The Story
Western Red Cedar screen slats in 44mm x 18mm x 3000mm, planed all round (PAR), are a popular choice for slatted fencing, screening panels and contemporary garden structures. Naturally durable and resistant to rot, these slats are ready to fix straight from the pack with no further treatment required.
Specifications
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Material | Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata), Canadian grown |
| Finish | Planed All Round (PAR) |
| Nominal Size | 44mm x 18mm |
| Length | 3000mm (3.0m) |
| Profile | Flat slat, smooth four-sided finish |
| Treatment | None required - naturally durable heartwood |
| Use Class | UC3 (suitable for exterior use above ground) |
What it's used for
- Slatted garden screening and privacy fence panels with controlled spacing for airflow and light
- Decorative cladding battens on garden buildings, pergolas and outbuildings
- Contemporary horizontal or vertical fence infill panels
- Feature screens for patios, balconies and front garden boundaries
Fitting and handling
Allow the slats to acclimatise for at least 48 hours in the area where they will be installed, keeping them off the ground and covered if outdoors. Fix using stainless steel or hot-dip galvanised screws to avoid rust staining - pre-drilling near the ends will help prevent splitting in this narrower section. Western Red Cedar can be left to weather to a natural silver-grey or finished with a UV-stable exterior oil or stain to retain its warm colour.
FAQ
Does Western Red Cedar need treating before use outdoors?
No. Western Red Cedar has naturally occurring oils that give it good resistance to rot and decay, placing it in durability class 2 to 3. It performs well in exterior above-ground applications without any additional preservative treatment, though a finishing oil or stain will help maintain the colour and extend the surface life.
What gap should I leave between slats for a slatted fence panel?
A gap equal to the slat width, so roughly 44mm, gives an even 50/50 open-to-solid ratio that is common on contemporary screening. Narrower gaps of 20 to 30mm increase privacy while still allowing airflow. There is no fixed rule - it depends on the look you want and any permitted development requirements for your boundary.
How many slats do I need for a standard fence panel?
For a 1800mm wide panel with 44mm slats and a 44mm gap, you would need approximately 20 slats per panel. For a 1800mm high panel the count changes depending on orientation. It is worth sketching out your layout and calculating the total run before ordering to avoid wastage.
Browse our full range of slatted fence and cladding timber for complementary profiles and sizes. Nottage Timber Merchants offer next-day delivery across the Bridgend area and wider South Wales - contact us for trade quantities or cut-to-size requirements.
Description
Western Red Cedar screen slats in 44mm x 18mm x 3000mm, planed all round (PAR), are a popular choice for slatted fencing, screening panels and contemporary garden structures. Naturally durable and resistant to rot, these slats are ready to fix straight from the pack with no further treatment required.
Specifications
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Material | Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata), Canadian grown |
| Finish | Planed All Round (PAR) |
| Nominal Size | 44mm x 18mm |
| Length | 3000mm (3.0m) |
| Profile | Flat slat, smooth four-sided finish |
| Treatment | None required - naturally durable heartwood |
| Use Class | UC3 (suitable for exterior use above ground) |
What it's used for
- Slatted garden screening and privacy fence panels with controlled spacing for airflow and light
- Decorative cladding battens on garden buildings, pergolas and outbuildings
- Contemporary horizontal or vertical fence infill panels
- Feature screens for patios, balconies and front garden boundaries
Fitting and handling
Allow the slats to acclimatise for at least 48 hours in the area where they will be installed, keeping them off the ground and covered if outdoors. Fix using stainless steel or hot-dip galvanised screws to avoid rust staining - pre-drilling near the ends will help prevent splitting in this narrower section. Western Red Cedar can be left to weather to a natural silver-grey or finished with a UV-stable exterior oil or stain to retain its warm colour.
FAQ
Does Western Red Cedar need treating before use outdoors?
No. Western Red Cedar has naturally occurring oils that give it good resistance to rot and decay, placing it in durability class 2 to 3. It performs well in exterior above-ground applications without any additional preservative treatment, though a finishing oil or stain will help maintain the colour and extend the surface life.
What gap should I leave between slats for a slatted fence panel?
A gap equal to the slat width, so roughly 44mm, gives an even 50/50 open-to-solid ratio that is common on contemporary screening. Narrower gaps of 20 to 30mm increase privacy while still allowing airflow. There is no fixed rule - it depends on the look you want and any permitted development requirements for your boundary.
How many slats do I need for a standard fence panel?
For a 1800mm wide panel with 44mm slats and a 44mm gap, you would need approximately 20 slats per panel. For a 1800mm high panel the count changes depending on orientation. It is worth sketching out your layout and calculating the total run before ordering to avoid wastage.
Browse our full range of slatted fence and cladding timber for complementary profiles and sizes. Nottage Timber Merchants offer next-day delivery across the Bridgend area and wider South Wales - contact us for trade quantities or cut-to-size requirements.
