A fence can give you privacy and security, and it’s a great way to spruce up the look of your home and garden. It’s also one of the more straightforward DIY jobs, whether you want to erect a traditional closeboard fence, decorative panels, picket fencing, sturdy overlap fencing, or anything in between.

We have a wide range of fencing available, including separate materials and handy fencing kits, so you can choose the look and functionality that you need. This ranges from the basics (fence posts, boards, panels, fencing nails & screws, and more) through to designer panels and stylish “add-on” features. The cost of your garden fence will depend on all those choices, but there’s a variety of quality options to suit every budget.

In this guide, we’ll show you everything you need to install a garden fence – and remember, we’re always a quick phone call away if you need any advice: 01604 581444

INSTALLING A FENCE: BEFORE YOU START

Be a Good Neighbour

If you’re planning to install a fence on a boundary shared with your neighbours, you must consult with them first. This is not only a legal requirement but also a polite thing to do!

Technically, you can build a fence without a neighbour’s permission if it’s within your property boundary, but we like to keep things neighbourly and speak to them anyway.

Plan the details of your fencing installation carefully

What type of fence do you need?

Panel fences are best for:
     • Privacy
     • Protecting boundaries
     • Screening off areas

Paled or bespoke panel fences are more decorative and are good for marking boundaries.

Decide on the type of fencing and posts, the heights and lengths you need, and the full size of the fence, so you can calculate the number of fence posts and boards/panels to buy.

Consider the condition of the ground you’re working with, as this will decide how you install the fence posts – concrete, drive spikes, or bolt down (see below.)

Have you chatted to your neighbours yet? Do that now!

WHAT YOU NEED

Tools
     • Tape measure
     • Spade
     • Saw
     • Power drill
     • Spirit level
     • Hammer
     • Pencil
     • String Line

Materials
This will depend on the type of fence and type of installation, but in general, you will need:
     • Fence posts
     • Gravel boards
     • Fencing boards or panels
     • Nails and screws
     • Clips
     • Finishing touches – trellises, gates, post caps, etc.

Safety First

Remember to be safe at all times! Even the smallest details like wearing gloves and eye protection are essential for every DIY project, large or small. Wear a dust mask when using postcrete or cutting panels/boards.

VERY IMPORTANT
Always check for services before you start planning your fence – especially electric and gas. Your local service providers will be able to provide you with this information, but we always recommend you CAT scan the area first.

Discovering a pipe or cable after you have begun can mean a lot more work and can seriously increase the cost of erecting a fence.

FENCE PREPARATION: GETTING STARTED

1. Clear the area
     • Remove any plants, rocks, and other items that can get in the way.
     • Check again for any underground cables and pipes.

2. Mark it out
     • Use pegs and string, and measure exactly where each fence post will go.
     • You can install the first fence post and attach the string to that, then take it to the furthest position in the run and fix into place.
     • In the diagram below, we have used standard 1.83m wide x 1.8m high panels, and 75mm posts.


3. Plan for odd sizes and slopes
When you erect a garden fence, often you will need to fill in a final panel that’s smaller than the standard size.
     • When you fit the last fence post in the run, measure the gap, and then cut the final panel to fit.
     • Cut and reposition the vertical struts as above.

Top Tip
If you need to use a reduced panel, put this at the most remote part of the fence where it won’t be noticed.

Putting up a fence on a slope
     • If the area has a slope, keep your fence panels horizontal and use a step-up or step-down plan to adjust the height of the panels.
     • Ensure that the length of each post accounts for the step.
     • Fit gravel boards to fill any large gaps at the base.
     • Make sure that each section of the fence meets UK fence height regulations.

HOW TO PUT UP YOUR FENCE

1. Install the first fence post

There are a few options for installing fence posts. The best one will depend on the type of fencing and the surface you have to work with.

Installing fence posts directly into the ground
     • The depth of the posts depends on the height of your fence:
               Up to 1.4m high = minimum 450mm below ground
               Up to 2m high = minimum 600mm below ground
               Up to 2.4m high = minimum 760mm
               Up to 3m high = minimum 900mm
     • Hardcore or brick rubble can be used to fill the bottom of the hole.
     • Fill it in with a concrete mix e.g. Postcrete

Installing using post support spikes
     • Using a driving tool and a sledgehammer, drive the spike into the ground using short, firm strokes.
     • Keep checking the vertical alignment using a spirit level.
     • Take care to avoid underground cables and other obstructions.

Using bolt-down supports
     • This is ideal for putting up a fence on existing concrete areas, patios and decks, and directly against walls.
     • To install, use the Bolt Down as a template to mark holes for drilling, then secure to the surface using four Anchor Bolts.
NB: the Bolt Down is not recommended for use on tarmac.
You can also use concrete in-post supports.

2. Add the first fence panel
     • Attach clips to the post using galvanised nails.
     • Fit a panel into the clips and attach it, also using galvanised nails.
     • Install another post at the end of the panel.
     • Keep going until the fence is complete.

Top Tip:
Follow your plan and keep checking that panels are level and posts are standing up straight!

     • At the end, re-measure for that smaller panel if required, cut to size, and install it.

3. Fit gravel boards
All timber panels should be kept off the ground to avoid rot. Gravel boards are a great way to do this and to fill any gaps on level and sloping fences.

Measure and cut the gravel boards to size, and use clips to attach the gravel boards to each panel.

4. Add the finishing touches to your professional, DIY fence!

This is the part where you add trellises and any other extras to make your new fence look fantastic. You may also want to decorate the fence with a stain, such as Cuprinol, sadolins, or similar. It’s a relatively simple DIY job to erect a fence – but if you have an extra pair of hands you can call on – it’ll make installing your fencing even easier!

Then it’s time to relax in the garden and enjoy the results of your hard work!

Remember to follow all aftercare instructions for posts, panels, and other parts of your fencing for the best, long-lasting results.

Need some advice on the right type of fencing for your home, or need help to plan a garden fence installation and buy all the right materials in the quantities you need? Give us a call on 01604 581444 and together, we can do even more.