When you have children or pets, your garden fencing becomes far more than just a boundary line. It becomes part of your home’s safety system. I speak to a lot of families across York — from terraced homes in Holgate and Bishopthorpe Road to semis in Acomb and new-builds in Clifton Moor — and the most common priority is the same: a secure, reliable garden that kids and pets can enjoy without you worrying.
Whether your concern is toddlers escaping through gaps, dogs jumping over low fencing, or neighbours’ pets wandering into your garden, the right fencing design can make a huge difference to your peace of mind. This guide walks you through the best fencing styles, safety features, heights, materials and practical design choices for family-friendly gardens in York.
Why family homes need safer fencing than standard boundaries
Standard developer fencing or older garden boundaries simply were not designed with young families in mind. Many homes across York have:
- Gaps under the fence where soil erodes or the ground slopes.
- Loose, rattling panels that invite climbing or escape attempts.
- Low fence heights that dogs can jump.
- Rotten posts that will not withstand pressure from pets or play.
- Thin lap panels that break easily.
- Open slatted gaps that allow pets to see distractions and bark.
These issues can lead to accidents, escapes or repeated boundary problems. A family garden needs fencing that is stronger, taller, gap-free and able to withstand York’s weather and the wear and tear of daily life.
1. Closeboard fencing – the safest option for kids and pets
When families ask me for the safest, strongest and most secure fencing option, the answer is usually closeboard. It is the fencing style I install most often for family gardens across York because it offers everything you need: strength, height, privacy and long-lasting stability.
Why closeboard fencing is so effective
- Completely solid design — no gaps for kids or dogs to squeeze through.
- Heavy-duty boards that withstand leaning, toys, footballs and general play.
- Concrete posts and gravel boards protect against rot and offer extra strength.
- Flexible height options for larger dogs or overlooked gardens.
If you have energetic children or dogs that like to jump, dig or test boundaries, closeboard is one of the most reliable choices.
2. Composite fencing — low maintenance and excellent for security
Composite fencing is becoming increasingly popular with York families, especially in modern estates. It offers a sleek appearance, low maintenance requirements and strong, gap-free design.
Benefits of composite fencing for families
- No splinters — great for kids who run their fingers along the fence.
- No rot, swelling or cracking — ideal for damp, shaded gardens.
- Harder for dogs to chew compared to timber.
- Very stable when installed with proper composite or concrete posts.
Composite is also good if you want a clean, modern look around patio areas or outdoor seating spaces that kids use frequently.
3. Slatted fencing — safe when used in the right areas
Slatted fencing is stylish and works beautifully near patios and seating areas. However, for families, you must use it carefully. Dogs can see movement through the gaps, which can cause barking or anxiety. Children may try to climb it if the spacing is too wide.
How to make slatted fencing family-friendly
- Use narrow slat gaps (minimal visibility).
- Ensure strong framing to prevent flexing when pushed.
- Combine slatted fencing near patios with solid fencing along boundaries.
When done properly, slatted fencing can be part of a safe, attractive garden without becoming a hazard or distraction.
4. Fence height — crucial for dogs and overlooked gardens
Fence height matters more than almost anything else when designing a family-safe garden. The standard York fence height is 1.8 metres, but many families need slightly taller fencing for security or containment.
Height recommendations
- Small dogs: 1.5m may be sufficient depending on breed and behaviour.
- Medium dogs: 1.8m closeboard is usually ideal.
- Large or high-jump dogs: 1.8m plus trellis top or closeboard up to 2m (where allowed).
- Overlooked gardens: 1.8m with trellis is a great way to add privacy without darkening the garden.
If you are unsure what height you need, I can assess your garden and give recommendations based on the layout and spacing.
5. Preventing escapes — securing the bottom of the fence
Most escape attempts happen underneath the fence, not over the top. Dogs dig, children push toys under gaps, and soil naturally erodes — especially on sloped gardens in areas like Rawcliffe, Fulford and Tang Hall.
The most effective ways to secure the bottom
- Concrete gravel boards — the best long-term solution.
- Timber gravel boards — good but less durable.
- Added soil barrier or decking trim — suitable for small gaps.
- Dig-proof bases using slabs or buried barriers.
Concrete gravel boards are the strongest and safest option because they completely remove the risk of soil rot and eliminate digging gaps.
6. Safe gates for families — the most overlooked safety feature
Gates are often the weakest point in a garden boundary — and the easiest place for an escape. A family-safe gate must be strong, high, lockable and fully aligned with the main fence.
Key gate safety features
- Secure locks — ideally key-operated or strong bolt latches.
- No gaps along edges where pets can push through.
- Heavy-duty hinges with tamper-proof screws.
- Solid design (closeboard or composite) rather than slatted.
- Concrete or reinforced posts to carry weight without sagging.
At York Fencing, we build gates to match the fencing so the whole boundary becomes a continuous, secure line.
7. The best fencing styles for homes with young children
Child-friendly fencing should avoid sharp edges, splinters, large gaps and climbable features.
Great fencing options for kids include:
- Closeboard fencing — safest and most robust.
- Tongue-and-groove panels — smooth finish with no gaps.
- Composite systems — no splinters or rough edges.
- Vertical designs — harder to climb than horizontal rails.
If your children are particularly active, we usually recommend closeboard on concrete posts for maximum resistance to pressure and impact.
8. Creating dog-safe gardens in York
Whether you have a terrier who loves digging, a spaniel who gets distracted by movement, or a larger dog who jumps high, fencing can be tailored to suit specific dog behaviour.
For diggers
- Concrete gravel boards.
- Buried edging barriers.
- Levelled soil to reduce weak points.
For jumpers
- Taller fencing around patio and lawn areas.
- Smooth surfaces that cannot be climbed.
- Avoid horizontal rails on the fence interior.
For reactive dogs
- Solid closeboard fencing to block visual triggers.
- Avoid slatted fencing along boundaries facing footpaths.
Composite is also excellent for reactive dogs because it blocks visibility and noise better than many timber styles.
9. Avoiding common safety mistakes in family gardens
I see the same few problems across York that create safety issues for families:
- Fences with gaps beneath them due to sloping gardens.
- Rotten timber posts that collapse under pressure.
- Low fences that dogs or children can climb or jump.
- Open slats along boundaries with heavy foot traffic.
- Poor gate alignment creating weak spots.
These issues can be solved easily with proper installation and the right materials.
10. How York Fencing creates safe, secure gardens for families
At York Fencing, we build fencing systems that prioritise:
- Safety — no sharp edges, lift risks or climbable sections.
- Security — strong posts, solid boards and secure gates.
- Durability — built to withstand York’s weather and family life.
- Privacy — essential for gardens near footpaths or neighbouring windows.
- Pet containment — secure boundaries that stop escapes.
We assess your garden layout, your children’s ages, your pets’ behaviour and the surrounding environment to design a fencing solution that fits your life and gives you peace of mind.
Ready to make your garden safe for children and pets?
If you want a secure, family-friendly garden that feels private, safe and comfortable, we can help. Whether you need closeboard fencing, composite privacy panels, a new secure side gate or dig-proof boundaries, we can tailor everything to your home.
Send us your postcode, the length of your boundaries and whether you have children, pets or both — and we will provide a fixed-price quote with design options.
Visit our Garden Fencing service page or head to the contact page to arrange your survey.