Garden Fencing Panel Comparisons
Birkdale Durapost Fencing
As part of the Durapost Fencing System, a durable alternative to traditional timber or concrete fence posts, we supply two (soon to be three) Fencing panel options that have also been designed by Birkdale.
These composite material panels are 100% compatible and designed to fit seamlessly with the system of posts, rails, fencing boards etc. Durapost fence panels can also be used with non-Durapost fence posts, but if so you will need to double check sizing and the process will likely involve custom brackets, additional drilling etc.
Durapost Galvanized Steel Fence Post
View ProductA key feature of the Durapost system is that it is relatively easy to set up, with self-drilling screws and parts that fit smoothly together in a modular fashion - making a potentially daunting DIY task much less so.
Which fence panel you choose can depend on
a) which aesthetic you desire or complements your garden,
b) what kind of garden space you have, or
c) how exposed you are to the elements.
Below we compare the panel options, as well as some non-Durapost fence panels we also supply on our site.
About Durapost Fence Panels
Durapost ‘composite’ fence panels are made with a mix of recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and rice husks (a natural waste byproduct of rice crops). They are available in a choice of colours, with a UV stabiliser safeguarding against fading.
A key selling point of the fence panels is their durability, and they are guaranteed for up to 15 years. At the end of their (long) life they are also 100% recyclable. The makers have labelled it as ‘fit and forget’ fencing - the panels do not require annual maintenance or regular treatments. The composite materials are more resistant to moisture and rot than traditional timber alternatives.
Vento Composite Panels
‘Vento’ is Latin for ‘in the wind’, and that provides you with a heavy clue about one of the key selling points of this particular fence panel design. The Vento composite panel features a vertical ‘hit and miss’ pattern that enables measured air flow, thus bolstering wind resistance.
Vento panels are primarily designed to be installed vertically, with either a 3 rail or 2 rail system. 3 rails allow for a taller height, with a top, bottom and middle rail.
While this is a stylish, modern fence panel, the ‘wood grain’ finish and traditional vertical appearance make the Vento very suited to cottage gardens or rural garden environs.
Durapost 'Vento' 1.8m Slatted Board 8 x Pack
View ProductWhat is ‘Hit and Miss’ Fencing?
Hit and Miss fence panels are designed to allow gaps for windflow, while still maintaining privacy. This is achieved with panels that are fixed alternately on either side of the fence - either horizontally or vertically - so that they are overlapping slightly.
The advantage of this design is that it distributes wind pressure more evenly, protecting the fence in very stormy conditions or exposed locations. Another advantage is that the fence has a more uniform, attractive appearance on both sides, which is a bonus for your neighbours. It can also lend a sense of shade and texture to the structure, complementing your garden aesthetic or planting layout.
Urban Slatted Fence Panels
No fluency in Latin is required to pick up on the clue here: Durapost’s Urban fence panels are designed with urban or suburban gardens in mind. This fence panel has a more contemporary style, without compromising on longevity or strength. A slatted panel system consists of 6 boards and 2 horizontal U-shaped rails.
The panels can be installed vertically or horizontally (see below). When installed horizontally, they give the impression of more space, which is ideal for urban homes where garden space can be more confined. The Urban Slatted panels can make a very nice backdrop to vertical planting schemes.
Both the ‘Urban’ and ‘Vento’ fence panels come in three colourways, with a UV stabiliser that minimises fade.
Durapost 'Urban' 1.8m Slatted Board 2 x Pack
View ProductInstalling Boards Vertically vs Horizontally
Garden fence panels can be installed either vertically or horizontally. As we’ve seen above, some products allow for either option while others are designed to be installed one way or the other.
Vertical fence panels are traditionally the most common method. However, horizontal fence panels have grown in popularity, particularly in small or urban gardens. They have an optical effect of making spaces seem larger or more open than they realistically are. The downside is that water tends to pool more on the panels, and they can require more maintenance as well as more support (such as number of posts).
Durapost ‘Vista’ Fence Panel
A newer addition to the Durapost range, the Vista fence panel has a tongue and groove (or lock board) design, ensuring full privacy with no gaps.
The modular, broad horizontal panels have a clean, contemporary appearance and are compatible with all types of fence post, including concrete (they are ideally suited to the overall Durapost system however).
As with the above panels, the Vista is made with composite, eco-friendly materials, has a 15-year guarantee and is available in three attractive colourways.
Reina Fence Panels
The Reina fence panels have been designed by the Irish company Woodford Timber, based in Cavan. Horizontal timber boards are spaced along a supportive frame, topped off with an arched, latticed design that adds an air of sophistication to any garden space. What’s more, the fence appears the same both front and back: so your neighbours can appreciate the view as well.
The Reina fence panel utilises ‘tenon and mortice’ joints, where small protruding tenons or tongues are inserted into a recess on the adjoining panel. The timber is pressure-treated for durability, and no further treatment is required; however over time you can use a preservative or wood stain.
When setting up your fence you can choose concave (curving inward) and/or convex (outward) panels; when used in combination they create a pleasing wave-like visual effect.
Convex Lattice Top Reinas Fence Panel
View ProductMadrid Chevron Fence Panels
The Madrid fence panel is another pressure-treated timber option. This panel has a 'Chevron' design, which is a visual pattern characterised by V shapes. The interlocking slats produce an attractive ribbed effect on both sides, with a domed top.
As with the Reina panels, the timber comes with a natural finish - one that can be enhanced with a preservative over time, but needs no immediate treatments.
Madrid Chevron Timber Fence Panel
View ProductTGV Elite Fence Panel
These heavy duty Elite fence panels have a robust 100 x 44mm framing, while the high grade pressure-treated timber is both rot and weather resistant. The 'TGV' stands for tongue and groove boards, which is the method of interlocking that allows the timber boards to fit snugly together.
Elite fence panels are versatile and compatible with concrete H posts as well as with wooden installations. It may not be as visually appealing as some of the above options, but these fence panels are built to last and for many that will be all that matters!
TGV Elite Fence Panel
View ProductRound Top Fence Panels
Finally, for a more traditional 'picket fencing' style look you can opt for these Rounded top fence panels from Woodford Timber. 125mm x 79mm boards are fixed to 3 x 75mm x 44mm splay backing rails.
The panels are planed and pressure treated, and can easily be affixed to fence posts by using a screw in panel clip. We sell these panels in two different sizes, 1.8 x 1.5m or 1.8 x 1.8m.
