Before we started, the end of this Pontypool lawn was closed off by a row of lap panels that had turned silver-grey with age. They were low, uneven along the top, and patched in places, with the house next door looking straight over them.

The new fence is noticeably taller and built as close-board, with vertical overlapping boards and a level top line from the house wall to the hedge. A second section went in on the raised paved area at the side of the house. Our garden fencing page covers the other styles we fit, and landscaping in Pontypool has more on gardens around the town.

What changed across the lawn

Compare the before and after photos and the biggest difference is height and solidity. The old lap panels had gaps along their tops and a wavy line where posts had shifted. The replacement stands a good deal higher, with boards tight together and a straight top, so the garden now feels enclosed rather than overlooked.

Close-board is heavier than lap panelling, which is why the posts behind it matter. Each one has to be set deep enough and firmly enough to hold a solid face against the wind without leaning over time. For the choice between wooden and concrete posts, read concrete posts or timber posts.

  • Old weathered lap panels taken down and removed
  • Taller close-board fence across the end of the lawn
  • Level top line from the rendered house wall to the hedge
  • A timber board along the foot, clear of the grass

A second run on the raised terrace

The other finished photo looks the opposite way, towards a raised paved step between a brick garden wall and the side of the house. The new close-board fence fills the gap between them, closing off that corner completely. One of the old grey panels is still leaning at the left edge of the frame, waiting to be taken away.

Fitting a fence on a raised level like this means working to a different ground height from the lawn, so the posts are set from the terrace rather than the grass. Where a garden steps up and down, as many in Pontypool do, it pays to plan the top line first. Our guide to new garden fencing in Pontypool explains how we handle that, and you can compare a later local job at garden fence replacement in Pontypool. When you are ready, ask for a free quote.

Questions About This Job

Can a new fence be taller than the old one?

Usually, within the general height limits for garden boundaries. If you want to go higher than normal, or the fence is next to a road, check with your local council first.

Is close-board more private than lap panels?

Yes. The vertical boards overlap, so there are no gaps to see through, and the panels are sturdier. Lap panels are lighter and tend to open up along the slats as they age.

How do I know my old panels are past saving?

Grey, split slats, panels that rattle in their slots and posts that lean are all signs. Our guide on repair or replacement goes through them.