Fence Panel heights and widths

Although metric measurements are now widely accepted and used, items like fence panels were originally made in imperial measurements of feet and inches, so you will find that it is generally the case that they are still made in increments of foot from 1ft up to 6ft. The same goes for the standard width of a fence panel which is 6ft, so common sizes of fence panel are 6x6 which is 6ft wide x 6ft high. 

Here’s a handy conversion table to help:

Panel conversion table

6ft = 1.83m (1830mm)

5ft = 1.52m (1520mm)

4ft = 1.22m (1220mm)

3ft = 0.91m (910mm)

2ft = 0.6m (600mm)

1ft = 0.3m (300mm)

6 x 6 Fence Panels

The highest standard panel height is normally 6ft, which is dictated by UK planning laws that state that planning is required for any fence over 2m. It follows that the highest standard panels available are 1.83m high - that’s our 6ft panel in metric, allowing extra room for a gravel board, which is always recommended to improve the life of your fence.

Our gravel boards are 6 inches (150mm), so combined with a 6ft (1.83m) high fence panel, it creates a fence that is 6ft 6 inches (1.98m), which is under the required 2m height limit. We also manufacture a hedgehog friendly version of the gravel board. This has a hedgehog sized hole integrated into the board, that allows foraging hedgehogs to move easily between gardens in search of food and mates. Jacksons introduced these as an option for customers who are keen to help wildlife, in response to dwindling hedgehog numbers in the UK.

In locations where strong winds are a problem a solid fence would present a barrier that won’t let any wind through it, however this can weaken the fence over time and could result in the fence failing, breaking or being blown over, if the foundations are not strong enough. A panel that has some gaps offer less wind resistance and will allow wind to travel though it, which is perfect for fencing windy locations.

Fence Panel Installation Advice

When offering general advice on fencing, we should at least mention fence installation. The old saying, “A fence is only as secure as its installation” is worth paying attention to. When you’ve chosen the style and height of the panels you want, whilst making sure they are strong, well made and treated properly - hopefully with a 25 year guarantee against rot and insect attack, then be sure to choose strong wooden posts. Quite often this can be where it literally all falls down! If you don’t choose posts that are made from the right type of timber, that are kiln dried and pressure treated, the posts can rot once they are dug in to the ground. If you want to find out more about Jacksons slotted posts and how to ensure they are installed to the right depth, at least 600mm, with the correct ground preparation so the post is resting on gravel for drainage, you can find out everything you need to know on our fence installation advice page.