Buying new fence panels - what do I need to know?

[CadburySpira]

Never bought fence panels before but ours have started to fall apart from rot. We only need three 6 x 4. Having a quick look at B&Q I prefer the traditional lap panel ones. I hate the orange dipped ones, B&Q seem to do a pressure treated one that isn't orange and sounds like it will last longer, is this the way to go? In terms of treating them, I'd love to leave them to go that lovely silvery weathered colour, but can you give them a clear treatment that will allow this to still happen? How long does it take?

Pressure treated is better than dipped that is why they are slightly more expensive. If you buy pressure treated you won’t need to paint them for quite a few years.
The secret to a long lasting fence is to put in concrete gravel boards so that they don’t rest on damp soil. You could use wooden gravel boards but they too will eventually rot.

That's great, so if I get pressure treated, I won't need to use any oil or stain on them? We already have concrete boards under the existing fencing so that should help thanks.

No need to stain, paint or put any preservative on them at all. Just take the old ones out and slot the new one in and you are good for around 10 years.

That's perfect, worth the little bit extra!

Wickes do a pressure treated panel in a what I think is a nice colour (not too orange)!

Pressure treated is 100% the way to go if you want your panels to last. It is worth paying the extra.