FAQ
Fencing and Decking Questions
Straight answers to common questions about choosing, building and looking after fences and decks.
What is the best way to maintain a wooden deck?
Clean it in dry weather so the wood can dry thoroughly afterwards. Apply a wood cleaner, scrub in the direction of the grain, then rinse along the grain. Once the deck is completely dry, a wood oil helps retain colour, seal cracks and protect against moisture. You can skip the oil if your cleaner already protects the wood, as some 3-in-1 cleaners do.
Source: Kärcher: Cleaning wooden decking
Can I use a pressure washer on a wooden deck?
Yes, with care. Wood is soft, so use a lower pressure, use only the flat jet nozzle (spot blasters and dirt cutters can damage it), and test a hidden spot first. Keep the nozzle moving along the grain, about 30cm from the surface.
Source: Kärcher: Cleaning wooden decking
Do I need planning permission for a deck?
In England, decking up to 30cm above the ground is permitted development and needs no planning application, as long as it and any other extensions and outbuildings cover no more than half of the garden, and none of it is on land in front of the wall forming the front of the house. Extra limits apply in places such as National Parks and the grounds of listed buildings, and the rules do not cover flats. If you are unsure, ask your local planning authority.
How tall can my fence be without planning permission?
You can usually put up a fence without planning permission if it is no more than 1 metre high next to a road used by vehicles (or its footpath), or no more than 2 metres high anywhere else. You will need permission if any part of the site is a listed building or within its curtilage, or if the fence forms a boundary with a neighbouring listed building. Check with your local planning authority before starting work.
Can I replace an existing fence without planning permission?
The same height limits apply when you replace a fence, and an existing fence that is already above the limits cannot be made taller. In a conservation area you may need permission just to take a fence down, so check with your local planning authority first.
What is the difference between closeboard and panel fencing?
Closeboard fencing is built on site from overlapping vertical feather edge boards nailed to horizontal rails between posts. Because the parts are fixed individually, it is rigid and durable, gives a solid fence with no gaps for privacy and security, and copes well with sloping or uneven ground because the post spacing is not tied to panel widths. Ready made panels come in standard sizes.
Sources: AVS Fencing: A guide to closeboard fencing | Jacksons Fencing: Are all closeboard fence panels the same?
How deep should fence posts be set?
For a 1800mm (6ft) closeboard fence, posts should be at least 100x100mm and set about 600mm deep in concrete, with post centres ideally no more than 3m apart.
How do I make a wooden fence last longer?
Choose pressure treated timber, which guards against rot, fungal decay and insect attack. Fencing that is only dip treated offers far less protection. Use stainless steel or galvanised fixings, which resist rust staining and weakening better than mild steel nails, and fit gravel boards at the base of the fence.
Sources: Jacksons Fencing: Are all closeboard fence panels the same? | AVS Fencing: A guide to closeboard fencing
Can I repair a closeboard fence instead of replacing it?
Often, yes. Because closeboard fencing is made from individual parts, damaged boards or rails can be replaced rather than whole panels.
Who owns the fence between me and my neighbour?
In England and Wales there is usually no official record of who owns the fence between two properties, and most title plans do not show exact boundaries. If you want it settled, you can make a boundary agreement with your neighbour, apply for a determined boundary, or apply to correct a mistake on a title plan.
Source: GOV.UK: Your property boundaries
Do I need a gravel board under my fence panels?
A gravel board is a wooden or concrete board, usually around 140mm high, that sits on the ground under the fence panels. It keeps the panels off wet ground, which cuts the risk of rot and insect damage, and it closes the gap at the bottom of the fence. Jacksons Fencing says its 25-year guarantee only applies if gravel boards are used wherever panels would otherwise touch the ground.
Source: Jacksons Fencing: What is a gravel board and is it essential?
Do wooden gravel boards rot?
Most will, unless they are properly treated for ground contact. Boards that are only dip or surface treated leave the core of the timber exposed, while boards pressure treated right through are unlikely to rot. Concrete gravel boards do not rot, but they can crack and chip with frost, ground movement or impact. Avoid cutting ground contact timber, and if you have to, brush a cut end preservative onto the exposed wood.
Will a gravel board take my 6ft fence over the 2 metre limit?
Each gravel board adds roughly 140 to 150mm to the height of the fence. A 6ft panel with a gravel board comes to about 1.97m, which is just under the 2 metre limit for a fence that is not next to a road. Next to a road used by vehicles (or its footpath) the limit is 1 metre, so check before you order.
Sources: Jacksons Fencing: What is a gravel board and is it essential? | Planning Portal: Fences, gates and garden walls
How long does a wooden fence last?
A good quality timber fence that has been treated correctly should last at least 25 years. How long yours lasts depends on the type of timber treatment, the size of the posts, whether gravel boards are fitted, the quality of the fixings and how deep and firmly the posts are set.
