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29 10 2026

Fences: Buy or Build? 

Fences are a must for any garden. They offer privacy, security, and safety to your outdoor space. 
With high winds, harsh rain, and inevitable aging, fences eventually need to be replaced. The question is: how? Is it better to build a fence from scratch? Or is it better to get premade panels?

Should I build my own fence? 

Building a fence can be a generally straightforward DIY project. For a timber fence, all you need are fence posts, gravel boards, fence boards, and maybe some support battens, depending on the design you're going for. 

The benefits of building a fence

  • Cost-effective: Building from scratch allows you to shop around for cheaper materials, potentially saving you money

  • Customisable: Building a fence from scratch ensures it looks the way you want it to. Got a specific style in mind? It may not be available in the shops

  • Stronger strength: Finding quality timber and supplies can help ensure strength in your fence, allowing it to last longer, meaning it may not need to be replaced as often

  • Better for uneven ground: Pre-built fence panels often come in standard sizes (e.g., 6 feet), which can make them less effective on uneven terrain. Building your own fencing can reduce this headache and allow you to space out your fence however suits your  

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Should I buy a pre-built fence?

Pre-built fence panels come pre-built and ready to install. All you may need are some fence posts to hold them above the ground to avoid rot, and you're ready to relax in your garden. 

The benefits of buying a fence panel

  • Easy Assembly: building your own fence can be time consuming. Pre-built panels are easy to install

  • Cost-effective: Due to bulk manufacturing, fence panels can be cheaper to buy than building the materials individually.

  • A uniform look: Due to the manufacturing process, pre-built panels stay consistent with each other, making your garden feel tidy and organised. 

  • Easy replacement: If one fence panel is damaged, it can be replaced quickly. No need to build a replacement panel.

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Looking at building a fence?

Snowdon Timber has a wide range of fencing supplies including panels, boards, posts and more. Shop now 

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