Concrete Gravel Boards 1.83m x 150mm x 50mm, Dry-Cast, Reinforced, Recessed or Smooth Faced

If you are building or repairing a panel fence on concrete slotted posts, these gravel boards sit at the foot of each bay and keep the timber panel off the ground. They suit homeowners, landscapers and fencing contractors working on garden and boundary fences. Each board is dry-cast concrete reinforced with internal steel rods, 1.83m (6ft) long and 50mm thick. Two options can be bought: the Recessed board at 150mm high and the Smooth faced board at 150mm high. All 305mm-high boards (Smooth, Recessed and Rock Faced) are currently unavailable.

Why it works

Keeps panels out of the wet

A timber panel that touches soil or sits in surface water is where damp, rot and fungal decay usually start. A concrete gravel board lifts the panel clear of ground contact, which matters most in gardens with poor drainage or exposed ground.

Steel rods inside

Each board is reinforced with steel rods running through its centre. The boards are produced to meet BSI standards for strength and durability, and are made to resist impact, weathering and long-term ground moisture. The specific British Standard number is not published for this line.

Dry-cast, so lighter to handle

Dry casting keeps the weight of each board lower than traditional wet-cast concrete. The recessed board is the lighter of the two options, with a listed weight of about 26kg, and is light enough for one person to carry. The smooth faced board has a listed weight of about 30kg.

What to expect from the surface

Dry casting gives a smooth, consistent finish in natural light grey concrete. It is still plain cast concrete, though, and some surface bubbles are to be expected. If you need a blemish-free face, these boards will not give you that.

Where it's used

These boards go into domestic garden fencing, boundary fences that run over damp ground, and any panel fence where you want the timber to last longer. They also replace rotted timber gravel boards in an existing run of concrete slotted posts. Boards can be stacked within slotted posts to build a deeper concrete base, or even a full concrete panel fence.

Specifications

Choosing the right option

Both options share the same size, construction and post fit, so the choice comes down to handling and appearance.

The Recessed board does everything a standard board does but is lighter and easier to handle, at about 26kg. Choose it if you are fitting on your own or carrying boards any distance.

The Smooth faced board has a plain, flat face with the smooth dry-cast finish. It is the heavier of the two, at about 30kg. Choose it for a plain, uniform look along the bottom of the fence. Any purpose for the face styles beyond weight and appearance is not published for this line.

Rock Faced boards are currently unavailable.

Installation, use & care

The boards are designed to slot into concrete slotted fence posts. Each board drops into the slots at the foot of the bay, and the fence panel sits above it, held clear of the soil. Check post spacing against your posts and panels before ordering.

The recessed board can be carried by one person; the smooth board is heavier, so plan your lifting and have help on hand for a long run. Guidance on cutting boards to length is not published for this line. Once fitted, the boards are low maintenance, and no specific care routine is published for this line.

FAQ

Will these fit timber fence posts?

The boards are designed to slot into concrete slotted fence posts. Fitting to timber posts, with brackets or otherwise, is not published for this line.

Can I stack them to make a taller base?

Yes. Gravel boards can be stacked within concrete slotted posts to form a continuous concrete base, or even a full concrete panel fence. This is often done in damp areas or where the fence takes knocks.

Will the face be perfectly smooth?

Dry casting gives a smooth, consistent finish, but some surface bubbles are to be expected.

Can one person carry a board?

The recessed board, at about 26kg, is light enough for one person to carry. The smooth faced board is about 30kg, so you may prefer a second pair of hands.

Ordering & delivery

Boards are priced per board as listed. A minimum order of 5 boards applies, shown when you add to basket. We deliver to UK mainland addresses; heavy items such as these travel on a pallet or kerbside service. The lead time is confirmed at checkout or on your order confirmation.