Exploring Slatted Fence Panels: Cedar, Redwood and Painted Options

In the realm of garden design, slatted fencing has gained immense popularity for its modern appeal and versatility. With various materials and finishes available, we can now choose the right fencing solution that not only serves a functional purpose but also enhances the look of our outdoor spaces. In this post, we will explore the different types of contemporary slatted fencing, focusing on cedar, redwood, and painted slatted panels. We’ll compare their pros and cons, examine timber grades, discuss the smoothness of the planing, and consider their color variations.. We will discover the answers to ‘what is slatted fencing made from?’ and ‘How much does slatted fencing cost?’

1)

Pros:

• Natural Resistance: Cedar is naturally resistant to decay and insect damage, making it a durable choice for outdoor use.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The warm tones of Cedar adds a natural palette of colour and a beautiful contrast to garden planting and hard landscapes.
• Lightweight: Cedar is relatively lightweight, making it easier to handle and install compared to other woods.
• Long Lasting: Cedar slatted fencing will last for 20 – 30+ years it is perfect for harsh British weather
• Popular: Garden Designers and Landscapers love Cedar fencing you see it every year at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Cons:

• Cost: Cedar can be more expensive than some alternatives, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious homeowners.
• Colour Fading: Over time, Cedar will fade to a silvery-gray color that is much sought after by designers and architects.
• To Retain Colour: UV protection oil must be applied to protect the warm tomes of Cedar

Timber Grade & Finish:

Cedar fencing typically comes in different grades, with clear grade (free of knots) being the highest quality, providing a smoother finish and better durability. Most cedar fencing is planed smooth, offering a refined look that is pleasant to the touch.

• Canadian Cedar Clear Grade 2: This is the best imported grade of Cedar and has few imperfections or knots.
• Canadian Cedar Clear grade 2 allowing 15% no 4: This allows 15% of the Cedar to be grade 4, now people seem to think this means that you get 85% no2 and 15% no 4 – Not correct it means 15% of all of your battens may be at grade 4. so 85% of a batten could be grade 2 and 15% of it grade 4!
• To Retain Colour: UV protection oil must be applied to protect the warm tomes of Cedar

2)

Pros:

• Inherent Beauty: Redwood Slatted Fencing has a stunning wood grain and can be planed to a beautifully smooth finish.
• High Durability when treated: Treated Redwood is very durable and easy to work with,
• Low Maintenance: Treated Redwood will last a long time and requires little or no maintenance unless you want to protect the colour
• Price: Redwood is a very reasonable in price but the better grades do cost a little more.
• Wide Availability: Redwood is easy to source but its important to make sure you know what grade you are buying.

Cons:

• Colour: Most Redwood is pressure treated and this gives the wood a greenish tinge, (Contemporary Fencing offer a reddish/ brown version.)
• Grade: All Redwood battens are not made equally! Roofing battens are not suitable for fencing! See below for more info on Redwood grades.
• Cutting: When you cut a Redwood batten or fence panel you cut through the treatment. This means you must then reseal the ends.
• Chemicals: Unlike Cedar, Redwood slatted fencing panels are pressure treated, the chemicals used in the process are a bit icky.
• Colour Fading: As with all fencing outdoors the timber will naturally age with the sunlight. Treat with a UV protector to keep the colour.

Timber Grade & Finish:

Redwood timber grades- (this might get a bit confusing!)

So Redwood is graded completely differently to Cedar as the Canadians and the Europeans do things their own way.
We will start at the best grade and work backwards. When talking about timber grades we are refering to the grade of timber used to make the product.
This timber is machined to suit the specific size required and then pressure treated to protect it.

• Unsorted Grade Side Boards: Side boards have a beautiful Horizontal grain with few pin knots and are perfect for quality slatted fencing
• Unsorted Grade : Unsorted grade is slightly lower than the one above, they will have a few more knots and slightly less attractive grain
• Sawfalling Grade :  Sawfalling grade is a mixture of all grades, It will have larger knots and wider grain its quality greatly varies.

3)

Pros:

• Customization: Painted fencing allows for endless color options, enabling homeowners to match their fencing with their home’s exterior or landscaping.
• Protection: A good quality paint can provide a protective layer that helps prevent wood decay and damage from the elements.
• Modern Aesthetic: The sleek look of painted slats can enhance the modern appeal of a property, creating a bold statement.

Cons:

• Maintenance: Painted fence panels do requires maintenance, including re coating every four to five years, depending on exposure to sun and weather.
• Potential for Chipping: Over time, paint can chip, necessitating repair work to maintain appearance.

Types of paint finish and timber grade

When purchasing painted fencing its important to know what the timber fencing was made from.  For paint to adhere properly there are important rules to follow to ensure long lasting protection and prevent peeling.

Timber must be dry – To apply paint to timber it must be dry, most paints require the moisture content of timber to be at a set level for the paint to properly adhere.
Kiln Dried Timber is best for painting as this has been mechanically dried ensuring the wood is ready to be coated.

Quality of timber – the better grade timber you use for painting the better the end product will be. High quality timber has less knots and a superior grain.

Knot Sealing and Primer – All timber has some knots these can bleed staining through paint if not properly sealed. Contemporary Fencing uses a pripmer and knot sealing stain blocker coat on all painted fencing they manufacture.

Quality of paint – Use quality paint that lasts. Apply multiple coats for a long lasting finish.

5)

Choosing the right contemporary slatted fencing depends on various factors, including aesthetic preferences, budget, and maintenance considerations. Cedar and redwood offer natural beauty and durability but come at a higher cost. On the other hand, painted slatted fencing provides a customizable look but requires more upkeep. Ultimately, your decision should reflect your personal style, the environment of your outdoor space, and the amount of care you’re willing to invest in maintaining your fencing. Whether you opt for the timeless elegance of cedar or redwood, or the vibrant possibilities of painted panels, slatted fencing can transform your outdoor area into a modern sanctuary.

For garden inspiration and fencing ideas visit the Contemporary Fencing website and browse our range of ready made garden fence panels, gates, garden seating and bin stores.