Featheredge vs Lap Fence Panels: What's the Difference?

What is a featheredge panel?

A featheredge panel is made from vertical timber boards that are thicker on one edge than the other. Each board overlaps the one next to it and is nailed onto horizontal rails at the back. It's the same construction as a traditional closeboard fence built on site, just made up in panel form.

Featheredge panels come in different frame styles. A fully framed panel has a timber frame around all four sides; a semi-framed panel is lighter. There are also shaped tops such as a dome. See the full range on our featheredge panels page.

What is a lap panel?

An overlap lap panel (sometimes called a waney lap) uses thinner horizontal slats that overlap each other like a stack of planks, held in a light timber frame. They're quick to make, light to carry and usually the lower-cost option.

Strength and durability

This is where the two differ most. Featheredge boards are thicker and vertically fixed to strong rails, so the panel resists knocks, kids' footballs and strong winds better. Lap panels use thinner slats, which can split or work loose more easily in exposed spots.

Vertical boards also shed rain downwards, so water doesn't sit along the top of each board the way it can on horizontal slats.

Privacy

Both are solid panels you can't see through when new. All timber moves as it dries and gets wet again; on featheredge the boards overlap tightly, so small gaps are less likely to open up. On lap panels, slats can shrink and leave small gaps over time.

Appearance

Featheredge has a crisp, vertical look that many people feel is neater and more traditional. Lap has a horizontal, rustic look. It's partly a matter of taste — pick the one that suits your house and garden.

Weight and handling

Lap panels are lighter, which is handy if you're working alone or have long side access. Featheredge panels are heavier — especially fully framed ones — so it helps to have a second pair of hands when lifting them into slotted concrete posts.

Price

Lap panels are usually the cheaper option per panel. Featheredge costs more because it uses more timber, but because it tends to last longer and stand up to the weather better, many people find it better value over the life of the fence.

Side-by-side comparison

Which should you choose?

Go for featheredge if…

• It's a main boundary fence you want to last.
• Your garden is exposed to wind.
• You have children or pets who'll put the fence to the test.
• You prefer a clean, vertical-board look.

Go for lap if…

• You're on a tight budget.
• The fence is in a sheltered spot, or is a screen rather than a boundary.
• You need something light and quick to put up.

Whichever you pick

Both panel types work with slotted concrete posts and concrete gravel boards. Keeping the timber off the ground with a gravel board is one of the simplest ways to help any panel last longer. You can compare every option on our fence panels page, and if you're still deciding on size, read our fence panel sizes guide.