While their name might conjure images of traditional garden fences, feather edge boards offer a surprising range of applications, venturing far beyond their initial purpose. These individual wooden slats have a distinctive tapered profile, resembling a feather, and can provide the resource for many household structures in your home. In this blog, we will talk about everything you will ever need to know about feather edge fencing boards- how to choose the right one, and how many you will need for your fence. We will also enlist some of the best options for feather edge fencing boards so you can get it to the comfort of your home itself and start with your process pronto.
What are feather edge boards?
Feather edge fencing boards are individual wooden slats used to create traditional closeboard fencing. They can be told apart because one side is thicker than the other, and it gets thinner as it gets closer to the other end, making it look like a feather. This design lets the pieces overlap when it’s put up, making a fence that is resistant to the weather and looks good.
These boards are easy to find and not too expensive. They are usually made from pressure-treated softwood. They’re simple to put up and make a strong, natural fence for gardening and other outdoor areas.
What Can Feather Edge Boards Be Used For?
While primarily associated with fencing, these boards have various applications beyond creating boundaries. Here are some of their uses.
Fencing
Feather edge boards are most commonly used for boundary and garden fencing. Their overlapping design offers privacy, security, and a complete finish to the structural integrity of your fencing. They can even be used in sloped terrain as the individual boards can be adjusted to uneven ground, making them suitable for sloped gardens.
Cladding
Feather edge fencing boards are an affordable way for cladding. They can be used for both classic and modern projects and are marginally less expensive than other covering materials like stone or brick.
Decorative applications
Instead of the typical brick or plastic edging, use feather edge fencing boards to create a natural, textured border for your raised beds. Choose contrasting colours for the boards and the bed contents to create a striking visual impact.
Other Uses
You can even line your garden paths with feather edge boards to define the walkway and create a rustic feel. Opt for shorter boards for a subtle effect or taller ones for a more prominent border. They can even be repurposed into unique headboards for bedrooms with an earthy theme.
How Do You Buy The Best Feather Edge Boards?
1. Consider your needs
It is very important that you start shopping with one crucial question- What will you use the boards for? Fencing, raised beds, or decorative features? Measure the area you need to cover or the desired size for your project. Boards generally come in various lengths like 1.8m, 2.4m, etc. and widths like 125mm, 150mm, etc. Choose boards with appropriate thicknesses for their purpose. Fences typically require thicker boards around 22mm for stability, while decorative features can use thinner options- 12mm or 16mm. You will also need to factor in overlaps when calculating the number of boards you need- usually around 25-35mm overlap per board.
2. Choose the right material
Treated softwood is the most popular and under-budget material for these boards, and they can be used outside in most situations. Hardwood is usually more pricey, but it lasts longer and doesn’t get damaged by the weather. Composite boards are even eco-friendly choices. They cost more, but they last longer and are better at withstanding weather.
3. Check the treatment
Ensure that your boards are pressure-treated, which is quite essential for outdoor use to ensure protection against rot, fungus, and insect damage.
How Many Feather Edge Fencing Boards Do You Need For Your Area?
- Measure your fence line or the perimeter of your plot using a measuring tape, measure the complete length of the fence line you want to build.
- You also need to account for the board length of your planned boards. You will also need to check for the recommended overlap for the boards that you are using. This is usually around 25-35mm per board.
- Divide the board length by the desired overlap including a small allowance for potential trimming. Example: Board length (1.8m) / Overlap (30mm + small allowance) = Number of boards per length (approximately 5.8).
- Since boards typically overlap at corners, you won’t need a full board for each corner post. If using 4 corner posts, you can subtract 4 from the total number of boards calculated earlier.
- Next, calculate the total number of boards. Multiply the number of boards per length by the total fence line length. Example: Number of boards per length (5.8) x Fence line length (say 20m) = Total number of boards (approximately 116)
Top Picks for Feather Edge Boards
1. Brown Treated Featheredge Fencing Board
This high pressure brown treated feather edge fencing board is perfect for external use for fencing and cladding sheds and buildings. Its UC3 high-pressure treatment in an appealing brown finish enhances durability. Ideal for undulating ground, these boards create a sturdy fence when overlapped. Sourced from sustainable forests and made in the UK, it supports British industry. Upgrade your fencing with this reliable and sustainable feather edge board.
2. Brown Treated Featheredge 2EX
The Brown Treated Featheredge 2EX offers a durable solution for external use, perfect for fencing or cladding sheds and buildings. Treated for longevity, it stands strong against heavy winds. Pressure treated to resist insect infestation, fungal decay, and rot, it maintains style and protection. Although weather exposure may cause fading, further staining is recommended for enhanced appearance over time.
3. Green Treated Featheredge Fencing Board 2EX
The Green Treated Featheredge Fencing Board 2EX is perfect for external use, whether for fencing or cladding sheds and buildings. With high-pressure treatment to UC3, it boasts enhanced durability in an attractive green finish. Ideal for undulating ground, these boards, sourced from sustainable forests, create a sturdy fence when overlapped. Made in the UK, it supports British industry, but note the industry norm of a smaller finished size due to the diagonal cut.
Conclusion
Feather edge boards’ versatile nature, natural charm, and affordability make them a valuable tool to enhance any outdoor space. They can easily be used to make a sturdy fence, create raised garden beds, and add decorative elements to your household. With their simple installation process and wide range of applications, you can easily transform your outdoor space. Transform your outdoor space with Travis Perkins’ Feather Edge Boards! Order yours now and enjoy sturdy fencing for years to come. For more information on feather edge fencing boards on Travis Perkins, visit FrontCeleb.