Thin strips of sawn wood are woven or nailed to form standard 6-foot panels of varying form and height. Quick and easy to erect and a popular choice in many gardens where a solid affordable boundary screen is required. Strong, durable supporting posts are essential to help the fence withstand the wind with particularly windy locations best avoided. Widely available from local sawmill's.

What is a Sawn Panel?

The most common sawn panels are made up of thin strips of timber woven or nailed with a solid timber frame to form a solid peep-proof fence. The two most common styles are the interwoven panel ,

and the horizontal lap panel.

The vertical lap or close board panel is a more expensive but sturdier alternative. Craftsmen variations on these three basic themes can be found.

Solid panels are prone to wind damage and are not suitable for windy locations. Open weave panels that allow some wind to pass through stand up to wind better and are more suitable on exposed sites. In all cases it is a false economy to skimp on the posts as these need to be long-lasting and firmly erected in the ground.

Where do they come from?

The typical fence panel is made from softwood timber. This is timber that has come from coniferous trees, most commonly Pine and Larch. Larch has traditionally been used for fence panels and for fencing as, especially when it has been grown slowly, it is naturally durable i.e. resistant to decay from naturally occurring fungi and insects. This has resulted in these sorts of fences being referred to Larch lap. Pine is however more cheaply available and so long as it has been adequately treated with chemical preservatives it is a good substitute. Sawn Panels are an important staple product of most 'Estate' or Local Sawmills.

Craftsmen built panels are made from a range of timbers, most typically Oak and Sweet Chestnut that have the advantage of being naturally durable. They are less commonly available but form an important part of the renaissance of local woodland products where individual craftsmen experiment with the opportunities our locally produced timber provides.

Pine and Larch normally come from commercial forestry plantations while Oak and Sweet Chestnut come from a range of woodlands, from commercial plantations to nature reserves. In all cases in the UK the government through the Forestry Commission regulates the felling of trees. (Link to FC site)

Panel Points!

· The panels should have a solid timber frame;
· Panels should be made of naturally durable timber or been treated with a wood preservative;
· The thin strips of timber, pales, making up the main body of the panel should have a generous overlap;
· The pales should be nailed wherever they touch solid wood and not be warped or bowed;
· Post caps and panel capping rails are necessary to promote shedding of water and reduce decay; check these have been included in the price.
· Posts should be sturdy relatively knot free and of naturally durable or timber pressure impregnated with wood preservative.
· The erected panel should not be in contact with the ground as this promotes decay, use a gravel board or fix the panel a few inches proud of the ground.

Erecting a Sawn Panel Fence

Basic Procedure Using Timber Posts

The exact method of fixing the panel to posts will vary with the manufacturer;

· Clear the fence line of obstructions;
· Dig first post hole to required depth (typically 850mm*450mm) and erect the post so that it is exactly vertical and back fill with concrete and allow to dry.

· Run a line from the post to the end of the fence run. Using a measuring stick cut to the length of a panel measure the location of the next posthole and dig to the required depth.
· Set the second post in the hole and hold or prop it up in position. Do not back fill;

· Set the panel in position making sure it is raised off the ground slightly or sufficient to fit a gravel board if used. Attach to the post as recommended by the manufacturer. ( Note use of chock and temprary prop)

· Concrete the second post in position and then repeat procedure for the remaining length of fence. Do not go ahead putting posts up as there is no way of compensating for any slight error.
· Attach gravel board, post caps and capping strips as necessary

Care and Maintenance

· Regularly check posts are secure. This will help to reduce damage from flexing in the wind.
· Regular treatment with a non-creosote preservative every two-years will help them to last.

Buying Sawn Panels

The standard size of sawn panels is six feet by three, four, five or six feet high. Most makers will offer a range of other widths and can often make panels to any size you wish. Beware! Many sawn panel products are widely imported without declaring the product's origin. Whenever possible please buy direct from the local craftsmen or sawmill.

Forest Stewardship Council

The FSC is a world-wide non-profit organisation promoting the conservation of the worlds forests. They run an independent certification scheme to help consumers identify wood products from well managed sources. When you can not get a locally sourced product the FSC logo is the best guarantee of the environmental quality of the wood product you buy.

The Local Woodland Products Initiative is working to increase the use of sustainable woodland products in the garden. For more details contact Geoff Sinclair (Tel 01473 327 720) or Karen Kenny (Tel 01473 718874)

Further Information

· Fencing: A Practical Conservation Handbook by Elizabeth Agate, published by BTCV
· The Garden DIY Expert by Dr D.G. Hessayon published by Expert Books
· The RHS Encyclopaedia of Gardening, Edited by Christopher Bricknell published by Dorling Kindersley