When it comes to contemporary boundary fencing options, many people like to consider the practicality as much as the look of their new fence.
In many cases, slatted fence panels make for a great option that provides sufficient light and airflow with a modern feel to transform their garden into a space of serenity and relaxation.
In this guide, we will provide you with all the information you will need to plan your next slatted fence for your dream garden!
What is a Slatted Fence?
Slatted fence panels are used to create a more airy atmosphere in your outdoor living space, as fence panels are placed in a supporting frame with several centimetres (depending on the design) in between each slatted panel.
Also often referred to as Venetian panels, they can provide your outdoor space with a contemporary look.
There are various ways in which the fence panels can be fitted/placed next to or on top of each other. Some people might prefer equal spacing between the slatted panels, while others choose to create a pattern with different-sized gaps between the panels.
Different Types of Slatted Fence Panels
Below we will be looking into the various designs and makes of slatted fence panels.
Vertical Slatted Fence
Vertical slatted fences are preferred for creating partitioning in your garden for areas you would prefer to have hidden, such as bins or compost heaps.
As they are built in a rectangular frame, vertical slatted fence panels are not often used as full boundary fencing but more for partial screening of specific areas.
Horizontal Slatted Fence
If you are looking for full boundary fencing, using horizontal slatted fence panels is one of the most common options.
Thanks to the horizontal lines and the spacing between the slates, this fence creates a contemporary feel for your outdoor area.
Thanks to its practicality, gardeners often place small hanging garden pottery onto the horizontal slats; a horizontally slatted fence is a relatively popular option.
This popularity offers a wide choice when it comes to colours, designs and finishes of the various materials that can be used.
Single Slatted Fence Panels
If you would like to use your slatted fence in front of a wall or your neighbour’s fence, meaning that the back side of your fence is not important, you can use single-sided slatted panels.
This option lets lots of air and light pass through the fence but also provides more visibility through the spacing of the panels.
Most of the time, a single slatted fence is used for its design purposes and contemporary look rather than for the practicality of a true boundary wall.
Double Slatted Fence Panels
If you prefer things a bit more private, using double-slatted fence panels might be a better option.
Thanks to the overlap with which the panels are mounted, you will still have airflow as well as light coming through your fence, but visibility is much more restricted with this version.
This is also why double-slatted fencing is mostly used for creating boundary walls. However, thanks to either side of the fence being equally decorative from a design perspective, it also makes for a great partition that separates two areas of your garden, rather than a boundary.
All of our slatted fence panels are double-sided, meaning they can be used either way around for an equally beautiful finish.
Materials for Slatted Fencing
Slatted fences can be made from a wide range of materials, and most choices depend heavily on the prices of the materials used as well as on personal preference.
While most people prefer to use timber, to give their garden space a natural finish, other materials are aluminium, painted or galvanised metal slats.
Another option, when specifically worried about whether your wood slats come from certified timber and sustainable sources, is to go for a composite slatted fence panel.
Why choose composite slatted fencing?
The benefit of using composite is that it is one of the most durable materials on the market. As it is made out of re-used wood fibres as well as plastic composites, it offers a way longer life span than plain timber while still providing the natural finish appeal.
Our composite slatted fence panels are sourced from 95% recycled plastic and FSC-certified timber for the reclaimed wood particles. It then gets pressure treated, which provides extra protection against splinters and even more durability in order to keep your garden secure.
Our Range of Composite Fencing
Ecoscape’s patented composite fencing materials are perfect when looking for a contemporary slatted fence for your garden space. The modular fence boards can be used in numerous ways. Firstly they can be simply stacked on top of one another to form a solid slatted screen fence. The board is dual sided showing three battens on one side (38mm battens) and two battens on the reverse (63mm). The customer can create multiple designs by alternating the fence boards. This creates a fence that has the look of slatted screen fencing but the added privacy as there are no gaps between the boards, albeit a rebate to make the horizontal fence slats prominent.
Our slatted fence panels are available in a wide choice of colours. We offer a black slatted fence panel in Charcoal, a grey slatted fence board in Graphite and a brown slatted fence panel in Walnut. The slatted fencing can be finished with either a fence end board or a full cap rail. We will also be offering the slatted fencing system in our Forma range from December 2022. We will offer Spiced Oak, which emulates western red cedar as it has beautiful colour streaking. Midnight which replicates burnt larch or Shou Sugi ban.
We also offer an end fence board which can be installed with gaps between them if the customer desires. They let plenty of light and air flow through, so you get the ideal balance of privacy and airiness.
Colours & sizes
You will be able to choose between five modern, vibrant colours which will suit your style and needs perfectly and make your garden stand out!
Each board is dual-sided, with 63mm or 38mm battens available to choose from. The boards are 157mm wide, 1830mm long, and 45mm thick.
Coordinating composite gates are also available if you will need access through your fence.
Installation
These fence panels couldn’t be easier to install. They are held in place using our fence posts; the panels simply slot on top of each other in between these posts. To finish off the look, we have top and bottom rails and fence post caps, which are similarly simple to install.
When installing your slatted fence, no matter which material you go for in the end, it is always worthwhile to insist on having gravel boards installed as well. These will protect the bottom parts of your fence against moisture, insects or other debris that could potentially damage your slats.
FAQs
If you would like to know more about slatted fencing, the various materials that can be used, and what to look out for when choosing the right materials for your garden, here are some slatted fencing FAQs.
What are the benefits of a slatted fence panel?
Using slatted panels or screens is a more modern and stylish option to traditional garden fences or walls.
When using a substantial and stylish panel, you can make your garden feel bigger and airier. You will also find a panel equally suitable to a screening fence option most of the time.
Here are some of the major benefits of a slatted fence panel in brief:
- Robust
- Easy to repair and replace a slat
- Contemporary style
- Cost-effective instalment
- Increased privacy without feeling sealed off
What is FSC-certified timber?
Our slatted fence panels are made of certified timber by the FSC. This means that they have been sourced through a sustainable timber manufacturer from one of the many certified suppliers worldwide.
The FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) was founded in 1994 and actively works toward a world where all timber comes from sustainable sources, without damaging the environment and endangering species which are dependent on their local forests.
Worldwide, over 200 million hectares of forest are currently certified by the FSC.
Is composite better than timber when it comes to slatted fencing?
The material you choose for your fence very much depends on your taste and intended use. However, there are certain aspects of material to consider when it comes to making a final buying decision regarding whether to go for composite or timber.
Our composite fencing system is quick and easy to install, requires no nails, is made from 95% recycled products and is UV stable (Forma range offers a UV guarantee). There is also the benefit of being low maintenance so a huge cost saving in the future. All our composite products come with a minimum 20 year warranty.
Upgrade Your Garden With Slatted Fencing From Ecoscape
If you are looking for ways to upgrade your garden fencing, secure your boundaries around your home, or to just beautify your outdoor space by covering an ugly neighbouring wall or your bin area with a more contemporary style – choosing Ecoscape’s slatted fence panels is a wonderful option to transform your garden!
There are plenty of options out there when it comes to the material, colour as well as finish for your slatted fence panels, but considering whether the material comes from sustainable sources is about as important as the durability of your fencing.
If you decide to go for our composite slatted fence panel material, why not also have a look at our versatile composite slatted gates, which will round off your newly designed garden beautifully!
