Composite fencing in Leeds

A good timber panel fence costs roughly half as much to put up. But panels in exposed Leeds gardens often blow out within a few winters, posts rot at ground level, and the whole fence needs treating every couple of years.

Our worked example using mid-range fitted prices. Timber at about £55 per metre is for standard panels on concrete posts.

Composite fence boards are heavy and catch the wind, so the posts do the hard work. Aluminium posts set at least 600 mm into concrete are standard; in exposed spots on the hills round Leeds, deeper is better. Many systems need a concrete or aluminium gravel board at the base so the boards sit clear of the soil.

On slopes the fence is stepped panel by panel. On a steep fall, the steps make triangles of gap at the bottom; these are usually filled with a cut gravel board.

Composite fence boards come in three main styles. Tongue-and-groove boards slot together horizontally between posts to make a solid, private screen. Slatted boards are spaced with small gaps to let wind and some light through, which suits exposed hillside gardens and looks more contemporary. Trellis or louvre toppers add height for climbers without making the fence feel like a wall.

Most Leeds jobs use solid boards at 1.8 m along side boundaries, often with a slatted section near the deck where people want a bit of light. Matching composite gates are available from most systems; they need heavier posts and good hinges, because a composite gate weighs a lot more than a timber one.

Before replacing a fence, check the title plan from HM Land Registry: it may show which side is responsible, though often it does not. If the fence is shared or ownership is unclear, agree it with your neighbour in writing before work starts. Putting the good face towards the neighbour is a courtesy, not a legal rule.