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Your Guide To Slatted Fencing: Design Ideas & Inspiration

An increasingly popular option amongst stylish garden designers, slatted fencing (also known as Venetian fencing) allows you to make a contemporary statement whilst maximising natural sunlight in your outdoor space.

Whilst your fence might not be considered a focal point, it frames and can totally transform your outdoor space. Choosing the right style can add real value.

So, as a leading UK supplier of designer slatted fencing panels in many beautiful, durable wood species, let’s explore this versatile, on-trend style of property perimeter. Is it right for your project?

Slatted fencing: ideas, inspiration & designs

Western Red Cedar slatted fencing in a stylish, design-led outdoor space.
Slatted fencing in Western Red Cedar. The species' reddish-browns add character and are at home in any space.
Western Red Cedar slatted fencing in a stylish, design-led outdoor space.
Western Red Cedar slatted fencing in a stylish, design-led outdoor space.
Douglas Fir slatted fencing in a stylish outdoor space.
Slatted fencing in Douglas Fir. The golden brown colour and horizontal design is a contemporary winner.
Douglas Fir slatted fencing in a stylish outdoor space.
Up-and-down lighting adds atmosphere and perfectly complements the modern, linear look of slatted fencing.
A designer outdoor space completed with Douglas Fir slatted fencing.
A small outdoor space with Iroko decking and Siberian Larch fencing, with a natural feature wall in the background.
A smaller outdoor space designed fabulously. Iroko decking, Siberian Larch slatted fencing and a living wall are eye-catching natural features.
Looking out onto a small, stylish outdoor garden space with slatted fencing, living wall and decking.
Designer Siberian Larch slatted fencing in a stylish outdoor space.
The golden browns of Siberian Larch pair brilliantly with the natural look of this feature wall.
Horizontal fencing with slats.
Slatted fencing is popular for providing a clean, smart, contemporary touch.
A horizontal slatted fence with modern lights.
Add style and functional by fitting lights.
Lifestyle slatted fencing.
Slatted fencing allows you to maximise natural light.
Slatted fencing being used to create themed spaces.
Slatted fencing doesn't necessarily have to be part of your property's perimeter: it can be used to theme spaces.
Slatted fencing being used to create themed spaces.
Again, theming with slatted panels is simple.
Horizontal slatted fencing
Flower beds, trees, trailing plants and other natural features can effortlessly complement the beauty of the timber.
A garden with a Western Red Cedar slatted fence and plant arrangement.
For extra character, include a distinctive design.

Slatted screen fencing: why?

Slatted fencing provides a modern, smart and surprisingly practical touch to any outdoor space. It is perfect for designers wanting to achieve a contemporary look, maximise natural light and add atmosphere to their garden.

  • Contemporary: The gaps produce linear shadows that transformsthroughout the day, either with the sun's movement or as a result of any lighting — a modern design favourite.
  • Versatile: You can't get away from the inherent beauty of timber as a natural material — able to blend effortlessly into any surrounding, urban or rural.
  • Great for any size garden: If you’re working with a smaller space — such as a courtyard garden — horizontal slatted fencing elongates the area, providing the illusion of spaciousness.
  • Natural lighting: Conventional fencing blocks out light. Since this is not true of slatted fencing, you’ll have brighter, more airy and uplifting outdoor space — great news for your garden plants as well as your wellbeing.
  • Partitioning and theming: As well as for perimeters, slatted fencing is ideal for creating zones within an outdoor space, perhaps to conceal more unsightly parts of your garden — such as storage areas — or for framing certain spaces.
  • Wind resistance: Since this fencing style boasts a 10mm gap between each slat, air is able to easily filter through — taking the pressure of the British weather off the panels and posts! The increased air flow can help your plants to thrive, too, mitigating the risk of disease.
  • Privacy: The size of the individual slats — 45mm or 70mm — allows you choose a level of cover and privacy whilst not completely obscuring light. ‘Hit and miss’ alternating slatted fencing provides added privacy whilst still retaining the contemporary touch.
  • Outdoor durability: Slatted fencing is available in a number of naturally-durable, premium timber species, each suiting a certain aesthetic vision or price point — this includes favourites like Siberian Larch, Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir. Then there’s Thermo-Ayous, a sustainable treated timber, as well as Iroko, a stunning African hardwood. You could even choose factory-treated options in charcoal, grey or natural — all pre-finished and ready to go.

Those looking for a more traditional feel with maximum privacy in their garden may want to look at a featherboard (or close-board) profile. Or, for a fully-private space with a contemporary element, tongue and groove boarding with a V-groove or shadow gap may fit the bill.

Horizontal slatted fencing can add the illusion of spaciousness to tight spaces.
If space is limited in your garden, the horizontal style provides an elongating effect, giving the illusion of spaciousness.
Slatted fencing being used to create themed spaces.
Vertical slatted fencing.
Slatted fencing doesn’t always have to be horizontal — vertical styles are still popular for their slightly more traditional feel.
Dark vertical slatted fencing.
Despite not blocking out light, slatted fencing can still grant a strong level of privacy.
Slatted fencing in modern garden.

Duffield Timber: your one-stop shop for timber slatted fencing

We’re a leading UK stockist of designer slatted fencing in many beautiful, durable timber species.

For more information to help with your next outdoor fencing project, head over to our fencing project hub. To get started on your next project or for some bespoke advice, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team of experts.

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