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Norwich Fencing Contractors

Closeboard fencing in Norwich

Norwich Fencing Contractors builds closeboard fencing in Norwich and the surrounding villages: featheredge boards fixed one by one to rails between solid posts, for a private, sturdy boundary.

Get a free quoteCall 01603 265243
New featheredge closeboard fence on concrete posts behind a freshly laid striped lawn

The strongest timber fence you can build

Closeboard fencing, sometimes called featheredge fencing, is built in place rather than bought as panels. Posts go in first, then two or three horizontal rails run between them, and tapered featheredge boards are nailed upright to the rails with each one overlapping the last. A capping rail along the top and a gravel board along the bottom finish it off.

Because every board is fixed on its own, a closeboard fence has no weak panel frames to blow out, and it can follow the ground on a sloping or uneven garden instead of stepping down in blocks. It gives full privacy from both sides, looks the same on each face, and is the fence many people choose for a long back garden boundary or a road-facing side where strength matters. It takes longer to build than a panel fence, but for a fence that will stand up to Norfolk winters it is hard to beat.

What is included

A closeboard fence quote covers the full build, posts to capping:

  • Removal of any old fencing along the line
  • Posts set to the right depth, in concrete or timber
  • Arris or cant rails fixed between the posts
  • Featheredge boards nailed on with an even overlap
  • Gravel boards at the base and an optional capping rail
  • Trellis on top or a matching gate if you want one
  • All waste cleared and taken away

Before you book

What to plan before you book

  • Stepped or raked

    On a slope, decide whether you want the top of the fence to follow the ground (raked) or step down at each post (stepped). Closeboard can do either.

  • Board spacing and overlap

    Featheredge boards are normally overlapped so no gaps show as the timber dries. Tell us if you want a tighter or looser look.

  • Height and wind

    A tall closeboard fence is a solid wall to the wind. Exposed gardens on open Norfolk ground need the posts set deeper and closer, which we allow for.

  • Finish

    Decide whether you will leave the timber to weather naturally or stain it once it has dried, and whether both sides should match.

Worth knowing

Good to know

  • It looks good from both sides

    With the boards on one face and the rails on the other, closeboard is still tidier on the rail side than most panels, which neighbours tend to appreciate.

  • Single boards can be replaced

    If a board splits or is damaged years later, it can be swapped on its own without taking down a whole section.

  • Rails carry the load

    Most closeboard failures start with a rail that has rotted or pulled out of its post. Keeping soil and plants off the bottom of the fence helps it last.

  • Timber moves

    Featheredge boards shrink and swell with the weather. Small changes in the gaps through the year are normal and not a fault.

Post by post

How the job runs

  1. Step 1: Talk it through

    Send the form or call 01603 265243 with the length and height you need, and any slope in the garden.

  2. Step 2: Measure and set out

    We visit, measure the run, mark the post positions and look at the levels so the fence follows the ground the way you want.

  3. Step 3: Your free quote

    You get a written quote for posts, rails, boards, gravel boards and capping, with removal of the old fence included where it applies.

  4. Step 4: Posts and rails

    The posts go in and are left to set firm before the rails are fixed between them.

  5. Step 5: Boarding and finish

    Boards go on one at a time, the capping and gravel boards are fixed, and we clear the site.

Questions

Questions customers ask

Something else on your mind? Ask us when you send your details and we will answer it with your quote.

Get a free quote

Is closeboard the same as featheredge?

Yes, near enough. Featheredge describes the tapered boards; closeboard describes the fence they make when they are fixed close together on rails.

Is closeboard stronger than panel fencing?

Generally, yes. The boards are fixed individually to rails rather than held in a light frame, so there is no panel to blow out in high wind.

Can closeboard follow a slope?

Yes. It can be raked so the top line follows the ground, which is one of its main advantages over panels.

Do you use concrete posts for closeboard?

We can use concrete posts and gravel boards or timber posts, depending on the look and the ground. We will recommend what suits your boundary.

How long does it take to build?

It depends on the length, the ground and the weather, and it takes longer than a panel fence of the same length. Your quote will give you an idea for your job.

Can I add trellis on top?

Yes. Trellis on top of a closeboard fence adds height for climbers and lets more light through than solid boards.

Other fencing work we do

Want a closeboard fence that lasts?

Tell us the length, height and any slope, and we will arrange a visit and a free quote.

Get a free quoteCall 01603 265243