The homeowner’s guide
The Complete Guide
to Garden Fencing
Choosing the right fence for your home — from East Kent’s trusted fencing specialists, established 2006.
Welcome
Fencing done properly
Moores Fencing is a family-run fencing contractor based in Canterbury, serving the whole of East Kent. Since 2006 we’ve supplied and installed garden fencing, gates and repairs to one simple standard — do it properly, and leave every site clean and tidy.
This guide makes choosing a fence easier. We’ll walk through the most popular fence types, what each is best for, and the things worth knowing before you buy.
Waney lap panel
Our most economical fencing panel. Waney lap panels are formed from waney-edge boards that overlap horizontally on a rectangular batten, finished with a weathered top capping.
Pressure-treated for protection, they’re best fitted on concrete posts with a gravel board so the panel never sits on wet ground. Available 0.9m (3ft) to 1.8m (6ft), closed both sides, in brown or green.
“Kieren told me about the panels available and advised on their durability as well as installation. The work was carried out on time and the area left neat and tidy.”
Closeboard fencing
The strongest traditional timber fence. Rather than a pre-made panel, closeboard is built board-by-board on site: overlapping featheredge boards fixed to horizontal arris rails between the posts.
That makes it far more robust than panels and easy to follow sloping ground. On concrete posts and gravel boards with pressure-treated timber, a closeboard fence typically lasts 15–20 years and gives complete privacy.
“Genuinely impressed with the quality — concrete posts, gravel boards, close board fencing and two side gates, everything level, tidy and perfectly finished. True value for money.”
Tongue & groove
A premium, contemporary panel where the boards slot together for a smooth, solid face with no gaps. The result is total privacy and a clean, modern finish.
Tongue & groove suits new-build and redesigned gardens where a sleek, high-end look matters. Like all our timber, it’s best installed on concrete posts and gravel boards.
“Very professional service. Tricky areas were overcome to give a secure fence with extra privacy — and it looks amazing. Turned up on time and cleaned up afterwards.”
Composite fencing
The premium, low-maintenance choice. Composite is made from recycled wood fibres and plastic, giving the look of timber with far better durability and weather resistance.
Once installed it needs little more than the occasional clean — no staining or sealing. It resists rot, warping and fading, making it well suited to exposed and coastal East Kent gardens.
“Excellent job installing composite fencing. Very professional and cleaned up afterwards. Happy to recommend.”
Venetian fencing
Light, airy and contemporary. Venetian panels use horizontal timber slats with small, even gaps, creating a stylish screen that filters light and wind without feeling closed in.
A great choice for modern gardens and feature panels where you want a designer look and partial screening rather than a solid boundary.
“Kieren and Liam did an outstanding job. Accurately quoted and gave ideas on how to achieve the best result. Clean, tidy and on time, with great communication.”
Hit & miss fencing
A stylish, contemporary fence where the boards are fixed alternately on each side of the rails — one at the front, the next at the back. It looks smart from both sides, so there’s no “bad side” facing your neighbour.
The small gaps let wind pass through rather than catching it like a solid panel, making hit & miss a great choice for exposed and coastal East Kent gardens. Available with horizontal or vertical boards on concrete posts and gravel boards.
“From first contact with Kieran until completion we had every confidence in his work. Outstanding standard, completed on time, and he left the area clear of any debris. A superb job.”
At a glance
How the fence types compare
Every garden is different, but this is how the most popular options stack up. The two big decisions are always the posts (we recommend concrete) and the panel style.
| Factor | Waney lap | Closeboard | Tongue & groove | Composite | Venetian | Hit & miss |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | £££££ | £££££ | £££££ | £££££ | £££££ | £££££ |
| Maintenance | Medium | Low | Medium | Very low | Medium | Medium |
| Lifespan | 10–15 yrs* | 10–15 yrs* | 10–15 yrs* | 25+ yrs* | 10–15 yrs* | 10–15 yrs* |
| Privacy | ||||||
| Strength | ||||||
| Best for | Budget boundaries | Lasting privacy | Modern finish | Premium, low upkeep | Slatted screening | Windy & exposed sites |
* Typical lifespan with regular care, treatment and repair.
“Timber is cheaper to buy — composite is cheaper to maintain.“
Before you buy
Good to know
A few common questions about fence rules and boundaries, answered simply. If you’re ever unsure, just ask — we check this on every job before we quote.
· What is the 2-metre rule?
Generally you can put up a garden fence up to 2 metres high without planning permission. If it borders a road, footpath or your front boundary, that limit usually drops to 1 metre.
· How high can my fence be?
Up to 2m for most rear and side boundaries; higher needs permission. Heights are measured from ground level on the higher side.
· Who owns which fence?
There’s no universal “left or right” rule — it depends on your deeds and title plan. A “T” mark on the plan shows who is responsible for a boundary.
· Who maintains the boundary?
Whoever owns it. Many neighbours share the cost where a fence benefits both — worth a friendly chat before work starts.
· Do I need planning permission?
Usually not for a standard fence under 2m. But conservation areas and listed buildings (common in Canterbury, Sandwich, Faversham and Deal) can have stricter rules.
· Concrete or timber posts?
We recommend concrete almost every time — they don’t rot, stay rigid in high winds, and keep the timber off the ground.
Ready when you are
Get a free quote
Composite or timber, we’ll help you choose — and fit it properly. Free, no-obligation quotes with a callback within 24 hours.
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