Gravel Boards
(19 Products)A gravel board is a wooden, concrete, or composite board used to protect your fence against wet soil, debris, and insect damage. Gravel boards are usually around 140-150mm in height and positioned underneath your fence panels. In essence, gravel boards are utilised to improve the lifespan of your fencing; they act as a barrier between your fence and damp ground. The additional height helps to prevent moisture damage by preventing direct contact with wet so
Types of Gravel Boards
There are three primary types of gravel boards: wooden, concrete, and composite. Which one you select depends on your needs and preferences.
For example, concrete gravel boards need to be used in conjunction with concrete fence posts - the posts are slotted to accept the gravel boards.
Let’s explore each option in more depth.
Concrete Gravel Boards
Concrete gravel boards act as a tough foundation for your fencing posts and are especially useful if you live in an area with high winds or frequent storms.
Durable in many ways, concrete gravel boards also raise your fence panels off the ground which in turn helps to prevent moisture damage such as rot or decay.
Although concrete gravel boards last much longer than timber, due to the fact that they don't rot or decay, they're not always the most attractive option. Those who prefer a run-of-the-mill-looking fence, usually opt for concrete gravel boards, for this reason.
Concrete gravel boards tend to be the gravel board of choice when fixing fence panels between concrete fence posts. They can easily be slotted into the grooves of the concrete post for an easy finish.
It's important to bear in mind however that they are also a lot heavier than wood and are thus difficult to manoeuvre. Installing concrete gravel boards is a two-person job, so make sure you have some assistance handy.
Wooden Gravel Boards
Those who prefer a run-of-the-mill-looking fence usually opt for wooden gravel boards, especially when they plan to use decorative fence panels. Wooden gravel boards complement any fence panel and achieve a much-desired aesthetic finish.
If you're working with a tighter budget, wooden gravel boards are also a more affordable option than concrete gravel boards.
Timber gravel boards are a bit more flexible than concrete gravel boards as fixings can be utilised and so in this case, both concrete or wooden posts are compatible.
Unfortunately, just like timber fence posts, wooden gravel boards tend to rot over time. Because of this, wooden gravel boards tend to be seen as a ‘sacrificial’ piece of wood that can easily be replaced when required.
Composite Gravel Boards
Composite gravel boards are the perfect combination of form and function. They're durable and attractive, easy to install and come in a variety of colours and finishes.
These maintenance-free panels don't need painting or treating and do not rot, crack or warp.
However, one aspect to consider is that composite gravel boards tend to be used with a full composite system and so the overall cost will be much higher than other types of fencing systems.
Frequently Asked Gravel Boards Questions
Are Gravel Boards Essential?
As they are not strictly necessary for every garden fence, installing gravel boards may initially appear to be an additional and unnecessary expense. However, they will actually save you money by increasing the durability of your fence in the long run.
Not only do gravel boards close up any gaps at the bottom of your fence, but they also make it look neater and cleaner overall. Plus, you'll get the added benefit of complete privacy.
They’re also great at preventing damage to your panels caused by:
- Lawn mowers
- Strimmers
- Digging/fork/spadework
- Impact damage from sports and ball games
We understand that every customer has unique needs, so we make sure to stock a range of timber and concrete gravel boards in a variety of heights and lengths. Whether you're more concerned with making sure your fence is visually appealing or want it to last as long as possible, we have the right board for you.
How Long Does a Gravel Board Last?
The lifespan of a gravelboard depends largely on its composition. If it is made from untreated wood, then it will likely only last a few years before replacement is necessary. However, if high-quality pressure-treated wood was used, the gravelboard can reasonably last up to seven or eight years.
Concrete gravel boards, on the other hand, are a whole different story. As concrete is largely resistant to damp and moisture, as long as it sustained no damage, these types of gravel boards could theoretically last a lifetime.
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