Do you need to use fence gravel boards with your fencing?
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Whether you’re building some brand-new fencing for a property or just sprucing up some older panels, you’re probably coming across different types of fence gravel boards in your search as well.
You might be wondering if you truly need a gravel board for your fence panels, and if so, what type? In this article, we’ll outline the key features of gravel boards, their purpose, and whether they’re necessary for your latest fencing project.
What are gravel boards?
Fence gravel boards are rectangular boards usually made from wooden, composite or concrete. They are placed underneath your fence panels, creating a barrier between the panel and the ground. To fix a fence gravel board into place, you can purchase fence panels with slots designed for gravel boards to fit into, or you can attach the board in between fence posts using clips, nails and screws – you can also create wooden blocks to fit snugly either side of the gravel board.
Gravel boards vary in size, but they can range from 6’ (1.83m) – 12’ (3.6m) in length and 6” (152mm) – 12” (305mm) in height. The standard size for a fence panel is 6’, so most fence gravel boards will be the same.
Do I need fence gravel boards for my fence panels?
The simple answer is yes – it’s highly recommended that you use gravel boards underneath your fence panels, particularly if they’re wooden. Fence gravel boards create a protective barrier between the wet ground and your fence panels, helping to shield the panels from a variety of things that could cause them harm. Predominantly, it prevents your wooden fence panels from being exposed to wet or damp soil, which can cause the wood to rot and decay. Alongside protection from moisture damage, fence gravel boards can help protect the panels against fungi and insect attacks, as well as erosion.
Gravel boards also help to ensure there are no gaps underneath your fence panels while adding height to your overall fencing for extra privacy, plus they’ll protect the fence when you’re doing gardening tasks such as mowing the lawn. If you choose not to use fence gravel boards, your fencing might become weak and unstable more quickly over time than if you were to use them. If you want your fencing project to be hard-wearing, durable, and long-lasting, then it’s best to use some high-quality gravel boards to finish the job.
What are the different types of fence gravel boards?
In general, there are three different materials your gravel boards are likely to be made from: wood, concrete, or composite materials. Each of these materials boast their own features and benefits, and one type might be more suited to certain fencing projects than another. It’s important to consider everything you know about your fencing and the area you’re building it to choose the right gravel boards. Consider elements such as environmental conditions, desired lifespan of the fencing, and budget as well as personal preferences and style.
Timber gravel boards
Timber gravel boards are a great option if you’re looking for your gravel boards to blend in seamlessly with the rest of your fencing. Providing a rustic and traditional appearance, wooden gravel boards won’t clash against the panels and they’re highly customisable – they can be painted or stained to suit your job requirements and preferences. Make sure to choose pressure treated wood for your gravel boards to ensure they’re durable and resistant to moisture, insects and fungi.
However, timber gravel boards will require maintenance – as well as initially treating and protecting them, you’ll need to repeat this in the future to make sure they’re well protected. When compared to other alternatives like concrete and composite, wood gravel boards won’t last as long, but they’re an excellent choice for something cost-effective and natural-looking.
Concrete gravel boards
Concrete gravel boards are a popular choice for those wanting something a little more durable than timber. They’re hard-wearing and made to last, meaning you won’t need to replace your concrete gravel boards for many years to come and they require little to no maintenance. They’re a great option if durability and longevity are the main requirements for your project, but this extra strength and security comes at a higher price tag than timber gravel board alternatives.
They’re also a lot heavier than timber, meaning the installation process might be a little more difficult especially if you’re doing it alone. They can be a bit of an eyesore too, as the concrete will contrast heavily with wooden panels, creating less of a natural look. Concrete gravel boards can be customisable to an extent, though – try an exterior masonry paint for a colour change.
Composite gravel boards
Composite gravel boards are an engineered product created by a mixture of plastic and other materials to create a more robust and longer-lasting alternative to timber and concrete gravel boards. Most composite boards are 100% recyclable and are much more lightweight when compared to other types of gravel boards, while still maintaining excellent strength and durability. They won’t fade over time either like wooden gravel boards might – with excellent UV resistance, composite gravel boards will maintain their colour, and they come in a great range of colours too.
Composite boards will come with a higher price tag than concrete or timber gravel boards, but they’ll prove more cost-effective in the long run as they’re highly durable and require little to no maintenance. So, depending on the requirements of your fencing and how long you’re looking for it to last, composite could be a great option.
Once you’ve figured out what you’d like your finished fencing to look like, how durable and long-lasting you need it to be, and what its purpose is, you’ll be able to decide which fence gravel boards are right for you. Remember to consider your budget, job requirements, environmental conditions such as the soil, as well as personal preferences and style.
