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

Wooden horizontal slat fence with a gray central gate; dense hedge to the left and a rounded potted tree in a rock-filled pot to the right. — Slatted fencing in Western Red Cedar. The species' reddish-browns add character and are at home in any space.

Garden scene with a long wooden slat fence on the left, a blue-gray shed on the right, and a round topiary in a terracotta pot on a stone step.

Garden scene featuring a horizontal wooden slat privacy screen, a stone base, potted topiary, blue pots, purple flowers, and gravel ground.

Sunny backyard patio with a wooden slat fence, metal chairs around a small table on a tiled raised deck, and potted plants beside a green lawn.

Long wooden slat fence along a paved area with a gravel border; black wall lights attached. Behind it, a small wooden shed, green lawn and trees. — Slatted fencing in Douglas Fir. The golden brown colour and horizontal design is a contemporary winner.

Backyard with horizontal wooden fence, a paved gray patio, a strip of artificial grass, white gravel border, and a covered wooden shed; red brick houses in the background. — Up-and-down lighting adds atmosphere and perfectly complements the modern, linear look of slatted fencing.

Enclosed backyard with an artificial grass patch bordered by white gravel and wooden fencing; gray patio in front, street and houses beyond.

Modern courtyard featuring a vertical garden wall of plants, wooden slat fencing, stone paving, and a black planter with trimmed hedges. — A smaller outdoor space designed fabulously. Iroko decking, Siberian Larch slatted fencing and a living wall are eye-catching natural features.

Interior room with large black-framed sliding glass doors opening onto a wooden deck, wooden privacy screens, and a courtyard garden with a vertical plant wall, hedges, and brick.

Modern townhouse courtyard with layered wooden privacy screens, a green living wall on the right, and a light stone patio with a wooden deck. — The golden browns of Siberian Larch pair brilliantly with the natural look of this feature wall.

Wooden horizontal slat fence along a green lawn, with tree shadows across the fence and a concrete planter on the right. — Slatted fencing is popular for providing a clean, smart, contemporary touch.

Wooden horizontal slat fence with two slender trees in a mulched bed, small shrubs along, brick-edged lawn in foreground and greenery beyond the fence. — Add style and functional by fitting lights.

Backyard garden with a wooden slat fence, a blue curved plant trellis, a stone birdbath, and a blue outdoor sofa with striped cushions amid greenery. — Slatted fencing allows you to maximise natural light.

Backyard patio with a tall wooden privacy screen, lush green shrubs, dark river rocks, and wicker seating on pavers beside a large ceramic vase. — Slatted fencing doesn't necessarily have to be part of your property's perimeter: it can be used to theme spaces.

Outdoor seating area with five round wicker chairs and two small wicker tables on a wooden deck, set against a slatted wooden privacy wall. — Again, theming with slatted panels is simple.

Backyard garden with a wooden privacy fence, a young tree between two large rocks, and trimmed shrubs along a mulched bed beside a green lawn. — Flower beds, trees, trailing plants and other natural features can effortlessly complement the beauty of the timber.

L-shaped white planter with colorful flowers before a horizontal wooden slat fence; a tall black planter on the left and a green lawn in front. — 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.

Cozy wooden courtyard with potted plants, hanging baskets, and a white sofa with black-and-white cushions amid lush greenery. — If space is limited in your garden, the horizontal style provides an elongating effect, giving the illusion of spaciousness.

Sunlit wooden deck with a sliding glass door to an interior dining area; a wooden slat screen casts striped shadows on the deck.

Brown wooden privacy fence with vertical boards, a pebble bed and tall grasses along a sidewalk, with a house and green awning in the background. — Slatted fencing doesn’t always have to be horizontal — vertical styles are still popular for their slightly more traditional feel.

Brown wooden privacy fence with tall vertical slats and blue-gray posts; sunlit with leaf shadows, concrete path in front and green foliage above. — Despite not blocking out light, slatted fencing can still grant a strong level of privacy.

Sunny backyard with a green lawn, wooden fence, and a raised wooden deck. A covered outdoor item sits on the deck, with potted plants and a small flowering tree nearby.

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.