A concrete recessed gravel board is a heavy-duty, steel-reinforced base panel installed horizontally along the bottom of a fencing system. It features a lightweight indented (recessed) center design that reduces overall weight while maintaining maximum structural strength. Its primary job is to isolate wooden fence panels from ground contact, wet soil, and standing water to prevent premature rot and decay.

Common applications include:

• Protecting Wooden Fence Panels: Slots directly into slotted concrete fence posts beneath timber fence panels (lap, closeboard, or featheredge) to keep them elevated 150mm–300mm above damp ground.

• Retaining Earth & Soil: Holds back garden soil, gravel paths, bark, or flowerbed borders along property boundary lines.

• Leveling Sloped Garden Boundaries: Allows installers to step fencing neatly down sloping terrain without leaving open gaps beneath the timber panels.

• Full Concrete Panel Fencing: Stacked vertically inside slotted posts to build complete, maintenance-free, solid concrete privacy boundary walls.

Available for collection from our Rugby branch or local delivery using our own fleet.

Plasterboard will typically be delivered in one of our vans or pick-up trucks, unless ordered alongside larger goods. Delivery is kerbside and the final offloading position is always subject to safe access and the driver’s discretion.

Please tell us before delivery about:

• Narrow roads or restricted entrances
• Parked vehicles or limited turning space
• Overhead cables, trees or other obstructions
• Soft, sloping or unsuitable ground
• Any other access concerns

Enter your postcode on the product page to check your delivery area. We’ll confirm the delivery date after your order is placed.

How much does a concrete recessed gravel board weigh?

A standard 1.83m x 150mm recessed concrete board weighs approximately 25kg to 30kg, while a 300mm high version weighs around 45kg to 50kg. The recessed center removes excess concrete, making them significantly lighter and easier to handle than fully solid concrete gravel boards (which can exceed 60kg).

Why choose a recessed board over a smooth/plain concrete gravel board?

The main advantages are weight reduction and aesthetics. The central indented panel gives a traditional framed look that pairs nicely with timber fence panels, while the reduced mass makes manual lifting safer during installation without sacrificing structural steel reinforcement.

How do you install a concrete gravel board into slotted concrete posts?

 

• Set Posts First: Dig post holes and set slotted concrete fence posts in Postcrete, ensuring the gap between post slots matches the board length (1.83m).

• Level Base: Dig a shallow trench between the posts and lay a level bed of sand or pea shingle.

• Slot in Board: Slide the concrete gravel board down the internal slots of the posts until it sits firm and level on the ground bed.

• Add Fence Panel: Slot your wooden fence panel directly on top of the concrete board.

Do concrete gravel boards need fixing screws or brackets?

No, when used with slotted concrete posts, they rely on gravity and the post channels to hold them securely in place. However, if fixing to wooden fence posts, you will need galvanised gravel board brackets (cleats) screwed into the timber posts to support the board's weight.

Can you stack concrete gravel boards on top of each other?

Yes. You can stack two or more 150mm or 300mm concrete gravel boards inside slotted concrete posts to create a taller retaining wall or a complete, low-maintenance concrete privacy barrier.

Choosing between a timber or concrete gravel board depends on your budget, visual preference, and how long you want your fence to last.

• Choose Concrete Gravel Boards if you want maximum longevity and zero maintenance. Concrete never rots, warps, or decays from ground contact, making it a permanent solution. It creates a rigid base that works seamlessly with slotted concrete fence posts, though it is heavier and requires more effort to install.

• Choose Timber Gravel Boards if you prefer a natural wood finish or a lower upfront cost. Tanalised (pressure-treated) timber gravel boards blend in seamlessly with wooden fence panels and posts for a uniform aesthetic. They are lightweight, easy to cut to size, and cost less initially, though they will eventually need replacing every 5 to 10 years as ground moisture takes its toll.