Gravel Boards
Gravel boards protect fence panels from ground contact, reducing rot and moisture damage. Available in timber and concrete, they improve durability and extend fence lifespan.
About Gravel Boards
Gravel boards are fitted along the bottom of a fence to protect the panels or boards from direct contact with the ground. By lifting the fencing away from soil, grass and standing water, they help reduce moisture damage and can extend the life of the fence.
Timber gravel boards are a popular choice for garden fencing where a natural look is preferred. They are easy to cut, handle and install, making them suitable for use with timber posts, closeboard fencing and standard fence panels. Treated timber options offer added protection for outdoor use.
Concrete gravel boards provide a stronger, longer-lasting alternative and are often used with concrete fence posts. They are resistant to rot, help protect the lower edge of the fence, and can add extra stability to the overall fencing run. Whether you choose timber or concrete, gravel boards are a practical way to create a neater, more durable fence installation.
Gravel boards are fitted at the bottom of a fence, between the fence panel or boards and the ground. Their main job is to lift the timber fencing away from soil, grass and standing water, helping to reduce moisture damage and rot. They also give the fence a neater finish and can help protect panels from strimmers, mud splash and general ground contact.
You do not always have to use gravel boards, but they are strongly recommended for most garden fences. Without them, the bottom of the fence panel sits closer to damp ground, which can shorten its lifespan. Gravel boards are especially useful where the fence runs along soil, lawn, planting beds or uneven ground, or where you want panels to be easier to replace later.
Timber gravel boards are lighter, easier to cut and give a natural all-timber look. They are often used with timber posts and traditional garden fencing. Concrete gravel boards are heavier but more durable and resistant to rot, making them a strong low-maintenance option. They are commonly used with slotted concrete posts and standard fence panels.
Concrete gravel boards are usually better if you want maximum durability and rot resistance. They do not decay like timber and can help create a longer-lasting fence base. Timber gravel boards are still a good choice where appearance, weight, cutting and ease of installation matter more. The best option depends on the fence style, budget and how long you want the installation to last.
The size depends on your fence system and post spacing. Standard gravel boards are often around 6ft wide to match common fence panels, with different heights available depending on how much ground clearance or protection you need. Always measure the distance between posts and check whether you are using timber posts, concrete slotted posts, fence panels or featheredge fencing before ordering.
Yes, concrete gravel boards are commonly used with concrete posts. Slotted concrete posts are designed so the gravel board sits in the same slot as the fence panel, usually at the bottom of the run. Concrete gravel boards are a popular choice for this setup because they are strong, rot resistant and provide a stable base below the panel.
Yes, timber gravel boards can be used with timber posts and are usually fixed directly to the posts or fitted with suitable brackets. Concrete gravel boards can sometimes be used with timber posts, but they are much heavier and need the correct support. For a simple timber fencing run, timber posts with treated timber gravel boards are often the easiest option.
Yes, gravel boards can help fence panels last longer by keeping the bottom edge away from wet ground. This reduces direct contact with soil, standing water and damp vegetation, which are common causes of rot. They will not make a fence maintenance-free, but they are one of the simplest ways to protect panels and improve the durability of the overall fence system.