Whatever your style of garden, there are fence panels to suit it, including traditional, rustic and contemporary styles.
Most fence panels are 6ft wide and are usually available in 3ft, 4ft, 5ft and 6ft heights. Always go for the best-quality fence panel you can afford – cheap panels do not last as long as good quality ones and you are likely to find yourself replacing them more often, especially after a storm.
It's also worth considering how much screening or privacy you need – if you want a fence that is completely 'peep proof', go for one with overlapping boards. Even a tiny gap between slats can make an area feel less private.
Also consider how windy your garden is. If your garden is in an exposed location, go for a sturdy option or one that lets some wind through.
Before installing fence panels, it's a good idea to discuss options with your neighbour. Some types of fencing look uglier on one side, which may upset them, and if you're going for a more open look, they may be concerned about loss of privacy.
Best fence panels for 2024
Forest Super Fence Panel
Let's start with the classic fence panel design we all know and love. These ones are made with overlapping boards so that they offer complete privacy, and have three vertical battens on both sides for added strength.
They're made from FSC certified timber from well managed, sustainable forests in the UK. They have been pressure treated and come with a 15-year anti-rot guarantee. They are available in a range of heights, from 3ft-6ft, and are sold in packs of three.
Papillon Premium Hazel Hurdle Woven Wattle Garden Fence Panel
Hazel fence panels are great for an informal and rustic feel in the garden. Made from hazel that has been coppiced in the traditional way, the branches have been cut from new growth to ensure that the branches or 'wands' are flexible and of similar thickness so that they can be woven into a traditional pattern.
These sturdy, durable hurdles can be used as a standalone fence, attached to an existing fence, or used as a screen around a terrace, kitchen garden or working area. They are perfect for a cottage or country garden, or to bring a touch of the rural to an urban setting. The panels are 6ft wide and are available in a range of sizes, from 3ft to 6ft high.
Decibel Noise Reduction Fence Panel
If you are bothered by traffic noise or your neighbour's noisy garden machinery, this innovative 6ft Decibel Noise Reduction Panel from Forest Garden could be the solution to your woes. The thick section boards are interlocked with extended tongue and grooves, with no gaps that would let sound through. In tests, this fence panel has been found to reduce noise levels by as much as 30 decibels.
Western red cedar batten screen
Battens are an excellent choice for a beautiful and contemporary looking fence and are perfect for urban or contemporary gardens. These battens are made from Western red cedar, a highly durable wood that is sourced from certified sustainably managed forests in Canada. You can use them to make a boundary, or to cover an existing fence. They are also perfect for screening an area of the garden, such as a seating area.
The battens will naturally weather to a silvery-grey colour; if you want to maintain their golden-brown tones, give them an oil treatment. Easy to trim, install and maintain, the 18 x 38mm x 1.83m metre battens have rounded edges and a planed surface on all four sides. You'll need two 21-piece bundles for a 6ft x 6ft area.
Venetian fence panels
Buy from B&Q (from £70.00)
Venetian panels have a horizontal, slatted design and are perfect for letting in light to a shady garden. They also make a great screen within the garden – around a seating area, for example.
These Venetian panels are available from B&Q and are perfect for an urban garden or a contemporary look. They're around 1m tall, but if you're after a 6ft version, try the Empire Venetian fence panels, also from B&Q.
Hit and miss fencing
Buy from Buy Fencing Direct (from £169.99)
Hit and miss fencing is so-called because the pales or boards are alternately fixed on the front and the back of the panel.
Hit and miss fencing panels are a great option for a windy site, as they let air pass through, avoiding 'eddies' of wind at the base of the fence that can damage plants. This type of fencing also looks good on both sides, which will please your neighbours.
These panels come with a 15-year anti-rot treatment and would work well in modern spaces. For a slightly more rustic design for cottage gardens, try the similar Europa Decorative Panels.
Weave fence panel
Buy from Garden Trellis Company (from £196.00)
The Garden Trellis company is a favourite with garden designers – they offer a great range of classy fencing options, including classic square or diagonal trellis, picket fencing and weave panels (above), which manage to look both contemporary and rustic. Their range is available in a range of sizes and can be painted in a range of colours to order.
Corten screening fence panel
If you're looking for an unusual and durable alternative to wooden fencing, this laser-cut Corten steel screen is a wonderful option, and makes a great choice for zoning areas of the garden. We like the smart monstera design, which comes in three different sizes.
See our other favourite screening ideas for alternatives.
Need fence paint? We've rounded up some of the most beautiful colours for an instant garden refresh.