Cedar Battens for slatted fencing

If you are looking to introduce a contemporary fence to your garden or are planning to clad a building, our Red Cedar battens are the perfect option. We actually use these battens to build our Canadian Red Cedar slatted fence panels so you can be assured they are the best quality.

Our Cedar battens also known as Cedar fence slats are widely used by landscapers, builders and home owners. They can be used to create horizontal garden fencing or they can used for cladding buildings and a whole host of other garden projects. Whether you are planning to have fencing with gaps between or privacy fencing we have slats to suit.  All of our Cedar slats are the highest grade available and sourced from PEFC suppliers.

The unique properties of Cedar

Western Red Cedar is the perfect material for garden fencing and exterior joinery. It has special properties that make it both durable and a beautiful to look at.  The natural occurring colour variation of Cedar works really well within both modern and traditional garden spaces, the clean horizontal lines are a popular design feature.

When choosing a supplier for your Cedar fencing slats its important to consider price, quality and availability. The Contemporary Fencing team pride themselves in ensuring that you will receive only the best battens for your project.

Key Facts

• Brings contemporary Style to your garden
• Ideal for creating slatted fencing
•  Perfect for cladding buildings
• High Quality Western Red Cedar slats
• 1.83m and 2.13m size battens available
• 100s of happy customers
• Clear Grade 2 Western Red Cedar

Tips for using Cedar Battens

When using Cedar battens for slatted fencing and cladding its always a good idea to trim both ends of your battens. This ensures that the battens will fit together flush and tight for a seamless look. When battens are machined the ends are not always perfectly square so trimming them is the best way to ensure they are perfect for your project.

You should also use stainless steel screws, nails or pins with Cedar to give a long lasting fixing. Non stainless fixings will result in black marks and staining of the timber.

When treating or staining your Cedar fence battens it is important to make sure that they have properly dried out before attempting to stain them. We recommend only treating them during the summer months and leave them for at least six weeks of warm weather. Cedar should only be treated when its completely dry.

Why is creating slatted fencing from Cedar battens so popular?

Slatted fencing has seen a surge in popularity, and it’s easy to see why. Its modern, minimalist design offers a striking contrast to the organic forms of plants, trees, and other natural elements, making it a stylish addition to any outdoor space. Here’s a closer look at why slatted fencing is so appealing:

1. The power of contrast

Cedar batten fencing, especially when installed horizontally, creates clean, uninterrupted lines that contrast beautifully with the irregular shapes and textures of planting. This interplay of structured geometry and organic forms draws the eye, adding a sense of balance and harmony to your garden.

2. Shadows and Depth

One of the most captivating aspects of slatted garden fencing is how light interacts with it. The small gaps between each wooden slat allow light to filter through, creating shadows that highlight each individual board. These subtle shadow lines add depth and dimension, making the fence appear more dynamic and visually interesting throughout the day as the light shifts.

3. Continuous lines that flow

Horizontal slats, when installed with precision, create a seamless flow that guides the viewer’s eye across the entire length of the fence. This uninterrupted flow can make a garden appear larger and more cohesive, as the fence lines naturally draw attention outward.

4. The beauty of Western Red Cedar

Western Red Cedar is renowned for its:

• Natural beauty: Rich, warm tones ranging from light amber to deep brown.
• Durability: Naturally resistant to decay, insects, and moisture.
• Texture: Fine grain and smooth finish, which complement the modern aesthetic of slatted designs.

These characteristics make Western Red Cedar battens an ideal choice for slatted fencing, elevating it from a functional boundary to a statement feature in your outdoor space.

5. Privacy and light

Slatted fencing strikes a perfect balance between providing privacy and allowing light and air to pass through. The small gaps between slats maintain a sense of openness, unlike traditional solid fences that can feel imposing or block natural light.

6. Versatility of design

While the horizontal style is the most popular, slatted fencing can be adapted to suit various design preferences:

• Different widths of slats can create a custom look.
• Painted or stained finishes allow for personalization, whether you prefer a sleek black modern look or a natural wood finish.
• Integrated lighting can enhance the shadow play and make the fence a standout feature even at night

Final thoughts from our Director

Slatted fencing isn’t just a trend—it’s a design choice that blends functionality with beauty. Its ability to contrast with natural surroundings, enhance outdoor spaces with light and shadows, and showcase premium materials like Western Red Cedar makes it a standout feature in modern landscaping. Whether you’re looking to define boundaries, create privacy, or simply elevate your garden’s aesthetic, slatted fencing is a versatile and enduring solution. Using our Cedar slats to breathe life into your boundary will bring the harmony and warmth that your garden has been missing.