Single-panel replacement is one of the smallest jobs we do and one of the most useful. The only real decision is whether the posts either side are sound enough to hold a new panel.
Diagnostic timeline
Work through these steps in order before booking a repair.
- 1
Check both posts either side for movement before ordering a panel.
- 2
Measure the actual gap between posts — nominal 6ft panels vary by manufacturer.
- 3
Note the height including any gravel board; matching height matters more than matching brand.
- 4
Look at the panels either side: if they flex when pushed, they are next.
Likely causes
Impact
Trampolines, footballs, ladders and wheelie bins account for a surprising share of the panels we replace.
Frame failure at the bottom rail
Lap panels rot along the lower frame first where they sit closest to damp ground.
Wind racking
The panel frame goes out of square, boards loosen and the whole unit sags into a parallelogram.
Fix options, full-width
Like-for-like panel swap
Posts sound and slot widths matchQuickest and cheapest option; new timber will look lighter until it weathers.
Panel plus gravel board
The old panel was sitting in soilA concrete gravel board lifts the new panel clear and stops the same failure repeating.
Upgrade the bay to closeboard
This bay keeps failing but the rest is fineBuilt in place, so it is not dependent on a standard panel size and takes far more abuse.
Get this fixed properly
Free site visit across London and Hertfordshire, a written specification and a fixed price before anything starts.
Prevention
- Keep bins, trampolines and ladders off the fence line
- Replace gravel boards early so panels never sit on soil
- Re-treat panels every couple of years, particularly the bottom rail
Frequently asked
Do you do single-panel jobs?
Yes — small repairs are part of what we do, and we'll say if a bigger job would be better value.
Will a new panel match my existing ones?
In style and height, usually. Colour differs until the new timber weathers over a season.
My panels are non-standard width — what then?
We build a closeboard bay to the exact opening rather than forcing a stock panel.
Can I supply the panel?
Yes, though we will check it's the right size and quality before fitting.