New garden fence less than 6 months old

Question

Good morning I paid a fencer in February £2000 to do me a new garden fence however I have noticed on one side of the fence that some panels are warped, gaps in between each panel and lots of holes in the panels, is this normal?

Daniel · Answer

yes gaps in between fence is normal based on your specified fence. the holes are knot holes that have fell through.

Aman · Answer

Good morning. No, what you’re describing is not normal for a new fence that’s less than six months old, especially considering you paid £2000. Warped panels, large gaps between them, and holes in the wood suggest either poor-quality materials, improper installation, or lack of appropriate treatment and storage before fitting. While some natural movement can occur in timber due to moisture changes, significant warping and visible damage this soon after installation is unacceptable and likely indicates a problem. You’re within your rights to contact the installer, raise these concerns, and request that the faulty panels be inspected and either repaired or replaced. Take clear dated photos as evidence and put your complaint in writing if needed.

Thomas · Answer

Hi am Thomas, This can happen if the panels were no treated. Especially now during the hot weather, the wood will shrink and leave gaps. My advice:- if was no treated, please give the panels a double coat of wood preservative.

Anthony · Answer

It maybe manufacturing faults nut to be honest It's hard to say without seeing

Simon · Answer

1. Warped Panels
Not normal on a newly installed fence.

Warping can happen over time due to weather, but new panels should be straight.

Common causes: poor quality wood, not treated/seasoned properly, or panels stored incorrectly before installation.

🧱 2. Gaps Between Panels
Small expansion gaps are sometimes left deliberately to allow for wood movement — but these should be minimal and uniform.

Uneven or large gaps may indicate poor installation or warped wood.

🕳️ 3. Holes in the Panels
This should absolutely not be the case with new panels.

If the holes are natural knots, a few can be expected — but “lots of holes” could mean:

Very poor-quality timber.

Panels were already damaged before installation.

Jamie · Answer

It will be if the panels are on the cheaper side of the budget. Thin-lap panels tend to fray on the slats.

Gemma · Answer

Good morning it depends what quality of wood he used. Are they flat panels or feather board? If you’re unsure, I would ask him to come back and have a look.

John · Answer

If you are unhappy with any work from any tradesman you would initially be best to contact them, you should be given some sort of guarantee for any works which have been completed, hope you get this resolved.

Isaac · Answer

Good afternoon you are best contacting the company that did the job for you and tell them to come back and have a look and get them to charge them for different ones the panels shouldn’t be like that they are probably very cheap fence panels he has put in

Lee · Answer

Ask the guy to come back and have a look, you do get knots which won’t affect the integrity of the fence.
Was the fencing timbers treated at all? They Should have been.

If the boards are warped it will be because of the weird weather we are having and the fact the guy must have only fixed the boards in the centre with 1 screw top.
Do all due diligence prior to hiring anyone.

Hope this helps.

New garden fence less than 6 months old

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