maximum wind resistance.

Pro Tip: Stainless Steel Nails

Always use **stainless steel** or high-quality galvanised nails for featheredge boards. Cheap nails will react with the timber preservatives, leaving black 'rust streaks' down your beautiful new fence within a few months.

Fencing & Planning FAQ

Boundary Disclaimer

Always verify the exact location of your property boundary before installing a permanent fence. It is standard practice in the UK to install the 'good side' (the flat featheredge side) facing your neighbour, although this is a matter of courtesy rather than law.