Choosing the right fence depends on five factors: your budget, how long you want it to last, how much maintenance you're willing to do, your garden's exposure to wind, and the look you want.
Close-Board Feather Edge
Best for: Exposed gardens, long-term value
£180–250/section
per 6ft section
15–20 years
lifespan
Advantages:
- Best wind resistance of all wood types
- Built on-site for perfect fit
- Fully private — 100% solid
- Individual boards replaceable
Drawbacks:
- ✗Higher cost than panels
- ✗Requires regular treatment
Concrete Post & Panel
Best for: Lancashire's clay soil and wet climate
£150–220/section
per 6ft section
40+ years (posts)
lifespan
Advantages:
- Posts never rot — 40+ year lifespan
- Individual panels easily replaced
- No maintenance on posts
- Ideal for waterlogged ground
Drawbacks:
- ✗Functional rather than premium look
- ✗Panels still need occasional replacement
Composite Fencing
Best for: Low-maintenance, modern homes
£280–400/section
per 6ft section
25–30+ years
lifespan
Advantages:
- Zero maintenance — no treatment ever
- UV resistant — won't fade
- 25+ year manufacturer warranty
- Eco-friendly recycled materials
Drawbacks:
- ✗Higher upfront cost
- ✗Less natural appearance than wood
Waney Lap Panels
Best for: Sheltered gardens, tight budgets
£130–180/section
per 6ft section
10–15 years
lifespan
Advantages:
- Cheapest option
- Quick to install
- Easy DIY replacement
Drawbacks:
- ✗Low wind resistance — panels blow out
- ✗Shorter lifespan
- ✗Less durable than close-board
Which Fence Is Best for Lancashire's Weather?
Lancashire's climate presents unique challenges: high annual rainfall, clay soil that expands and contracts seasonally, and regular south-westerly winds. These factors should directly influence your choice:
High rainfall area?
Avoid untreated wood. Use pressure-treated timber, concrete posts, or composite. Gravel boards are essential.
Clay soil?
Concrete posts are the best choice. Clay movement can cause wooden posts to shift. Ensure footings are 600mm+ deep.
Exposed/windy garden?
Close-board feather edge or concrete post systems. Avoid standard panel fencing — it will blow out.
Sheltered suburban garden?
Panel fencing works fine in sheltered positions. Still recommend pressure-treated timber and gravel boards.
Our Recommendation — By Scenario
Best overall for Lancashire
Close-board feather edge on concrete posts
Best low-maintenance
Composite fencing
Best budget option
Concrete post & waney-lap panels
Best for exposed/windy gardens
Close-board feather edge
Best for modern properties
Composite horizontal board fencing
Best long-term value (20+ years)
Concrete posts + composite or close-board panels
Fence Type FAQs
What is the best fence type for a Lancashire garden?
For most Lancashire gardens, close-board feather-edge fencing on concrete posts is the best all-round choice — it handles our wet climate, wind, and clay soil better than alternatives.
What fence lasts the longest?
Concrete posts last 40+ years. Composite boards last 25–30+ years with no maintenance. The longest-lasting complete system is concrete posts with composite panels.
What is the most low-maintenance fence?
Composite fencing requires zero maintenance — no painting, staining or treatment. Simply wash annually.
Which fence type is best for privacy?
Close-board feather-edge provides 100% solid privacy. Solid panel fencing is also fully private. Decorative styles offer partial privacy.
Get Expert Advice for Your Garden
Every garden is different. Call Chris at Hulme Fencing for honest, free advice on which fence type suits your specific situation across Lancashire.