How Many Gravel Boards Do I Need?
Quick Answer
Same number as panels — 6 panels = 6 gravel boards (1.83m each)
Based on: one gravel board sits below each fence panel between the posts, matching the panel width
How We Calculated This
Gravel boards sit between posts at ground level, below the fence panels. Each panel bay gets one gravel board:
- Number of panels: 6
- Gravel boards needed: 6 (one per panel bay)
- Each board: 1.83m (6ft) × 150mm (6″) high
What Are Gravel Boards For?
Gravel boards lift the fence panels off the ground, preventing the bottom of the panel from rotting due to contact with damp soil. They are a sacrificial element — much cheaper to replace than a full panel. They also provide a neat finish and keep the bottom of the fence level on uneven ground.
Types of Gravel Board
- Timber gravel board: 150mm × 22mm, pressure-treated. Cheapest option (~£5–8 each). Will eventually rot and need replacing.
- Concrete gravel board: 150mm high, reinforced. Lasts indefinitely (~£8–12 each). Heavier to handle.
- Composite gravel board: Recycled plastic/wood mix. Won’t rot, lightweight (~£10–15 each).
Fixing Methods
- Concrete posts: Gravel boards slide into the slots in the concrete posts
- Timber posts: Fix with galvanised brackets (gravel board clips) screwed to the post
- Recessed posts: Board sits in a rebate/groove cut into the post
Tips
Always use gravel boards — they significantly extend the life of your fence panels. If using timber gravel boards, treat the cut ends with wood preservative. On sloping ground, you may need to step the gravel boards, which can mean cutting some to fit. Concrete gravel boards are the best long-term investment.