Preparation for How To Put Up A Fence
June 18, 2017
If you fancy the challenge of putting up a fence yourself then here are our top tips on all the preparation beforehand…
Preparation is Key – Here are our top tips to think about…
Fence Choice
Firstly you need to choose your fence style. We have a wide selection of fence panels available on our website, click here to view our fencing range. Alternatively you can request our brochure here and browse our collection to decide the size and design of the fencing that would best enhance your garden. Our wide range of fencing styles to help you make that decision include;
- Closeboard Fencing – We have a choice of Closeboard panels which are made up of overlapping vertical boards of timber. It is the strongest and heaviest panel, providing complete privacy and is ideal for boundary fencing.
- Overlap Fencing – Overlap is made from overlapping horizontal timber boards. This is a cheaper fence that offers high levels of privacy. Our Overlap fence panels are fully framed with 5 battens front and back.
- Palisade – Otherwise known as Picket Fencing. One of our most popular garden fence styles you get both visibility and good security from this traditional picket-type fence. Available with pointed or round tops.
- Trellis – You can use trellis on its own as a panel or add to the top of another solid fence panel adding a decorative style.
Post Types
The next step is choosing your post type in either wooden or concrete posts. You also need to decide whether you want to set them in concrete or use post supports.
- Concrete posts ensure you have a good strong fence either slotted or morticed. (Concrete Posts can be heavy to lift)
- Wooden posts are easier to handle, but as they’re buried in the ground, there’s a slightly higher risk that they will rot. Check out our square sawn posts with a service life of 15 years.
- Metal post supports are metal containers fixed into the ground which can help deal with rotting problems and they will help erect the fence relatively quickly.
Planning permission is required for fences over 2metres high, so please call your local Council office to check your fence complies with their planning rules before starting your project.
Deciding the length of the post
The height of your fence will determine the length of which posts to purchase.
- Usually you will have an 8’ (2.4m) post for a 6’ (1.8m) high fence. Typically leaving 2’ of fence post into the ground. Post mix is then used to fix the posts in the ground. Post mix is quick setting so it’s best to be fully prepared before mixing your concrete. You can shop Post Mix here.
- If bolt down or drive-in post supports are to be used then you will need a check the area for underground services and you will use a post the same height as the fence. Click here to view our post supports.
How many panels?
The most common fence panels are nearly always 6ft (1.83m) wide. Continental panels are usually 1.80m wide but these panels can be extended to 1.83m with the addition of 15mm timbers each end.
To calculate your panel quantities, you need to;
- Measure the length of the fence. Divide the length by the width of the panel and the thickness of the post.
- It’s a good idea to have gravel boards under each panel so the panel is off the ground. Our Gravelboards are available in the same length as the panel.
- Don’t forget to add an extra fence post to the number of panels needed so you have an end post to finish at the end of your panels.
- Please note we have corner posts available if you have a corner edge in your fence design.
You are now ready to start fencing!
If you have a fence design that you find is too tricky to calculate yourself then please ask a member of our team and we will be very happy to calculate your materials for you.
You can find all the fencing materials you need to erect a fence available to shop on our website. We also offer a delivery service or alternatively you can collect your items from our site in Bethersden, Kent.
If you require any further help or advice please do not hesitate to contact us on 01233 820240 or email us on sales@fourseasonsfencing.co.uk
