How Long Do Fencing Panels Last?

Fencing panels are a common sight in many gardens and their primary purpose is to define the boundary of your property whilst providing privacy and security. They also have the benefit of making your garden look visually pleasing as you can choose to stain the panels in a range of different colours or add decorative elements and plants. However, as with any outdoor wooden structure, fence panels can be affected by the weather which can cause problems such as damage, rot and mould. In this post, we will explore how long fence panels can last and what factors can influence their lifespan.

How Long Should a Wooden Fence Last?

The average lifespan of a pressure-treated wooden fence panel is approximately 10 -15 years. This lifespan can be dependent on several factors, so it is not unusual for a fence to last only five years or, if conditions are right up to 30 years.

Which Factors Affect the Lifespan of Fence Panels?

The following are some of the main factors which can influence the lifespan of your garden fence.

1. How The Wood is Treated

Most wooden fence panels are either dip-treated or pressure treated. Dip treatment involves placing the panel into a wood preservative and leaving it there for a certain length of time so the preservative can penetrate the wood. At Mill Timber Direct, our traditional fence panels and decorative fence panels are pressure treated. This means that the panels or the individual pieces of wood which make up the fence panel are placed into a vacuum-sealed container filled with high-performance green or brown preservatives. With our classic, or traditional range of fence panels, the individual pieces of wood are pressure treated before assembly of the panel to ensure thorough, full coverage of the treatment for improved longevity. The pressure treatment ensures that fence panels have a subtle, lightly coloured finish which preserves the natural grain of the wood. As pressure treating permeates the surface of the wood, it has a greater likelihood of reaching the maximum 15-year lifespan.

2. The Weather

The weather in the UK is usually quite settled, but we can still have extremes in conditions such as high winds, freezing temperatures, snow or heatwaves. Your fence panels can be affected by all these conditions, which can cause damage or deterioration. In addition, the panels can be affected by where in the UK you live. If you're nearer the sea or at a higher altitude, your garden may experience stronger winds or rain in comparison to living in a city or town. If any of these factors apply to your fence panels, you may need to undertake more maintenance to maintain their condition.

3. The Quality of the Fence Panel

Depending on the quality of your fence panels depends on how long they are able to last. Here at Mill Timber Direct, our traditional wood panels can withstand the poor conditions that British weather often surprises us with, this is because our fence panels are made up of 30% more wood than other traditional fence panel suppliers. The extra wood makes our traditional fence panels stronger and more durable. 

We understand that fence panels are an essential part to improving your garden and that’s why we offer stylish fence panels that are built to last your garden for years to come.

How Can You Ensure The Longevity of Your Fence Panels?

You can't change the weather, but there are a number of different things you can do to make your fence panels last as long as possible.

1. Install the Fence Panels Correctly

Even if you have chosen high-quality preserved or treated fence panels, if you don't install them correctly, they will not have the best chance of lasting the maximum amount of time. You need to make sure that the structure to which you are attaching the panels is strong and secure, so it is worth taking the time to ensure that the gravel boards and  fence posts are installed correctly. We recommend using Use Class 4 fence posts which have been specifically treated to last longer under the ground.  We also recommend that you install new fencing in the spring when weather conditions are settled so that it is ready to enjoy through the summer months. At Mill Timber Direct, we have all the supplies you need to easily erect your fencing, from traditional and decorative fence panels to concrete posts, nails and screws.

2. Follow a Maintenance Schedule for Painting or Treating The Wood

It is really important for the lifespan of your wooden fence panels to keep up to date with their maintenance and preservation. Check the panels regularly for damage, keep them clean, and if the colour starts to fade, keep them topped up with a high-quality fence stain. If your fence panels have been pressure treated, it is recommended that you only treat the fence after it is in situ for two to three months. Some experts say that pressure-treated fences should not need any additional treatment at all for at least 10 years.

If you want to purchase some top-quality fence panels for your garden then look no further than Mill Timber Direct. We have a wide range of traditional and decorative fence panels. If you’re not sure what to order, just use our Fence Panel Calculator, or contact us if you have any questions and our friendly team would be happy to assist.