Gravel Boards

What makes these gravel boards "long" and why does the length matter?

The boards in this category are designed for closeboard fencing with posts at 3 m centres - the standard span for built-in-place closeboard. The timber gravel board (38 mm x 150 mm x 3.6 m) and concrete gravel board (9'5" x 6") are both long enough to bridge a 3 m bay with bearing on each post. If your fence uses posts at 1.83 m centres - as with most panel fencing - you need the shorter gravel boards from our gravel boards range, not these long boards.

Which is better for a 3 m closeboard run - timber or concrete?

Both span 3 m without needing a centre stump, but there is a practical difference. The 38 mm timber board is lighter and easier to handle on site, and the 38 mm thickness gives enough stiffness across a 3 m span without sagging. The concrete board will not rot regardless of soil conditions and needs no maintenance, but it is considerably heavier and more difficult to cut if a bay needs to be trimmed. In most gardens either works well; concrete is worth the extra effort where the ground is particularly wet or where longevity is the priority.

Do I need a centre stump with these long gravel boards?

For the 38 mm timber board across a full 3 m bay, a centre stump is advisable - particularly in soft or uneven ground where the board may otherwise bow over time under the weight of the fence above. The concrete board is stiffer and heavier, but a centre stump is still useful to prevent any long-term deflection and to stop the board shifting if the ground settles. For shorter bays - where a board has been cut to fit a partial bay - a stump mid-span is less critical but adds stability.