11/11/2025 12:00 AM
When it comes to protecting your home and garden, choosing secure fence panels is one of the most effective first lines of defence.
A well designed and properly installed fence not only deters intruders but also provides peace of mind that your property is protected. In this blog, we’ll explore what makes a fence panel secure, how to ensure it stays that way, and practical ways to enhance your garden security.
What Makes a Fence Panel Secure?
A secure fence panel should be strong, durable, and difficult to climb, cut, or remove. The key features that contribute to a secure fence include:
Solid Construction: Fence panels made from quality timber with strong fixings are far more resistant to impact and tampering than those made with lower grade materials, but simple design choices can also affect the integrity. Heavy duty fence panels offer greater strength and are harder to break through or move around. Choose options like Shadowline or Tongue and Groove Effect.
Height: A taller fence makes it more difficult to scale. For domestic gardens, the maximum height without planning permission is usually 2 metres, which provides a good level of deterrence. If you can go higher, explore our ideas for how to make a taller fence
Design: Security conscious designs have no easy footholds or horizontal rails on the outer face that could help someone climb over. For example, panels with vertical boards or integrated trellis tops angled outwards improve security. Panels like Canterbury Combi or Vertical Tongue and Groove are good options for secure fence panels.
Attaching Panels to Posts
How panels are attached to posts can make a significant difference to overall security. A secure fixing system prevents fence panels from being lifted or forced out.
Timber Posts: Timber or metal posts allow you to secure your fence panel to the post. Concrete posts are the least secure as they only hold the panel in place loosely. When using timber posts, ensure panels are securely screwed to the posts using stainless steel fixings. Slotted timber posts are designed so that the panel fits neatly into the groove and can be screwed in place. This creates a seamless, strong connection that resists tampering.
The Restrictions with Concrete Posts
While concrete posts are often seen as a long lasting option, they can present limitations when it comes to security. Standard slotted concrete posts typically allow panels to slide in and out without fixings. This means an intruder could potentially lift a panel out of the slot to gain access.;
To overcome this, panels should be mechanically fixed to concrete posts where possible. Some homeowners choose to drill through the post and secure the panel with bolts or brackets, but this can weaken the concrete or lead to cracking over time. A purpose designed timber post system offers a more secure and adaptable alternative that also looks more appealing in a garden setting.
Garden Security Beyond the Fence
A secure fence forms the backbone of your garden security, but there are several additional steps you can take to enhance it further:
Lockable Gates: A sturdy gate fitted with a high quality lock or latch adds an extra layer of protection. Ensure hinges are secured from the inside and use anti-lift hinges where possible.
Lighting: Motion activated or solar powered lights deter intruders by eliminating dark hiding spots.
Planting: Defensive planting, such as thorny shrubs or dense hedges along the fence line makes access more difficult.
Gravel Paths: The sound of footsteps on gravel acts as a natural alert system.
Security Cameras: Visible CCTV or smart doorbell cameras are proven deterrents and can help monitor your property around the clock.
Understand more ways to make your garden secure
Improving Fence Security
If you already have fencing in place, there are simple ways to make it more secure:
Reinforce Fixings: Check for any loose or corroded screws and replace them with stainless steel ones.
Add Trellis Tops: A trellis panel at the top of the fence adds height without requiring planning permission and makes climbing more difficult.
Install Anti-Climb Measures: Rotating spikes, fence toppers, or prickly plants up around your fence.
Regular Maintenance: Inspect your fence regularly for signs of damage or decay, and repair promptly to maintain its strength.
A Lasting Security Investment
Investing in high quality, pressure treated fence panels and posts is not only about appearance but long term protection. All Jacksons Fencing timber products are backed by a 25 year guarantee against rot and insect attack, ensuring your fencing remains strong, secure, and low maintenance for decades.
With the right design, installation, and maintenance, your fence can do far more than mark boundaries, it can play a vital role in keeping your property safe and secure.