The history of wooden fencing

Posted by jask Media on 12 August 2025

Wooden fencing has been an enduring element of yards, farms, and gardens for centuries. In this exploration of The history of wooden fencing, we travel from its earliest practical roots through to the contemporary era, with a focus on how wood fencing Doncaster by WPS Fencing continues that tradition with style, quality, and innovation.

Early Origins: From Function to Form

The history of wooden fencing begins in prehistoric times. Early humans used simple wooden stakes and tree branches to mark boundaries, contain livestock, and protect crops. As societies developed, these structures evolved into woven hurdles and post-and-rail fences used by ancient Greeks and Romans. These early forms set a foundation for the diverse wooden fencing types we know today.

Medieval Enclosures and Manor BoundariesThe history of wooden fencing

During the medieval era, wooden fences became essential to manorial life. Timber palisades, sometimes topped with sharpened stakes, protected castles and villages. In rural countryside, split-rail fences—created by splitting logs and laying them in zig-zag patterns—became widespread, particularly in England and North America. These designs were resourceful, requiring minimal technology and enabling rapid expansion of fencing where timber was plenty.

Industrial Revolution & Victorian Innovation

The 18th and 19th centuries brought the Industrial Revolution, drastically reshaping wood fencing. Sawmills and railways made timber more accessible and affordable, and standardised fencing panels emerged. During the Victorian era, decorative picket fences, lath gables, and ornate latticework became status symbols for growing middle-class homes. Wooden fencing shifted from purely functional to aesthetic, blending protection with charm.

Modern Trends: Durability and Design

Fast-forward to the 21st century, and wooden fencing faces modern demands: durability, sustainability, ease of installation, and style. Pressure-treated timber resists rot and insect damage; engineered posts and panels promise longer lifespans; and modular panels suit DIYers and landscapers alike.

Enter wood fencing Doncaster by WPS Fencing—a contemporary leader that respects time-honoured traditions while embracing modern standards. Based on Sandall Stones Road, Kirk Sandall Industrial Estate, WPS Fencing specialises in made-to-measure fencing panels, high-quality timber trellis, and robust posts for residential and commercial clients in Doncaster.

WPS Fencing Today: Quality and Craftsmanship

When exploring The history of wooden fencing, it’s vital to recognise how local suppliers like WPS Fencing carry the legacy forward:

  • Fencing Panels: Their contemporary, palisade, and vertilap panels combine traditional design with modern pressure-treated strength. You can review their full range on the Fencing Panels page. 
  • Custom-Made Panels: WPS Fencing’s made-to-measure service reflects the bespoke fences of the past—only now crafted with precision machinery and treated timber for longevity. 
  • Trellis & Posts: Decorative trellis, functional timber posts, and pressure-treated options mirror historic fencing materials, but enhanced for today’s performance expectations. 

Their showroom and yard on Sandall Stones Road demonstrate their woodworking expertise and practical solutions. As a local, family-run business with same- or next-day delivery and free quotations, WPS Fencing brings convenience to Doncaster’s building and landscaping landscape.

The history of wooden fencingWhy Wood Fencing Endures

  1. Versatility – Wooden fencing adapts to any style—from rustic split-rail to sleek vertical panels. 
  2. Eco-friendly – Timber is renewable, biodegradable, and (with FSC certification) an ethically responsible choice. 
  3. Customisable – Wood can be cut, stained, or painted; curved or constructed to any dimensions your garden requires. 
  4. Timeless Looks – Natural wood warms outdoor spaces; its texture and grain give character that no synthetic fence can match. 

Wood Fencing Doncaster by WPS Fencing: A Modern Example

By choosing wood fencing Doncaster by WPS Fencing, you are opting for a local company that blends historical craftsmanship with modern innovation:

  • Their Pressure-treated timber resists rot and lasts decades—echoing old barn fences yet resistant to modern weather challenges. 
  • Panel options like contemporary, palisade, and vertilap allow a range of aesthetics without sacrificing durability. 
  • Same-day delivery and on-site expert guidance reinforce the long-standing tradition of local fence-making with today’s efficiency. 

For anyone in Doncaster seeking to honour the heritage of wood fencing while enjoying modern standards, WPS Fencing offers the perfect blend of past and present. Visit our homepage to start exploring their capability, or head to their contact page to get a free quote.

Contact Us

If you’re inspired by The history of wooden fencing and want to bring quality wood fencing to your Doncaster property, contact WPS Fencing today.

Whether you seek traditional panel styles, robust palisade fencing, or made-to-measure craftsmanship, WPS Fencing is your expert partner for beautiful, long-lasting wood fencing in Doncaster.