If you’re buying a fence, you’ll want it to be an economical purchase that lasts. Luckily, there are many things you can do in order to boost the longevity of your fence, and this includes fitting gravel boards.
So what are gravel boards? And why are they so important for saving you money in the long run?
What is a gravel board?
A gravel board is a protective board that sits at the bottom of a fence, underneath the panels. Their purpose is to boost the longevity of your fence by raising your fence panels up from the ground slightly, and therefore protecting them from debris, moisture and wildlife damage. Gravel boards can be made from concrete, wood or composite materials.
Why should you fit gravel boards?
You may be wondering, do you have to fit gravel boards? It may seem that they are an extra and unnecessary cost and that your fence will work perfectly without them. While this is technically true, it is without question that gravel boards can save you money in the long run by increasing the lifespan of your fence, making it more hard-wearing. So, let’s go through some of the main advantages of gravel boards.
Increases fence lifespan
Without that extra layer of protection, your fence panels will become more exposed to the elements, including moisture, insects, soil, and debris. These factors can degrade the quality and performance of your fence. Gravel boards therefore improve the lifespan and durability of your fence by protecting it from this degradation and damage.
A longer lifespan means a more economical fence that will not need to be repaired as often, or replaced as quickly, saving you money.
Improve the look of your fence
If you’re seeking a neater, cleaner fence for your garden, then gravel boards are an essential, offering a tidy and presentable look.
Protect your fence
Gravel boards also act as an excellent buffer against other forms of damage that occur in a garden, such as from lawn mowers, children playing and garden tools.
As you can see, there are multiple benefits of gravel boards to yourself and your pocket. But with different materials to choose from, how do you decide which is best? Let’s take a look and compare the two most widely used materials for gravel boards – concrete and wood.
Concrete gravel boards vs wooden gravel boards
Both concrete and wood are trusted materials that are known for their durability and stability, making them excellent choices for gravel boards. However, they both do have some individual benefits and drawbacks that you might want to consider before making your decision.
Wooden gravel boards are the first choice of anyone who wants to maintain the traditional appearance of a timber fence. Although wooden gravel boards are sturdy, their wooden material does make them more susceptible to eventual rotting and decay when compared to their concrete cousins.
Concrete gravel boards are famed for their durability and strength, and they will not rot over time, making them an incredibly long-lived option for a gravel board. If you’re set on a fully timber fence, though, they may not give you the aesthetics that you’re searching for.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. But one thing is for certain – gravel boards are a must for an economical, long-lasting fence.
Gravel Board Suppliers in London, Harrow and Hillingdon
Here at Harrow Fencing, we’re the go-to stockists of high-quality gravel boards, fence posts, wooden fence panels, and metal fencing for London, Harrow, Hillingdon and beyond. Thanks to our reliability and excellent standard of products, we’ve built up a strong customer base in the area which includes both homeowners and trade suppliers. Get in touch today to arrange your prompt delivery or to speak to a member of our team.
