Dave Stevenson

Featheredge panels, aka Closeboard panels, remain a populare choice for a low price garden fence.  Here are a few FAQs we frequently get asked:

Q. What is the difference between a featherdge panel and a closeboard panel?

A. Frankly nothing, they both normally consist of vertical over-lapping feather-edge slats. The panels are help together by framig and battens, each manufacturer having their preferred batten sizes and layout. This results in a sturdy privacy panel.   

Q. Are the panels treated with a preservative?

Yes, all of out featheredge panels are pressure treated with recognised timber treatment. 

Q. I can get some dipped panes for a lower price.  How do they compare with pressure treated panels?

A. Pressure treated timber is recognised as a longer lasting treatment amongst manufacturers and Trade customrers.  Because the timber spends more

It is very difficult predicting delivery lead times for products that are being delivered straight from the factory to the customer's address (also known as Drop-Shipping).  This is partiularly the case with more distant delivery addresses.

Forest Garden are no exception. They do try to deliver as many items as possible using their own delivery service. However, while they deliver to most mainland UK addresses, some areas will experience an  extended delivery time. This is because Forest Gardens  have to use third-party transport for more remote areas from their Worcestershire base.  If you need a delivery by a specific date then please verify with Forest Garden if this is feasible. 

The following Post Codes are liable to experience an extra 7 working days for their delivery:

BN1-BN3, BN5-BN18, BN20-BN27, B41-BN45, BR8, CB1-CB4, CB6-CB8, CO1-CO16, CT1-CT21, EX1- EX24, EX31-EX39, GU6, GU28, IP1-IP33, ME1-ME20, NR1-NR35, NE1-NE8, NE12-NE13,

Why choose Hardie Backer Cement Fibre?

Autumn is here and winter is coming. Time for Tradesmen to move indoors. We get asked a lot of questions on HardieBoard so thought we would put the main queries onto this FAQs format page.

HardieBacker FAQs

• Can I use HardieBacker® cement backerboard outside?

No. HardieBacker® cement backerboard is not suitable for external use.

•  Do I need to treat HardieBacker® cement backerboard before tiling onto it?

No, HardieBacker® cement backerboard is ready to tile once installed – just wipe the boards down with a damp cloth to remove any dust prior to tiling.

• What is the correct fixing pattern for installing HardieBacker® 12mm cement backerboard?

Fix HardieBacker® cement backerboard sheets on walls with HardieBacker screws for wood or for metal (as the sub

Winterproofing your shed

Position your shed in the best location in your Garden.... sounds strange and it might be too late. However, you can consider moving a smaller building away from tree and overhanging foliage. Sheds also benefit from being on drier ground, don't leave it in the garden corner where the sun never shines

Raise your shed off the ground

At least 50mm above ground level, the shed needs to avoid pooled water. Either slabs, a concrete pad or Class 4 timbers - that is pressure treated posts, preferably 75mm x 75mm.  Once again this is a little risky if you have already bought and built your shed. 

Ventilation for your shed

Keep the

Construction Timber from Southern Timber

Ordering timber can be a little confusing - do you want KD (Kiln Dried); Grade C16 or C24 (timber strength grades); pressure treated (preservative) and what section sizes (2x2; 5X2; 6x2 etc)? Why not contact us - our knowledgeable staff are here to help.

Most of our product questions involve timber sizes and timber treatment. Another time we will look at timber grading and typical timber products. First up we have timber sizes.

Timber section sizes – 47mm x 150mm or 6 x 2?

We tend to discuss timber in both metric and imperial timber sizes without pause. This is generally OK when handling timber every day, but not so helpful if you don’t. Because we stock construction timbers from 2 x 2 (aka 47mm x 50mm) up to 9 x 2 (75mm x 225mm) combined with a variety of lengths means staff experience is important.

When customers place an order our sta

Planning and constructing your featheredge fence

This is not a definitive account on constructing a featheredge fence and assumes a moderate amount of DIY knowledge. When deciding on whether to DIY or employ a tradesman remember there will be a considerable amount of work involved during construction. However, these fences are flexible and create a sense of uniformity particularly in sloping gardens.

Featheredge panels or featheredge boards?

While featheredge panels are quick to install on level ground, they are not so quick and easy to install on irregular height gardens. You also need to consider whether the final design is intended primarily for appearance or privacy, for security or safety?

38 x 88mm Sawn Pressure Treated Rails (FSC Mix)

Sawn, pressure treated fence rails are mainly used for featheredge fencing and "Post and rail". These fence rails are machined from unseasoned timber, then cut into popular lengths. All the timbers are pressure treated, aka tanalised, at the mill.

Fencing rail lengths

The most common use for 38 x 88mm rails is the framework for a featheredge fence. Our standard rail lengths are 3.0m, 3.6m, 4.2m and 4.8 metres which means that the post spacing can be varied to suit the installation site.  Ideally rail Joints should be staggered so that the rails do not meet on the same

Low Level Fencing is sometimes required when your garden needs some screening but regular fence panels are just a little too tall.  Low Level Fencing can make a positive, attractive addition to your garden. Perfect for marking boundaries a low-level fence should also add to  the kerb appeal of your property.  So, what options do we have?

Fence Panels 6’ x 3’

Probably the quickest and easiest fencing solution, but a little old-hat. Choosing an “open” design – lattice or trellis - would help in many situations. If you do opt for low fence panels then secure your preferred posts and then include your preferred lattice, or Trellis, between them. The 6’ x 3’ lattice allows sunlight through the squares but remember to raise and secure the lattice slightly higher than the prevailing soil. Anything other than posts, treated for ground-use, is likely to start rotting away after 6-7 years.    

Pales

Well, time to look at another five fantastic garden products heading our way.

The first item is Hutton's DP1 Planter. This 1 metre long planter can be moved around the garden until a favourable position is identified.  

The Raised Vegetable Planter is next, ideal for keeping garlic, sage, mint and other herbs near to your back door.  (RVP shown above)  Provides more height and requires less bending and nurturing than a raised bed. Keep the vegetable planter near the back door and you can monitor progress. 

Next is the unusual shaped LHP - Large

Well, apparently Spring is “just” around the corner, and for good measure it is almost Easter. At Southern Timber we believe there is no point waiting for a heatwave in late June when everybody has stripped the shelves bare.  We have put together our top 10 products for the spring, summer and autumn. Incoming deliveries should be starting from Monday 25th. March 2024.   In no particular order:

Starting with the Children’s Round Picnic Table – seats about 4-6 youngsters, but don’t let the adults on!  The Wye Rectangular Picnic Table  measures in at about 1.8 metres  long and seats up to 6 adults. This Wye Picnic Bench, or Picnic Table, has been a top-seller for years.  

Another top seller has been the