Whether you’re replacing storm-damaged panels, securing a new build, or simply giving your garden a fresh look, choosing the right fencing style matters. At Bentley Fencing Supplies, we supply and install fencing across Colchester and Essex every week. We see first-hand which styles homeowners are choosing, and why.
Here are the five fence styles we’re fitting most in Colchester and the surrounding area right now.
1. Closeboard (Featherboard) Fencing
The most popular choice for back gardens
Closeboard fencing, also known as featherboard or feather-edge fencing, is consistently our most requested style. It’s built from overlapping vertical timber boards fixed to horizontal rails, creating a solid, robust panel that handles wind well and provides full privacy.
It’s the go-to option for rear garden boundaries in Colchester because it combines strength with a clean, traditional look that suits most property types. Our closeboard panels are pressure-treated for long-term resistance to rot and damp, which is important in Essex where weather can be unpredictable.
Good for: Privacy, security, exposed gardens, back boundaries
Available heights: 3ft to 6ft (6ft is the legal maximum for residential properties in the UK)
2. Lap Panel Fencing (Waney Edge)
A practical, budget-friendly boundary
Lap panels are one of the most recognisable fence styles across the UK. Made from overlapping horizontal strips of timber within a wooden frame, they offer solid coverage at a competitive price point. Waney edge panels use natural-edged timber for a softer, less uniform look, while smooth-edged versions give a neater finish.
These panels suit straightforward boundary runs where budget and speed of installation matter. They’re widely used across Colchester’s residential streets as a practical, reliable option that gets the job done without fuss.
Good for: Front and back boundaries, cost-conscious projects, quick replacements
Tip: Pair with concrete posts and gravel boards to protect the base from ground moisture and extend panel life considerably.
3. Slatted Fence Panels
Modern style that’s growing fast in Essex
Slatted panels are having a significant moment. Both horizontal and vertical slatted designs have become a top request for homeowners who want their fencing to feel like a design choice, not an afterthought. The evenly spaced boards create a contemporary, architectural look that works particularly well around patios, decking areas, and new-build properties.
Horizontal slats give the impression of a wider, more expansive space. Vertical slats, by contrast, add height and structure. Both allow a degree of light and airflow through the fence, which is a real advantage for gardens where you want to avoid creating a wind tunnel effect.
We supply slatted panels in pressure-treated timber, which suits the Essex climate well and keeps ongoing maintenance minimal.
Good for: Modern gardens, patios, new builds, design-conscious homeowners
Popular with: Properties in Colchester’s newer developments and renovated gardens
4. Picket Fencing
Classic charm for front gardens
Picket fencing remains a staple for front gardens and pathway borders across Colchester. With its open, spaced-board design, it defines a boundary clearly without creating a solid wall. It’s welcoming, traditional, and works well with most period and semi-detached properties common in the area.
We supply picket panels in both pointed and rounded-top styles, with heights starting from 3ft. At that height, picket fencing also keeps you well within the 1-metre-at-the-front-boundary guidance that applies to most residential properties adjacent to roads in the UK.
Good for: Front gardens, pathways, flower bed edging, cottage-style properties
Available in: Pointed top and round top styles; can be painted or stained to match your property
5. Hit & Miss Fencing
Privacy with airflow on exposed sites
Hit and miss fencing features alternating boards on opposite sides of the rails, with a small gap between each. From straight on, it gives full privacy. At an angle, air can move through freely, which significantly reduces wind load on the fence.
This makes it an intelligent choice for exposed plots and larger gardens around Colchester and the wider Essex area, where open aspects can put ordinary panels under real stress. It’s also a stylish option: the alternating board pattern gives it more visual depth than a standard lap panel.
Good for: Exposed sites, large boundary runs, windy gardens
Note: Available in 6ft width panels with a range of height options. Works well with both wooden and concrete posts.
Get a Quote for Fencing in Colchester
All five of these fence styles are available to supply and install across Colchester, Clacton, Chelmsford, and the surrounding Essex area. We carry stock at our Weeley yard, offer fast local delivery, and back all our installation work with a 5-year guarantee.
If you’re not sure which style suits your garden, our team is happy to advise. We can help you choose based on your boundary length, exposure level, budget, and the look you’re going for.
Use our online quote tool at bentleyfencingsupplies.co.uk or call us on 01255 830820.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular fence style in Colchester?
Closeboard (featherboard) fencing is the most commonly installed style across Colchester and Essex. It provides full privacy, handles wind well, and suits most residential gardens.
How tall can my fence be in Colchester?
For most residential properties, fencing can be up to 2 metres (6ft) tall at the rear and side boundaries. Front boundaries adjacent to a road are generally limited to 1 metre without planning permission. Always check with your local authority if you are unsure.
Do I need planning permission for a new fence in Essex?
In most cases, no. If your fence is under 2 metres at the rear or under 1 metre at the front, permitted development rules apply and no planning permission is required. Exceptions include listed buildings, conservation areas, and some new-build properties with planning conditions.
How long does fence installation take in Colchester?
A standard residential fence replacement typically takes one day. Larger runs or more complex installs may take two days. Our team will give you a clear timeline when they visit to quote.