Invest Wisely Without Breaking The Bank.
When you’re investing in a new fence, choosing the right material is crucial—not just for looks, but for durability, stability, and long-term value. While roofing battens may seem like a budget-friendly shortcut, they come with problems that can leave your fence looking warped, tired, and unattractive far sooner than expected. At Egertons Timber, our slow-grown Scandinavian redwood battens offer a far better solution—and the benefits speak for themselves.
The Problem With Roofing Battens
Roofing battens are designed for roofs, not fences. Although they may look similar, they behave very differently when exposed to the weather.
1. Excessive Movement
Most roofing battens are fast-grown, lightweight, and prone to:
- Bending
- Bowing
- Warping
- Splitting
When used in fencing, this movement makes the structure look messy and poorly built in no time.
2. Wrong Treatment for Outdoor Use
Many roofing battens are treated only to Use Class 2, which is not suitable for outdoor applications. Fences require Use Class 3 or higher to withstand:
- Moisture
- Rain
- UV rays
- Temperature fluctuations
Using inadequately treated timber outdoors almost guarantees early rot and deterioration. Your posts should be treated to User Class 4 and here at Egerton’s we offer this higher class of treatment. Not all merchants do. Just because it says pressure treated does not mean it is the right treatment for certain purposes.
Why Scandinavian Redwood Battens Are the Better Choice
Egertons Timber’s Scandinavian redwood battens are specifically selected and manufactured for fencing, landscaping, and decorative outdoor use.
1. Superior Timber Stability
Grown slowly in colder Scandinavian climates, this redwood develops:
- A tight, dense grain
- Greater natural stability
- Fewer natural defects than roofing batten
This results in battens that remain straighter, strong, and visually attractive for longer in comparison the roofing batten..
2. Designed and Treated for the Outdoors
Unlike roofing battens, our Scandinavian redwood is treated appropriately for exterior environments, meaning it stands up to British weather without a problem. User class 3 treatment for exterior above ground use.
3. Stunning Appearance
Scandinavian redwood has a warm, natural aesthetic with a fine grain structure that instantly elevates any garden fence or landscaping project. We can offer square corners in our Scandinavian redwood battens or rounded corners so you can choose which finish your would prefer on your fence. Or if you are after something a little bit special try our Scandinavian redwood privacy batten.
Cheaper Than Premium Alternatives
One of the biggest advantages of Scandinavian redwood battens is their excellent value for money.
A Cost-Effective Alternative to Western Red Cedar
Western Red Cedar is widely loved but significantly more expensive. Scandinavian redwood offers:
- A similar clean, modern appearance
- Excellent stability
- Great longevity
…at a fraction of the cost.
A Practical Replacement for Siberian Larch
Siberian larch has long been a favourite for fencing and cladding, but the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict has made it extremely difficult to source.
Scandinavian redwood is the ideal alternative—not only more available, but often better quality and more stable thanks to its slow-grown characteristics.
Installed Across the UK & Trusted by Professionals
Egertons Timber battens are used nationwide in both residential and commercial projects. We are also proud to collaborate with popular social media influencer Mark Marshall, who has installed our Scandinavian redwood battens on multiple builds and showcased their performance and appearance in his videos. His work highlights the reliability and aesthetic quality of our product in real-world projects.


Conclusion: Better Quality, Better Stability, Better Value
Roofing battens may be cheap, but they’re not designed for fencing—and the issues become obvious quickly. By spending only a little more on Egertons Timber Scandinavian redwood battens, you get:
- Superior durability
- Proper outdoor treatment
- Beautiful, stable timber
- Better long-term value
- A cost-effective alternative to cedar and larch
If you want a fence that looks great and lasts, Scandinavian redwood battens from Egertons Timber are the clear choice. We offer a good range of sizes to choose from and even rounded corners or square ones.
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