How to cover fence gaps for privacy

Question

Our fence panels have gaps at the bottom where the dog can see through and potentially get out. What's the best way to fill or cover them without replacing the whole panel?

John · Answer

Hi. Buy yourself some 2 x 1 Roof Battens. Cut to lenght and put under the panel. You could remove or slide yr Panels out and attach the cut off pieces to the bottom of the panels either by pin nails or screws. Hope that helps. Kind Regards, NIELSEN HOME & GARDEN SERVICES

Matthew · Answer

Hi .my opinion would be run a length of timber from post to post under the panal to make the gap smaller or use a bamboo fence roll .hope that helps .
Matthew

Calder landscapes

Charles · Answer

Fit a gravel board underneath. For example a length of timber, usually 6 inches by 1 inch, treated timber. It is sawn, not planed and therefore not too expensive. 
Fences should have this fitted when being installed, underneath the panel and indeed maybe sunk into the ground. Being treated, prevents rotting, but should it rot, it is easy to replace, rather than replacing the whole panel. Fence panels shouldn’t really be touching or in the ground. 
Most timber merchants sell this type of timber.
I hope this helps.

George · Answer

If your goal is quick, effective privacy, the “best” solution depends on three things: how big the gaps are, your budget, and whether you want a natural look or a solid barrier. Here are the most practical options, from quickest fixes to more permanent upgrades:
🌿 1. Artificial hedge or screening rolls (fastest + low effort)
Comes in rolls or panels you zip-tie onto your fence
Instantly blocks gaps and looks like greenery
Weather-resistant and low maintenance
Best for: uneven gaps, renters, quick fix
Downside: can look slightly artificial up close
🌱 2. Natural plants (best long-term look)
Use climbers (ivy, jasmine) or tall potted plants (bamboo, laurel)
Can be trained along a trellis attached to the fence
Best for: a natural garden feel
Downside: takes time to fill gaps
🪵 3. Reed/bamboo screening (cheap + effective)
Rolls of bamboo or reed that you fix to your fence
Good airflow but blocks visibility
Best for: budget-friendly coverage
Downside: may wear out after a couple of years
🧱 4. Fence panels or slats (most solid solution)
Add extra vertical boards or replace sections
Creates a fully solid fence
Best for: permanent privacy
Downside: more work + higher cost
🧵 5. Shade cloth / privacy mesh (clean modern look)
Tensioned fabric attached with ties or clips
Blocks visibility but still lets light through
Best for: windy areas, subtle look
Downside: less “natural” appearance
👍 What I’d recommend (based on most people’s needs)
Small gaps / quick fix: artificial hedge or mesh
Medium gaps + nicer look: bamboo/reed screening
Big gaps / long-term: add timber slats or panels
If you like greenery: combine trellis + climbing plants

James William Arthur · Answer

To fix those gaps and keep your dog secure, I recommend installing timber or concrete gravel boards at the base of your existing panels. This creates a solid, chew-proof barrier that blocks your dog’s line of sight and prevents them from squeezing underneath. Since you’re already planning to add a fresh layer of topsoil and turf, these boards act as a perfect "retaining wall," allowing you to level off your new lawn neatly against the fence without the soil causing the main wooden panels to rot.

If your dog is a determined digger, we can take it a step further by installing a hidden wire mesh beneath your new turf. By pinning heavy-duty mesh to the bottom of the fence and burying it under your 100mm soil layer, we create an invisible security "apron" that makes escaping impossible. This approach saves you the cost of replacing entire fence panels while significantly upgrading the safety and longevity of your garden borders.

Ben · Answer

You can use raised Flower beds or metal netting for access the bottom of the fence

Lewis · Answer

You could insert a wooden gravel board along the bottom.

Kacper · Answer

few easy fixes without replacing the panels:

Gravel boards (concrete or timber) fitted along the bottom — probably the neatest long-term fix.
Timber kick boards screwed to the base of the fence to block gaps.
Wire mesh/hardware cloth attached along the bottom and pegged into the ground if it’s more about stopping the dog escaping.
If the ground is uneven, backfill with soil or add a small border (sleepers/edging) can help too.

For a dog, I’d probably do gravel boards or mesh depending on how determined they are.

Ole · Answer

You can fix this with some nice reeding either from b&q or even home bargains or b&m do good ones this will still look quite classy but also will deter your dog

Steven · Answer

Add a kick board at the bottom from post to post. 
Available in any fencing store or timber retailers

How to cover fence gaps for privacy

Follow Us

Cookies

Manage Cookies

Essential cookies

Analytics & Tracking

Advertising