When deciding on your garden fence design and layout, you should consider several factors before you give the go ahead. First, consider what you want from your garden and how to use the space to accommodate your goals cleverly. Think about how you want the garden to look at its aesthetic appeal, consider the fence panel design options available, and imagine how you can add definition to your space. Once you know where you are heading and have reviewed all of our fence panel ideas, the options are endless.
Fence panel design options and possibilities
The dictionary definition of a fence panel is a “distinct section, portion or division of a wall or fence”. Panels are any surface sunk below or raised above the ground level enclosed by a thin, flat piece of wood or similar material.
Equally, a fence means a barrier, railing or upright structure made of wood, metal, composite, or wire enclosing an area to prevent or control access or escape.
Combine the two definitions, and potentially, you have a garden fence panel design that is aesthetically pleasing and a practical solution to keeping out unwanted visitors.
Create a landscape with garden fence design
Garden layout design using garden fence panels is about more than just securing your boundaries. It is about creating a landscape that is both practical and attractive. If you are offered a blank canvas or a gardenscape that needs an overhaul, a great place to start is with your garden fence. The panels serve as a cornerstone in garden layout design, a pillar of creative expression and a framework for garden architecture.
Establish a backdrop for the garden
Garden fence panels provide a backdrop, against which the beauty of the plants and other landscape features stand out. Garden fence panels define space, create privacy, block out noise and support climbing plants. The strategic placement of garden fencing panels guides the eye and leads you through a journey in your garden to hidden nooks or a work from home garden office or space.
Add style to your garden
Garden fence panels are available in a varied choice of materials, colours, and designs. Therefore, implement garden fencing ideas to complement your garden’s theme. Whether you choose rustic, modern, or traditional country cottage garden fence panels, there is a garden layout design waiting for you, and the great fact is you can go as dynamic or as laidback as you like. It is your garden and your garden fence design; you do what you like!
Fence panel ideas: consider the materials available
The first of our fence panel ideas to consider is the materials available. Garden fencing comes in various forms - wood, vinyl, metal and composite. Below, we discuss each of these materials, listing its pros and cons to help you with garden fence panel design.
Wooden fencing
Vinyl fencing
Most people are familiar with wooden fence panels, which are available in various designs, from traditional to contemporary garden fence options. Wood fence panels are often sustainable, especially if forested from sustainable sources. Ideally, buy pressure treated wooden fence panels as a low-maintenance solution, if you buy dip treated or untreated they will require annual retreatment with a quality wood preservative.
These panels are an option if you are looking for longevity. They are generally made of a special plastic called PVC or polymerising vinyl chloride, blended with other non-biodegradable materials to make a strong, robust, and durable garden fence.
Metal fencing
Composite fencing
Garden fence panels made from metal would be a key feature in your garden layout design. Metal panels are often made by professional fabricators from superior galvanised steel and then coated with a PVC plastisol finish. They are perfect for modern or contemporary gardens.
These garden fence panels are a sustainable option for garden fence design. They are made from a mixture of fibres, such as recycled wood and plastic. Composite fence panels are sometimes known as sandwich fencing; this refers to their construction, which consists of an insulated core sandwiched between metal or plastic facings.
Fence panel ideas: consider garden layouts
Taking the above garden design layout ideas into consideration, here are some garden fence panel ideas to use in garden design layouts:
- Mixing materials - combine different materials and textures like wood and metal for a unique take on your fence ideas
- Painted garden fences - why not add some colour? You can paint the garden fence panels to match your planting scheme or buy already painted or coloured garden fence panels
- Integrated lighting options – do not forget the outdoor lighting options; consider installing solar-powered lights on or near your panels to illuminate the space
Integrating garden fence panels
Being creative in your garden fence design will make your garden your own, individualising your space to reflect your personality and your garden needs. Decorative panel designs focus on your outdoor space and lift the aesthetic appeal. There is so much you can do with fencing that does not just include securing your boundaries, so we thought we would add some more garden fence ideas to stoke your creative juices.
We love creative integration. For example, you can frame your view by positioning garden fence panels to create a window effect that offers a glimpse into other parts of your garden or outside space. Artistic screening is another way to use garden fence panels as screens that feature complementary cut-outs or patterns, adding visual interest that allows light to filter through and cast shadows on your space.
Consider vertical gardens
If you have a small garden or patio that you want to enhance, vertical gardens may be the answer. Attach planters or plant pockets to lattice fence panels to create a vertical garden that does not take up too much space. This kind of planting is perfect for herbs or small flowering plants, and additionally, a vertical garden is easy to look after, especially if you introduce a drip-feed watering system.
Mixed media design styles
Consider using a mixed-media design style if you are a contemporary gardener who likes an edgy look. Incorporating glass, metal, or ceramics into your contemporary fence panels might sound unusual, but it is all about you doing you! What about custom carving? Think about commissioning some custom carving with designs that hold personal significance and complement your gardening style.
