When it comes to fencing your garden or property, privacy and aesthetics are often top priorities. Feather edge boards, also known as close board fencing, offer a perfect blend of these essential qualities, making them a popular choice for homeowners and businesses alike.
What are Feather Edge Boards?
Feather edge boards are individual wooden planks that are vertically placed and slightly overlap one another. This overlapping design, often referred to as "feathered," creates a solid and visually pleasing barrier. The boards are typically secured to horizontal fencing rails, which are then attached to sturdy posts for a robust and secure structure.
Key Benefits of Feather Edge Fence Panels
Enhanced Privacy: The overlapping design of feather edge boards effectively blocks unwanted views, creating a sense of seclusion and privacy in your outdoor space. This is particularly beneficial for gardens, patios, and areas where you desire a more intimate setting.
Aesthetics: Feather edge fencing offers a classic and timeless look that complements a variety of architectural styles. The natural wood finish provides a warm and inviting feel, while also blending seamlessly with surrounding greenery. Additionally, feather edge boards can be easily painted or stained to match your desired aesthetic or property colour scheme.
Durability: Feather edge boards are typically made from high-quality, pressure-treated wood, making them resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage. This ensures a long lifespan and minimises the need for frequent replacements.
Versatility: Feather edge boards can be easily customised to fit the specific dimensions and contours of your property. This allows for greater flexibility in design, whether you have a straight fence line or require angled sections to navigate around obstacles.
Security: The solid construction of feather edge boards, combined with their secure attachment to posts, provides a strong barrier that discourages unwanted entry and enhances the overall security of your property.
How to Install Feather Edge Fence Boards
Installing a feather edge fence can be a rewarding DIY project. Here's a basic guide to fitting feather edge boards:
Materials:
Feather edge boards (ensure they are pressure-treated for longevity)
Fence posts (concrete or timber)
Rails (top and bottom)
Galvanised nails or screws
Postcrete (for concrete posts)
Spirit level
Hammer
Saw
Steps:
Post Installation:
Check out our blog post on how to install a fence post in the ground.
Rail Installation:
Attach the gravel board to the bottom of the posts using screws.Secure the top rail to the posts, ensuring it sits flush with the outer edge of the first and last posts and is centred on the intermediate posts.
Feather Edge Board Installation:
Start by attaching the first board with the thick edge flush with the left side of the first post. Secure it with nails or screws at the top, middle, and bottom.
Subsequent boards should overlap the previous board by approximately 25mm, allowing for wood expansion and contraction.
Continue attaching boards, ensuring they are level and maintain a consistent overlap.
Check every 5th board is level to avoid any unevenness throughout the fence.
Finishing Touches:
Once all boards are attached, install a capping rail along the top of the fence for a finished look. Secure it with screws into the top rail.
Additional Considerations
Maintenance: While feather edge boards are relatively low-maintenance, occasional cleaning and re-staining may be necessary to maintain their optimal appearance and longevity.
Cost: Feather edge boards can be a cost-effective fencing solution, especially when compared to other fencing materialslike metal or composite fencing. However, the final cost will depend on the type of wood used, the length and height of the fence, and any additional features like gates or post caps.
For further advice on installing feather edge boards or other fencing types, get in touch with us at 0117 967 4382 or visit us at our Bristol timber yard to speak to a member of our team.
