Content standards
The specific rules our writing follows, in addition to our editorial policy.
Accuracy over certainty
If the true answer is "it depends", we say so and explain what it depends on. Fencing rules often hinge on details like whether a fence is next to a road used by vehicles, whether a house is listed or what a deed says. We would rather explain those conditions than offer a neat but misleading rule.
UK-wide, with differences flagged
Our guides cover the whole UK. Where England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland differ, we flag it in the text. We do not assume that English rules apply everywhere.
Honest authorship
Our author, Gareth Owen, is described as what he is: a garden and home-improvement writer. We do not claim trade qualifications, professional memberships or awards, and we do not invent experts.
No invented evidence
We do not publish made-up statistics, reader testimonials, case studies or quotes. If a figure appears, it is either from an identified official source or clearly labelled as an approximate estimate.
Safety
We include warnings where they matter: buried services when digging, wind when handling panels, heavy lifts, protected wildlife and powered gates. We point readers to professionals for work that needs design or specialist skills.
No endorsements
We do not recommend specific brands, products, shops or installers. Guidance is about what to look for, not what to buy.
Plain English
We explain trade terms such as arris rail, featheredge and gravel board when we first use them, use metric measurements with imperial where helpful, and keep sentences direct.
Respect for neighbours
Many fencing questions involve the people next door. Our guides encourage talking first and written agreements, and never suggest removing or damaging someone else's property.
These standards sit alongside our editorial policy and research process.