Best Feather Edge Fencing Boards: 2025 Expert Review
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Timber Specialist
If you live in a terraced property in York or a home exposed to the Vale's winds, you will know that standard lap panels often struggle to survive a single winter. They rattle, warp, and eventually succumb to the elements.
The superior alternative is feather edge fencing (also known as close board). Built from scratch on site using vertical boards fixed to sturdy rails, this method creates a continuous, heavy-duty barrier that follows the contours of your ground—crucial for the uneven gardens common in our historic area.
In this review, I've selected the best feather edge board options available for immediate delivery, along with an essential tool that ensures a professional finish. Whether you are building a new boundary or repairing storm damage, these products represent solid quality.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Pressure Treated / Tanalised"
"The timber is protected against rot and insects for up to 15 years without maintenance."
Whilst treatment helps, any cut ends (where you trim the board to height) expose untreated wood. In York's damp climate, you must treat these cut ends on site, or rot will set in within two years.
The Spec: "Board Coverage"
"A 125mm board covers 125mm of fence."
Feather edge boards must overlap (usually by 25mm) to maintain privacy as the wood shrinks in summer. A 125mm board only gives you 100mm of effective coverage. Always calculate your material yield based on the overlap.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Professional Standard Fence Board Spacer for Feather Edge Boards (for 5"/125mm width)
TidyFence
Whilst not a board itself, this is the single most important investment for a budget-conscious DIY fencing project. It ensures a perfect 25mm overlap every time, preventing you from wasting timber with excessive overlaps or creating gaps with insufficient ones.
The Good
- Guarantees consistent 25mm overlap for structural integrity
- Significantly speeds up installation time
- Protects fingers from hammer strikes
The Bad
- Only fits 125mm boards (standard size), not 150mm
- Plastic construction, though durable enough for multiple jobs
Installer Tip:
Use this tool on your ring finger so your thumb and forefinger are free to hold the nail. This rhythm allows you to install boards rapidly without constantly reaching for a tape measure.
Priced at £9.75 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFeather Edge Fence Boards 150mm (6") Treated Close Board Fencing Cladding (Pack of 10)
Generic
For a more substantial fence, these 150mm wide boards are the superior choice. The wider profile means fewer boards are needed per metre, creating a cleaner, less 'busy' look that is often preferred in higher-end garden designs.
The Good
- Wider 150mm profile offers a robust, premium appearance
- Pressure treated for protection against rot
- Pack of 10 is convenient for planned sections
The Bad
- Heavier to handle than standard 125mm boards
- Requires checking your rail spacing to ensure nails hit solid timber
Installer Tip:
With 150mm boards, I recommend a slightly larger overlap of around 30-35mm to account for the increased expansion and contraction across the wider grain. Ensure you use galvanised nails to prevent rust streaks running down the timber.
Priced at £49.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonTanalised Green 6ft Feather Edge Boards (125mm x 11mm x 1.83m) - Individual Boards
Generic
When a winter storm in York takes out just a few slats, you don't want to buy a bulk pack. These individually sold 125mm boards are perfect for patch repairs, allowing you to match existing fencing without unnecessary waste.
The Good
- Sold individually - ideal for repairs and small gaps
- Standard 125mm size matches most existing UK garden fences
- Thick 11mm edge provides good structural rigidity
The Bad
- Cost per board is higher than buying in bulk
- Colour may initially look brighter than weathered existing fencing
Installer Tip:
If replacing a board in the middle of a fence run, you often don't need to remove the top rail. Slide the tapered (thin) edge of the new board up underneath the rail first, then drop it into position. Secure with a nail at the bottom first to hold it whilst you align the top.
Priced at £5.00 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between feather edge boards and lap panels?
Should I choose 125mm or 150mm feather edge boards?
How much overlap do feather edge boards need?
Do I need to treat tanalised fencing boards?
Can I install feather edge fencing myself?
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