Description
Quick Facts
Product Name: Tongue and Groove Lattice Top Panel
Material: Pressure-treated timber
Panel Type: Solid tongue and groove boarding with decorative lattice top
Dimensions: 180cm wide × 180cm high
Lower Section: Vertical tongue and groove boards (solid privacy)
Upper Section: Diamond lattice pattern (decorative, semi-open)
Frame: Planed timber construction
Finish: Natural pressure-treated timber (can be painted or stained)
Durability: Pressure-treated for long-lasting outdoor use
Fixings: Fixings not included (posts and concrete/post spikes required)
Material: Pressure-treated timber
Panel Type: Solid tongue and groove boarding with decorative lattice top
Dimensions: 180cm wide × 180cm high
Lower Section: Vertical tongue and groove boards (solid privacy)
Upper Section: Diamond lattice pattern (decorative, semi-open)
Frame: Planed timber construction
Finish: Natural pressure-treated timber (can be painted or stained)
Durability: Pressure-treated for long-lasting outdoor use
Fixings: Fixings not included (posts and concrete/post spikes required)
Description
The Tongue and Groove Lattice Top Panel does the clever work of giving you privacy where you need it and lightness where you don’t. The lower section is solid tongue and groove boarding—tight-fitting vertical slats that provide complete privacy and wind protection. The upper section switches to diamond lattice, opening up the panel to let light through, reduce wind load, and give the fence a lighter, more decorative finish.
At 180cm × 180cm, it’s a full-height panel, but the lattice top means it doesn’t feel as heavy or imposing as a completely solid fence. That upper lattice section (typically 30–45cm) makes a real difference—it softens the boundary line, lets more light into the garden, and gives you the option to train climbers through it for added interest and seasonal colour.
The tongue and groove construction in the lower section is what sets this apart from standard featherboard or overlap panels. Each board slots neatly into the next with no gaps, creating a smooth, uniform surface that looks clean and well-made from both sides. The planed timber frame and tight joinery mean this is a panel built to last, not just fill a gap.
The pressure-treated timber weathers to a soft silver-grey if left natural, or takes paint and stain beautifully if you want the fence to stand out. The lattice top is particularly effective when painted a contrasting colour—dark lower section with a lighter lattice, or vice versa—to emphasize the two-tone design.
This is a panel for gardens that need privacy without feeling closed in. It’s the kind of fencing that looks intentional and well-crafted, whether you’re enclosing a patio, screening a boundary, or creating defined zones within a larger space.
Caragh Garden Notebook
Installation
Post Requirements:
- Post size: 100mm × 100mm minimum (90mm finished if planed)
- Post height: 2.4m minimum (allows 60–75cm below ground, 180cm panel height, plus clearance)
- Post spacing: 180cm (to match panel width)
- Post type: Standard fence posts or planed & ribbed posts for a more refined finish
Ground Preparation:
Concrete Footings (Recommended):
- Dig post holes: 30cm × 30cm × 60–75cm deep
- Add 10–15cm of compacted hardcore or gravel for drainage
- Position post in hole, checking it’s plumb (vertical) and correctly aligned
- Use temporary bracing to hold the post upright
- Mix postcrete or standard concrete and fill around the post
- Tamp down to remove air pockets; slope the surface slightly away from the post to shed water
- Allow 48–72 hours to cure fully before fixing panels
- Essential for corner posts, end posts, and any posts under load
Ground Spikes (Quick Installation):
- Use heavy-duty metal post spikes (minimum 75cm long, rated for 100mm posts)
- Drive spikes into firm, level ground using a sledgehammer and protective block
- Check alignment and level before inserting posts
- Best for lawns or firm soil; not suitable for soft or stony ground
- Not recommended for exposed sites or long fence runs
Fixing Panels to Posts:
- Position the panel between two posts, resting it on gravel boards or bricks (5–10cm clearance from ground level to prevent rot)
- Check the panel is level using a spirit level
- Fix the panel to posts using galvanised fence panel brackets or screws
- Use a minimum of three fixings per side (top, middle, bottom) for secure installation
- Pre-drill screw holes to prevent splitting
- Ensure panels are secure but not over-tightened (timber expands and contracts seasonally)
Gravel Boards:
Install gravel boards (15cm × 180cm treated timber boards) along the base of the fence to protect panels from ground contact and moisture. Fix gravel boards to posts using galvanised screws; rest panels on top of the gravel boards.
Install gravel boards (15cm × 180cm treated timber boards) along the base of the fence to protect panels from ground contact and moisture. Fix gravel boards to posts using galvanised screws; rest panels on top of the gravel boards.
Assembly Tips:
- Work with a second person—panels are heavy and awkward to position alone
- Install corner and end posts first, then intermediate posts
- Use string lines between posts to ensure alignment
- Check posts are plumb and panels are level throughout installation
- Allow concrete to cure fully before fixing panels
- Take care with the lattice top section—it’s more delicate than the solid lower section
Maintenance
Initial Treatment:
- Panels arrive pressure-treated and ready to install
- For enhanced protection, allow timber to weather for 6–12 months before painting or staining
- Clean with a stiff brush; apply exterior-grade timber preservative, decking oil, or wood stain
- Pay particular attention to the lattice section (more exposed surface area) and the top edge where water can collect
Annual Maintenance:
- Spring: Inspect panels and posts for stability; check fixings and tighten if needed
- Treatment: Apply a fresh coat of preservative, oil, or stain annually to maintain colour and protection
- Cleaning: Remove debris, moss, or algae from tongue and groove boards and lattice sections
- Ground contact: Ensure gravel boards are doing their job; replace if rotting
- Vegetation: Trim back climbers growing through the lattice to prevent excessive weight or damage
- Lattice check: Inspect lattice sections for splits or loose battens; repair promptly to prevent further damage
Longevity:
With proper installation (concrete footings, gravel boards) and annual treatment, expect 10–15 years of service. The tongue and groove construction is more durable than overlap panels, and the lattice top reduces wind load, which helps longevity.
With proper installation (concrete footings, gravel boards) and annual treatment, expect 10–15 years of service. The tongue and groove construction is more durable than overlap panels, and the lattice top reduces wind load, which helps longevity.