Why not mix and match garden fence panels with trellis and lattice fencing? If you love climbing plants, then this is the way to go. Trellis or lattice panels support climbing plants like clematis, honeysuckles, climbing roses, and wisteria to create a lush vertical screen. You can use denser latticework panels to create secluded reading or home office nooks, ensuring privacy while creating another area in your garden. This is vital if you work from home or spend a lot of time in your house and garden.
Secluded nooks
Secluded nooks lead to the ‘garden room’ concept, which is popular in gardening programs and social media content. You can design your space like a home’s interior with ‘rooms’ for dining, lounging, entertaining, children's play areas and gardening - all separated by stylish and considered garden fencing panels. You can use garden fence panels to partition areas you want to hide, like compost heaps, bin storage, and access to your shed or garage. Incorporating garden fences into your garden design layout is a must with so many possibilities.
Planning your garden layout design with fencing panels
Below we provide some planning tips for your garden layout design with fencing panels.
Understanding planning laws
When planning your garden fence panel design, it is important to understand the planning laws to ensure planning compliance and avoid any legal issues. Generally, you do not need planning permission for garden fences, gates, and garden walls, particularly if certain conditions are met. However, the boundary should not exceed one metre (3.28 inches) if adjacent to a road or footpath. The boundary can be two metres if located elsewhere.
Planning permission may be required if the garden fence is part of a listed building project or forms the boundary with a neighbouring listed building. Garden fences, walls, and gates do not generally require building regs but must be structurally sound and maintained. If the boundary is called a ‘party fence wall’, you must tell your neighbour about any replacement work to comply with the Party Walls Act 1996.
Take accurate measurements
Once you have tackled the legal aspect, the next vital step is to take accurate measurements. This ensures the garden fencing will fit accurately, and you will not waste time and money on wasted materials.
Consider the purpose of the garden layout design (privacy, security, and aesthetics) and choose the right height within the legal limits. Remember to check for any local rules that may affect permission, and as guidance is based on national regulations, local restrictions may apply. If unsure, consulting your local planning authority or planning professional is always a good idea.
Choosing the best fence panel design for your needs
Once you are compliant, it is time to consider the plan and choose the right type of garden fencing panel to highlight your vegetable plots and flower gardens or create a cosy place to sit and relax on your patio away from prying eyes. Here are some ideas to help your garden design layout blossom.
Vegetable gardens
Flower beds
A vegetable garden needs more shelter and security than your flower patch:
- Durability - opt for sturdy panels that withstand the elements and any potential impact from other garden activities
- Height - consider tall panels to deter animals or foragers that may be attracted to your vegetable garden
- Visibility - consider adding open slatted or horizontal picket fence panels to allow sunlight and rain to reach the plants in your vegetable patches and allow you to monitor your crop from afar
A low garden fence or boundary might benefit flower beds by deterring small children or pets from running across them:
- Decorative panels - why not add a decorative or ornate panel to enhance your flower bed?
- Low height - shorter panels can provide structure without overshadowing your flower beds
- Integration - consider incorporating climbing plants over a trellis or open panels to create a living garden fence
Patio areas
Patios are a different ball game altogether. Depending on the use, patios can be defined with the clever use of garden fence panels, here are some suggestions:
- Design - contemporary wooden open slatted panels will act as a boundary and allow you to view your garden
- Material - wood or composite fence panels will give a natural feel and enhance an outdoor seating area. Buy panels matching your garden furniture
- Privacy - solid panels or closely spaced slats will offer privacy to your patio area
Final thoughts
When planning your garden design layout, make sure you incorporate our garden fence panel ideas and select the best garden fence design for your needs. Don’t just think about garden buildings or log cabins and planting; think about using fencing panels to make your outdoor space stand out. Once legalities are addressed and the intricacies of planning laws are adhered to, your focus should shift to the overall look of your garden and ensure the right garden fence panels meet your practical and aesthetic needs.
Creative integration of garden fencing for climbing plants and partitioning into ‘garden rooms’ will add character and functionality to your space. Ultimately, the thoughtful combination of form, functionality and creativity in your garden fence choices will elevate your garden into an inviting, inspiring outside extension of your home. Bring the garden inside from outside.
Contact us
We want to discuss garden fencing with you and provide all the information you need to make the right decisions about your boundaries. Buy Fencing Direct has many garden fence panel ideas and options made from all sorts of materials, as well as useful accessories such as solar lighting. Choose our eco-logical garden fences for a combination of durability and planet friendliness.
Do you want to chat about our eco-friendly fencing and garden fence ideas? Why not call us at 0333 003 0515? Alternatively, you can email us through our contact page. Real-time conversations are available when you click the Live Chat pop-up at the bottom left corner of any page.