14/07/2025 12:00 AM
When it comes to installing a garden fence, one question you might ask yourself is – who gets the good side?
By good side we mean, the side of the fence that looks more attractive; without the rails and with the full design of the fence panel.
What Is the Bad Side of the Fence?
The ‘bad side’ usually refers to the structural face of the fence. This side has horizontal or vertical rails and sometimes visible posts and fixings. While it doesn’t affect the fence's performance, it can be seen as less attractive. If your fence runs along a shared boundary, this difference in appearance can sometimes lead to awkward conversations with neighbours.
Is There a Rule About Which Side Faces Where?
There is no legal rule in the UK that dictates which way the fence must face. However, opinions are divided on who gets which side. Many argue that as they are paying for the fence, they want to have the best looking side to themselves. However, there are also pros for the smooth, finished side facing the neighbour, with the rails facing inward toward the property of the person who installed it: better security. Rails can be used as climbing aids, so if this is a concern, it’s aways best to install these on your side. It is particularly recommended with any side of a fence that faces a public area, as there is more concern about intruders than with your neighbours.
Some people suggest that the rails are placed inside the owner’s garden simply because it makes installation and maintenance easier. However, this is not actually the case. With traditional kit-form fencing, the person installing it usually has to stand on the outside of the fence in order to nail the pales into the rails. For panel fencing, the screws that attach the rails to the posts can be fixed from either side, so there’s no technical requirement for the rails to be inside the garden at all.
Why You Might Want the Rails Facing Out
There are practical reasons why someone may want the rails on the outside. If you have a child who plays football in the garden and you're using a closeboard or featherboard fence, the structure is stronger from the non-rail side. Having the rails facing outward means the stronger face is protecting your side, making the fence more durable against impacts and less likely to force the pales away from the rails.
Fences That Look Good on Both Sides
One way to avoid any disagreement or discussion with your neighbour is to choose a fence that looks good from both sides. Look for double sided fence panels which are designed without visible rails and offer the same attractive appearance no matter which side you're on.
Here are a few popular options:
Chilham Fence Panels – A premium double-sided panel with a solid, uniform appearance on both faces, offering complete privacy.
Hit and Miss Panels – Boards are alternated on either side of the panel, creating a stylish, semi-private fence that looks equally good from both gardens.
Urban Fence Panels – A modern panel design that provides privacy with a contemporary look on both sides.
These types of panels are particularly helpful on shared boundaries, especially if both neighbours are contributing to the cost or are equally invested in how the fence looks.
Which way to install your fence for security
Rails should always be installed facing inside the property to enhance security and deter unauthorised access. When your garden backs onto a road or public space, outward-facing rails can provide convenient footholds, making it easier for intruders to climb over the fence. Positioning the rails on the inside not only reduces this risk but also presents a cleaner, more secure barrier to the outside world, helping to protect your home and maintain your privacy.
While it has become tradition to give your neighbour the better-looking side of the fence, it isn’t a legal requirement. Whether you follow this tradition or not, good communication is key. For better security always install the rails on the inside, or opt for double sided fence panels
If security is a concern but you also want the nice side, choose something with horizontal pales but vertical rails, like Horizontal Tongue and Groove.
