After four decades installing local fencing in Medway, Kent with Sheridan Fencing, I've seen just how much the trade has changed. Recently, I had the chance to look at some of the tips and insights from coastal fencing experts like the team at Torquay Fencing. It got me thinking about how different conditions — whether by the sea or inland here in Medway — influence materials, installation, and design.
When I first started out over 40 years ago, options were limited and materials were heavy. You worked hard with what was available, relying on skill, experience, and a fair bit of elbow grease.
From basic panels and wet-set posts to modern decorative designs, composite panels, and ready-mix concrete, fencing has evolved dramatically. What hasn't changed is the heart of the craft: straight lines, solid posts, and work done properly. Nowadays, fences aren't just boundaries; they're an integral part of garden design, shaping outdoor spaces in ways I never imagined when I first picked up a spade.
Back in the Day
Panels: Overlap panels — or "waney lap" — were the main option. They did the job, but they weren't the strongest. Closeboarding was the preferred choice for a solid, long-lasting fence.
Posts and Gravel Boards: Concrete posts and gravel boards were heavy and solid, with a smooth, dense finish. Handling them all day was tough, even before you started digging holes. These posts were wet-cast, giving them that classic solid look and feel — and at the time, they only cost around £4 each, which seems incredible compared to today's prices.
Setting Posts (Back Then): Holes were filled with sand-and-cement, a cheap and effective wet-set method. You had to allow plenty of time for it to set before hanging a gate or panel — no shortcuts, no quick fixes.
Back then, most fences were purely functional. You wanted something that would mark a boundary and keep the garden tidy. There was little thought about aesthetics — if the fence stood straight and lasted a few decades, that was enough.
How Things Have Changed
Concrete Products: Posts and gravel boards are lighter today, making them easier to handle. You can also see a difference in the finish: modern concrete posts often show air bubbles on the surface, unlike the smooth, dense look of older posts. The price has jumped massively too — now well over £40 a post if you're not buying at trade rates.
Why the Difference?
- Older posts: Wet-cast during production → smooth, dense finish
- Modern posts: Hybrid dry-cast → lighter, faster to make, but tiny air pockets naturally appear
Setting Posts (Today): Holes are now usually filled with ready-mix concrete bags, costing around £5–6 each. This dry-set method makes post installation faster, easier, and more consistent compared with the old sand-and-cement wet-set.
Panels: Waney lap panels are still popular, but they now have company — stronger closeboard panels and a wide range of decorative panels with lattice tops or bespoke patterns. Homeowners can choose a style that complements their garden rather than just marking a boundary.
Eco-Friendly Options: There's now FSC-certified timber, recycled composite panels, and sustainable fencing materials, giving customers environmentally responsible choices that weren't available decades ago.
Fencing as Part of Garden Design
One of the biggest changes I've seen is how people now view fencing. In the past, a fence was purely functional — a line separating one garden from another. Today, fencing is an important part of garden design.
Slatted fencing, decorative tops, coloured paints, and textured finishes are now common. Slatted panels, in particular, create a contemporary, stylish look while still providing privacy and airflow. Fences are chosen to complement patios, decking, pergolas, and landscaping. A fence can now be a feature in its own right, rather than simply a backdrop. Customers often ask for matching gates and bespoke panels to enhance the look of their outdoor space.
Even lighting is becoming a feature: integrated solar lights or LED strips on fencing and gates can turn a simple garden boundary into a visual highlight at night — something I could only dream of 40 years ago.
What's Still the Same
Some things never change. Fencing remains hard work, no matter how materials evolve. You're still out in all weathers, digging holes and ensuring every line is straight. Closeboard, when installed properly, remains one of the strongest and most reliable fence types.
Local Fencing Companies
At the end of the day, a fence is only ever as good as the hands that put it in. That's where local fencing companies like myself at Sheridan Fencing — and the team at Torquay Fencing — come in. We work for local customers, take pride in the job, and ensure every fence we install is built to last.
Looking Ahead
The fencing trade continues to evolve. Composite panels and recycled materials are becoming increasingly popular for those who want low-maintenance and eco-friendly options. Suppliers now offer FSC-certified timber, ensuring that the wood comes from sustainable forests.
I wouldn't be surprised if, in the future, we start seeing "smart" fencing with built-in lighting or security features, or panels that can absorb rainwater or integrate planters. Whatever comes along, one thing will always remain the same: good fencing requires craftsmanship. Materials may change, but a straight line, a solid post, and a job done properly will never go out of fashion.
About the Author
Dave Relf, from Sheridan Fencing in Medway, has been installing fences across Kent for over 40 years. He takes pride in combining traditional craftsmanship with modern materials to deliver long-lasting, quality fencing for local homes and gardens. Sheridan Fencing would like to thank the team at Torquay Fencing for allowing us to share this post and for their insight into coastal fencing challenges.
