Close board fencing in Exeter
Professional close board fencing services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
Quote required
Typical Duration
1+ days
Location
Exeter, Devon
Close board fencing in Exeter. Solid, strong fencing built board-by-board to last decades.
Want Fencing That'll Actually Last?
Panel fencing's cheap and quick, but it's not built to last. Close board fencing is the proper job - individual boards fixed to rails between solid posts. Takes longer to build but you get a fence that'll still be standing in 20 years. Much stronger in wind, better privacy, and you can repair individual boards instead of replacing whole panels.
💡 Pro tip: Devon gets proper weather - wind, rain, salt air if you're near the coast. Panel fencing takes a battering and often doesn't last 10 years. Close board fencing is built stronger and handles our climate way better. Worth the extra cost if you want fencing you won't be replacing every decade.
Done Right vs Done Wrong
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Posts concreted deep and solid | Shallow posts that lean after a year |
| Pressure-treated timber throughout | Untreated or cheap timber that rots quickly |
| Boards overlapped properly for privacy | Gaps between boards (can see through) |
| Rails firmly fixed to posts | Rails nailed on, come loose in wind |
What You Get
🔧 The Full Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Planning | Measure up, work out post positions, materials needed |
| Posts | Dig holes, set posts vertical and concrete them in |
| Rails | Fix horizontal rails (arris rails) between posts |
| Boards | Fit featherboard planks vertically, overlapped for privacy |
| Capping | Add capping rail along the top (optional but recommended) |
📦 You're Left With
- Solid fence built to last 20+ years
- Complete privacy and security
- All timber pressure-treated against rot
- Posts concreted properly, rails and boards secure
Pricing Guide
| Scope | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Small section (under 5m) | 1 day | Quote |
| Garden boundary (10-20m) | 2-3 days | Quote |
| Full garden fencing | 4+ days | Quote |
This is a bigger job so I need to quote on-site. Price depends on length, height, access, and what's already there. Materials are extra.
Perfect For Your Project If...
✅ Long-term investment - Want fencing that lasts 20+ years
✅ Exposed location - Need something that handles Devon wind
✅ Replacing panel fencing - Sick of panels blowing down
✅ Full privacy needed - No gaps, solid boundary
Why Choose Us for Close board fencing in Exeter?
Stronger than standard panels
Proper privacy and security
Built to withstand Devon weather
Lasts longer than panel fencing
What to Expect
Step 1: Site Visit and Quote
Come measure up, check access, work out what's involved. Give you a proper written quote before starting anything.
Step 2: Build the Fence
Set the posts first, let concrete go off. Then fit rails and boards section by section. Keep the site tidy as I go.
Step 3: Final Check
Walk you through the finished fence, make sure you're happy with everything. Clear up completely and take all rubbish away.
🔧 DIY Tips
This is a big job and hard work, but if you're committed:
🔧 What you'll need
- Fence posts (concrete or treated timber)
- Arris rails (triangular rails)
- Featherboard planks
- Postcrete or ballast and cement
- Spirit level, saw, hammer, nails
📐 How to do it
- Mark post positions (max 2.4m apart for 6ft fence)
- Dig holes 600mm deep minimum, set posts vertical, concrete in
- Fix arris rails between posts (usually two for 6ft fence)
- Start boards from one end, overlap each by about 25mm
- Nail boards to each rail, check vertical as you go
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Posts too far apart (fence sags between them)
- Not digging holes deep enough (posts lean)
- Forgetting to check posts are vertical before concrete sets
- Skimping on board overlap (gaps and weak fence)
💡 Pro trick: When you set the posts, use a string line along the top to keep them all at the same height and in a straight line. Makes fitting the rails and boards way easier, and the finished fence looks professional instead of wobbly.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🔧 Access is critical: I need to get materials to where the fence is going. If access is tight or I need to carry everything through the house, that affects the price. Let me know about access when you call so I can quote properly.
Combine with:
- Garden gate installation (need a gate to match the fence)
- Driveway gate repair (do both gates at the same time)
- Old fence removal (taking down what's there first)
Related services:
- Fence post replacement (if only some posts need doing)
- Garden gate repair (replacing gates to match new fence)
- Fence panel repair (patching up existing sections)
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between close board and panel fencing?
Panel fencing is pre-made panels slotted between posts - cheap and quick but not as strong. Close board is built on-site with individual featherboard planks fixed to rails - takes longer but it's much stronger, lasts way longer, and doesn't blow down in the first gale. Worth the extra cost.
How long does close board fencing last?
Good close board fencing with pressure-treated timber should give you 20-25 years easily. Panel fencing typically needs replacing after 10-15 years. The posts are the weak point - they'll rot at ground level eventually, but the boards and rails stay solid for decades.
Is close board fencing more expensive than panels?
Yeah, it costs more upfront because it's more materials and labour. But over the long run it works out cheaper - lasts twice as long and doesn't need constant repairs. If you want fencing that'll still be standing in 20 years, close board is the way.
Can you match existing close board fencing?
Usually, yeah. I'll match the height, board overlap, and style of your existing fence. If it's old fencing the new timber will look different at first, but it'll weather down to match within a year or so.
Close board fencing Also Available In:
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01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
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