Should I choose concrete or wooden fence posts?
Timber posts that are pressure treated and well drained can last about as long as concrete. They are lighter, and panels can be screwed straight to them, which stops rattling and makes it harder to lift panels out. Concrete posts do not rot and cope well in high winds, but they are heavy (around 40kg each), cost more, and cracks can let water in. The source is written by a timber post maker, so it is worth asking for a view on which suits your garden.
What is the difference between pressure treated and dip treated fencing?
Pressure treatment forces preservative into the centre of the timber, which protects against rot, fungal decay and insect attack. Dip treatment usually only coats the surface and offers far less protection, so dip treated fencing tends to need replacing sooner.
Sources: Jacksons Fencing: How long does a fence last? | Jacksons Fencing: Are all closeboard fence panels the same?
How many rails does a closeboard fence need?
A closeboard fence 1.2m (4ft) high or lower usually needs two horizontal rails, and taller boundaries use three. Arris rails have a triangular cross section and are generally considered the stronger option. Cant rails have an angled top so rainwater runs off, and are fixed to the front of the posts.
Can a fence be built on a sloping garden?
Yes. Closeboard fencing is built on site, so the rails and gravel boards can be fixed at an angle while the boards follow a level line. Post spacing is not tied to a panel width, which makes it a good fit for slopes and uneven ground. Ready made panels come in standard sizes, so they are less flexible.
Sources: AVS Fencing: A guide to closeboard fencing | Jacksons Fencing: Are all closeboard fence panels the same?
What type of fence is best for a windy or exposed garden?
In windy places such as coastal towns, semi solid panels like Hit and Miss let some wind through and put less strain on the fence. Panels with enough rails and framing, correctly sized posts, and posts set deep in plenty of post fixing mix all help, particularly in loose or wet soil. Concrete posts also have a record of surviving high winds.
Sources: Jacksons Fencing: How long does a fence last? | Jacksons Fencing: Concrete or wooden fence posts
Do I need planning permission for a gate or garden wall?
The same height limits apply as for fences: no more than 1 metre next to a road used by vehicles (or its footpath), and no more than 2 metres elsewhere. An existing gate or wall that is already over the limit cannot be made taller. You also need permission if a listed building is involved, and taking down a fence, wall or gate in a conservation area may need permission too.
What counts as a high hedge, and can I complain about my neighbours hedge?
A high hedge is a line of two or more mostly evergreen trees or shrubs, more than 2 metres tall, that acts as a barrier to light or access. Single trees do not count. You must first try to settle the dispute with your neighbour, then you can complain to the council, which usually charges a fee. The council can order the hedge to be cut down to a set height, but it cannot order it to be removed or cut below 2 metres, and it does not deal with root problems.
Can I cut a hedge during the bird nesting season?
Legally you can cut vegetation all year round, as long as no active nests are moved or damaged, because the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 protects nests that are in use or being built. The RSPB asks gardeners not to cut hedges between March and September and to cut between 1 September and 28 February instead, still checking for nests first. Hand tools are better than electric ones because they are easier to stop if you find wildlife.
Source: RSPB: Birds nests and nestboxes
Do I need permission before working on a tree near my fence?
Possibly. Trees with a Tree Preservation Order need consent from the council before they are cut down, topped, lopped or uprooted. For an unprotected tree in a conservation area you must give the council six weeks notice first. Doing the work without notice or consent is an offence, so check with your council before you start.
Source: GOV.UK: Tree Preservation Orders and trees in conservation areas
What does a T mark on my property deeds mean?
A T on your side of the boundary line on a deed plan usually means you are responsible for maintaining that fence, wall or hedge. Two T marks meeting back to back form an H, which suggests the neighbours share upkeep. The marks are not always conclusive, and having to maintain a boundary does not always mean you own it, so check the wording of your deeds.
Does the red line on my title plan show exactly where my boundary is?
No. The red edging shows the general boundary based on Ordnance Survey mapping and is not a precise measurement. The legal boundary may follow a physical feature such as a fence or the middle of a hedge, so do not measure from the title plan to work out where a new fence should go.
How do I settle a fence or boundary disagreement with my neighbour?
Talk to your neighbour first and agree a practical solution before changing or moving anything. HM Land Registry cannot mediate, but the RICS runs a boundary disputes mediation service. If you both agree where the boundary is, a boundary agreement can be recorded and binds future owners. A determined boundary application is a last resort because it is expensive and usually needs a plan from a chartered surveyor.
Does the Party Wall Act apply to garden fences?
Not to wooden fences or hedges, which the official booklet says are not covered. It can apply to a masonry garden wall that stands across the boundary, to building a new wall up to the boundary, and to digging close to a neighbouring building (within 3 or 6 metres depending on depth). Notice periods range from one to two months, so check before starting any work like that.
