With the economy in financial meltdown and a knock on slump to the housing market, fewer people are considering moving and are instead turning their attention to home and garden improvements.

A big part of this focus is on people's garden fencing and subsequently a choice is required on what fence panel to choose. Although choosing fence panels for your garden fencing may at first seem straightforward, there are in fact many factors which need to be considered.

Primarily your choice of fence panel can be split into two distinct areas. The fence panel selected can be used as a security and perimeter measure, or it can be used as a decorative feature. There are a range of fencing panels to suit any of these requirements and below are details on some of these options.

Lap Panels:

These fence panels offer a simple way to identify your gardens perimeter and are available to suit different budgets, but are usually considered the less expensive alternative. These fence panels are normally provided fully framed with batten, except for the cheapest version which can be supplied with no bottom frame.

These garden fence panels offer great choice and as such are used all over the UK and can be supplied in various colours, including light beige, an orangey brown and a dark brown finish. Care must be taken when selecting your fence panel to ensure it is in keeping with current local trends, as well as a similar colour to the associated posts and gravel boards that you may require in order to erect your garden fencing.

Obviously this fence panel range offers great choice and value for money, but like all things in life, you get what you pay for. It should be remembered that as a less expensive fence panel this products life expectancy is short to medium term and is not as strong as some alternatives, so should not be erected in overly exposed areas to wind.

Lap panels are normally 6ft wide and are available in a range of heights including 3ft, 4ft, 5ft and 6ft.

Closeboard Panels:

This variety of fence panel offers a more solid solution to that of the lap panel and its construction offer a more sturdy solution for your garden fencing. This panel has a medium to long term life expectancy and is able to cope with a higher wind loading volume than the lap panel.

Like the lap panel these fence panels can be supplied in a range of colours and sizes.

Grange Elite Panels:

This range of fence panel offers a much more decorative finish to your garden than either the lap or closeboard fence panel.

As opposed to the standard looks of either the lap or closeboard panels, the grange elite panels come in a variety of styles, including a lattice finish or curved top. These panels offer great choice and can be used on a mix and match basis to compliment your gardens overall look and feel.

These fence panels are easy to erect and either side can be used as the face side. The only small drawback to these fence panels are a limited height range.