A garden fence is the most common way for homeowners to mark out the boundary of their property, while creating privacy and adding security. Today, with the wide choice of fencing styles available, your garden fence will also add character to your home, increasing its’ aesthetic appeal.
Witham Timber offers an extensive range of fence panels, posts, supports and fixings for you to erect a fence and our guide will walk you through the process, step by step.
Pre-preparation
If you are erecting a new fence, check for any underground cables and pipes that will need to be avoided when installing fence posts and chat to any neighbours who share a boundary with you. Generally speaking, when facing your property front-on, the fence to the left is your responsibility, but it pays to check with HM Land Registry to make sure.
If the fence is a replacement, clear the old fencing – a claw hammer and panel saw will be useful here, as will a strong pair of gardening gloves. Once the fence has been dismantled and disposed of properly, rake the ground to even it out and level it.
Gather your tools
Getting your tools ready ahead of starting the project will ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible, without wasting any time. The following list is recommended:
Plumb line (stake and nylon rope)
Spade or hole digger
Fence posts
Fence panels
Postcrete (fence post concrete) /fence post supports
Spirit level
Fixing brackets
Nails
Measure
Saw
Screwdriver
Gravel
Post caps
Step 1
Mark out where the fence will go, using a stake and nylon rope. Keeping the rope as taut as possible to ensure straight lines, set up a line for the entire length of the fence, marking the position of the fence posts, every 6-8 feet along the full length.
Step 2
Digging the post holes can be done with a hole digger or spade. The holes should be a minimum of 2 feet in depth or one third of the height of the post, and three times the width of the post. Add 3-4 inches of gravel to the hole and tamper down well before standing the post in the hole. Prepare the concrete mix according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Position the post in the hole, using a spirit level to make sure the post is straight. Pour in the concrete mix in, to just above ground level, sloping the mix away from the post to allow water to run off. Prop the post with wooden battens while the concrete sets. Be guided by the instructions on the mix as some concrete can take several days to set.
Step 3
Attach the fence panels to the posts with metal fixing brackets and screws, leaving a gap of 100mm between the bottom of the panel and the ground – this will ensure your fence panel does not touch the ground and rot over time. Alternatively, gravel boards are available to screw to the bottom of the posts before panels are attached.
Step 4
Once all panels have been attached, finish off by adding post caps to each post. The caps should fit snugly and can be secured with a nail. Post caps will not only add an aesthetic dimension to your fence, but will also protect your posts from harsh weather conditions.
Step 5
Your new fence can now be stained or painted as the final finishing touch, following the instructions for the products you choose. New treatments can be applied every 2-3 years.
The best time of year to erect a fence is early spring or autumn, when damage to border plants will be at a minimum and any existing climbing plants will be pared back and dormant. At Witham Timber, our range of supplies includes everything you need to ensure you have the best-looking fence, and our step-by-step guide will ensure it lasts for years to come.