Source: GOV.UK: The Party Wall etc Act 1996 explanatory booklet
Which side of the fence should face my neighbour?
Many people put the better looking, finished side facing outwards, so that the neighbour sees it, with the posts and rails on their own side. There is no single answer for every property, so it is worth agreeing it with your neighbour before work starts and mentioning it when Patrick visits to look at the job.
Do building regulations apply to decking?
The Planning Portal says building regulations should be assumed to apply to every deck structure that needs planning permission. If you are not sure whether your deck is covered, ask your local building control body before you start.
Are there extra decking limits in National Parks or conservation areas?
Yes. In National Parks, the Broads, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and World Heritage Sites, decking more than 20 metres from the house is limited to 10 square metres in total. On article 2(3) designated land, decking or a raised platform on either side of the house needs planning permission, and so does any decking within the grounds of a listed building. The rules do not cover flats or maisonettes.
How far apart should deck joists be?
For a timber deck, internal joists should be 400mm apart, with noggins (short cross pieces) no more than 1200mm apart and staggered so the screws do not have to be driven at an angle. Composite boards laid across the joists usually need them closer together, at 300mm, so always check the instructions for your boards.
Sources: Wickes: How to lay decking | Wickes: How to install composite decking
What gap should I leave between deck boards?
Leave a 5 to 8mm gap between timber deck boards. It allows rainwater to drain away and gives the wood room to expand and shrink as it takes on and loses moisture. Composite boards use hidden clips that set a consistent 6mm gap.
Sources: Wickes: How to lay decking | Wickes: How to install composite decking
How should the ground be prepared before building a deck?
On grass, soil or gravel, dig out about 50mm, lay landscaping weed control fabric and weigh it down with 10mm gravel or pea shingle. Paving stones set on the gravel and checked with a spirit level then support the joists. The aim is to keep the timber raised off damp ground so it does not rot.
Source: Wickes: How to lay decking
What is the difference between composite and timber decking?
Composite boards do not need sealing, staining or painting, they resist rot and damp, and they absorb very little water. Timber is cheaper to start with but is usually cleaned and oiled regularly to keep its colour and protect against moisture. Composite is installed a little differently, with closer joists and hidden clips.
Sources: Wickes: How to install composite decking | Kärcher: Cleaning wooden decking
Is composite decking installed differently from timber?
Yes. Joists are set at 300mm, boards are held by hidden clips with a 6mm gap, and the boards should be left to acclimatise on site for at least 72 hours before fitting. Leave a 40mm ventilation gap below the fascia, build in a slight fall of 1 in 100 away from the house, and treat cut ends with preservative. Never burn the offcuts. Take them to a recycling or waste disposal centre.
How often should I clean my deck, and how do I deal with slippery moss?
Clean a wooden deck about twice a year, in spring and autumn, and only in dry weather so the wood can dry thoroughly. Remove moss straight away, because moisture trapped in it makes the surface slippery and is a fall risk. Light dirt and green growth often come off with a stiff brush, warm water and soap.
Source: Kärcher: Cleaning wooden decking
How do I remove grey discolouration from decking?
Lightly spray the deck with water, sweep off loose dirt, then apply a special grey removing cleaner. Leave it on for several hours, then rinse with clean water. Once the deck is completely dry, a wood oil helps retain the colour and protect against moisture.
Source: Kärcher: Cleaning wooden decking
How do I check a company taking away my old fence is registered to carry waste?
Any business that transports waste must be registered as a waste carrier. You can check a company on the Environment Agency public register of waste carriers, brokers and dealers. This is the registration for England, and Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own.
Source: GOV.UK: Waste carrier, broker or dealer registration
Can I make my fence hedgehog friendly?
Yes. A gap of about 13cm by 13cm at the bottom of the fence is enough for a hedgehog to pass through, and is usually too small for most pets. Hedgehogs roam around a mile each night to find food and a mate, so closed in gardens can cut them off. Hedgehog friendly gravel boards with a hole built in are also available.
Sources: Hedgehog Street: Link your garden | Jacksons Fencing: What is a gravel board and is it essential?
How do I prepare and treat a fence so the finish lasts?
Remove old nails and screws, brush off loose debris, wash the fence and rinse it, then let it dry thoroughly. Fill small holes with wood filler and sand rough patches. Start with a clear wood preserver as a primer, leaving it two to six hours before a second coat and at least 16 hours to dry before painting. Avoid wet days or times when bad weather is forecast.
Some of these questions come from my customers. The answers are researched from published sources, which are linked beneath each one, and are not my own advice. Rules can vary between councils and authorities, so please check with your local planning authority for your own property.
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