Our Timber Fencing Options For 2025

If you're looking to increase the look of your garden or need to keep your home secure, few things make as big an impact as a well-designed timber fence from Hillsborough fencing. We have a range of classic picket styles to fences up to the modern horizontal slats.

Whether you're after privacy, aesthetic appeal, or both, choosing the right type of timber fencing is key. If you’re in Sheffield, finding high-quality timber for your fencing projects is easy, we have a wide range of options. But how do you know which type of timber fencing is best for your garden?

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the most popular timber fencing options, their durability, and the best ways to use them in your garden or outdoor space.

Why Choose Timber for Fencing?

Timber has long been a favourite for fencing due to its natural beauty, versatility, and durability. It's a renewable resource, easy to work with, and blends seamlessly into any garden setting.

Plus, with the right treatment, timber can withstand the elements, making it a durable choice for all types of weather conditions. If you’re looking for timber fencing in Sheffield, you’ll find a variety of treated options designed specifically for outdoor use, ensuring that your fence stays strong for years.

Here’s why timber fencing stands out

Timber fencing complements most outdoor spaces with its warm, organic feel.

Available in a range of styles, heights, and finishes to suit any garden design.

Responsibly sourced timber is an eco-friendly option for your fencing needs.

Now, let’s explore the different types of timber fencing and how they can be used.

1. Traditional Picket Fencing

There’s something undeniably charming about a traditional picket fence. It’s a timeless option that works particularly well in cottage-style gardens or as a decorative boundary for front yards.

Picket fences are typically low and designed more for aesthetic appeal than privacy, making them ideal for areas where you want to create boundaries without blocking the view.

Benefits of picket fencing

The classic picket style adds charm and character to any garden.

Picket fences can be low for decorative purposes or slightly taller for a bit more privacy.

With regular treatments, picket fences can last for years without major upkeep.

Best place to use it

Ideal for front gardens or as decorative boundaries around flower beds.

Perfect for adding a classic, country-style look to your property.

If you’re looking to build a timber fence in Sheffield, picket fencing is a great option for a decorative touch that enhances your curb appeal.

2. Closeboard Fencing

If privacy and durability are your main concerns, closeboard fencing is the way to go. Made from vertical boards fixed tightly together, this type of fencing provides excellent privacy and is incredibly sturdy.

Closeboard fencing is typically built with overlapping feathered-edge boards, creating a robust barrier that can withstand strong winds and provide security for your garden.

Why choose closeboard fencing?

The closely fitted boards leave no gaps, making them ideal for securing your property and keeping prying eyes out.

With proper treatment, closeboard fencing can last for decades, even in areas with heavy rain or strong winds.

Once installed, it requires minimal upkeep, aside from occasional staining or treating to prevent rot.

Best place to use it

Ideal for back gardens where privacy is a priority.

Suitable for exposed areas prone to high winds, thanks to its sturdy construction.

For those seeking timber fencing in Sheffield, closeboard fencing offers a practical and durable solution, perfect for protecting your space without sacrificing style.

3. Hit-and-Miss Fencing

Hit-and-miss fencing offers a modern, stylish alternative to traditional fences. It’s named for the way the boards are alternately attached to either side of the fence rails, creating a gap between each board. This allows air and light to pass through while still offering a degree of privacy.

Hit-and-miss fencing is a great option for those who want a sleek, contemporary look in their garden without fully blocking views or light.

Why hit-and-miss fencing stands out

Its clean lines and unique design make it a favourite for modern garden designs.

The gaps between the boards allow air to flow through, which helps reduce wind pressure on the fence.

While not as private as closeboard fencing, it still offers a good balance between privacy and openness.

Best place to use it

Perfect for side boundaries in contemporary gardens.

Ideal for areas where you want some light to filter through, such as between your garden and a neighbour’s property.

If you’re after a timber fencing option in Sheffield that adds a modern twist to your garden, hit-and-miss fencing could be just what you’re looking for.

4. Lap Panel Fencing

Lap panel fencing is one of the most common and affordable types of timber fencing. It consists of horizontal timber slats that overlap, creating a solid panel. This style offers good privacy and is relatively quick and easy to install, making it a popular choice for many homeowners.

Lap panels are often pre-made and available in standard sizes, which makes installation much simpler. They’re also an economical option for fencing large areas.

Advantages of lap panel fencing

It’s one of the most budget-friendly fencing options available.

Pre-made panels make it a quick and straightforward option to install yourself.

The overlapping slats ensure a solid barrier, providing ample privacy for your garden.

Best place to use it

Ideal for large back gardens or areas where you need to cover a lot of ground on a budget.

Perfect for marking boundaries between properties or creating a secure space for children and pets.

For those in Sheffield looking for timber fencing, lap panel fencing offers an affordable, practical solution that doesn’t skimp on privacy.

5. Post and Rail Fencing

Post and rail fencing is a simple, rustic option that’s often used for marking out boundaries in larger, rural gardens or for keeping livestock in place. While it doesn’t offer much in the way of privacy, it’s a durable and cost-effective solution for large areas.

This type of fencing consists of horizontal rails fixed between vertical posts, creating an open, airy structure. It’s popular for its simplicity and is often seen in countryside settings.

Why post and rail fencing works

It’s perfect for rural or traditional garden designs.

If you need to fence off a large plot, post and rail fencing is an economical option.

It’s strong and sturdy, particularly when treated for outdoor use.

Best place to use it

Ideal for rural gardens, paddocks, or farms.

Suitable for marking boundaries in large, open spaces where privacy isn’t a concern.

If you’re looking for a timber fencing option in Sheffield that offers a traditional, rustic look, post and rail fencing could be the ideal choice.

6. Horizontal Slatted Fencing

Horizontal slatted fencing is another modern option that has grown in popularity in recent years. With clean, horizontal lines, it creates a sleek, contemporary look that fits well in modern outdoor spaces.

The evenly spaced slats allow light and air to pass through, making it an attractive option for stylish, low-maintenance gardens.

What makes horizontal slatted fencing unique

Its sleek lines give a modern touch to any garden.

The gaps between the slats allow air and light to pass through, creating a more open feel.

You can adjust the spacing between the slats to balance privacy and openness.

Best place to use it

Perfect for creating stylish partitions in modern gardens.

Ideal for urban settings where you want a mix of privacy and open design.

If you’re in Sheffield and after something with a more modern twist, horizontal slatted fencing is a great choice for adding style and function to your outdoor space.

Choosing the right timber fencing for your garden comes down to your needs, style preferences, and budget. Whether you’re after the classic charm of a picket fence or the modern look of horizontal slats, timber fencing in Sheffield offers plenty of options to suit any outdoor space.

By selecting the right type of fencing, you’ll not only enhance the look of your garden but also create a space that feels secure and private. With the right care and treatment, your timber fence will stand the test of time, providing both beauty and function for years to come.