Garden Fencing Installation
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06/07/25, 11:23
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Garden Fencing Installation
Overview
• Remove any old boundary and set new posts and panels for a weather‑resistant fence line. • Skill level 3 / 5. • Typical duration 5–6 hours per 6 m run.
Safety First
Wear steel‑toe boots, cut‑resistant gloves and safety glasses when lifting panels and mixing concrete.
Use an RCD adaptor on outdoor power tools.
Dial a utility‑locate service before digging post holes.
Brace existing panels before removing fixings to prevent collapse.
Keep children and pets clear of work and spoil piles.
Tools & Materials
Item | Purpose |
Long tape & string line | Mark straight fence run |
Post hole spade / auger | Dig 600 mm‑plus holes |
Level & clamps | Plumb and brace posts |
Ready‑mix post concrete | Secure posts fast |
Saw (hand or circular) | Trim panels or gravel boards |
Screws / galvanised nails | Fix panels and rails |
Timber preservative | Seal cut ends |
Wrecking bar & mallet | Remove old fixings and tap panels home |
Step‑by‑Step
1. Mark the fence line
Why: Ensures posts go on the boundary and panels align.
Pro‑tip: Lift the string 150 mm off the ground to avoid snagging on debris.
2. Dig post holes
Why: Proper depth (⅓ post length or 600 mm min) keeps the fence stable.
Pro‑tip: Square the hole’s bottom so the post can’t shift while concrete sets.
3. Concrete the first and last posts
Why: Locked‑in end posts let you tension the string for the intermediates.
4. Set intermediate posts
Why: Keeps panel bays even and level.
5. Trim and treat panels
Why: Custom lengths avoid gaps and treated cuts resist rot.
Pro‑tip: Brush preservative on fresh cuts before fixing—access is easier now than later.
6. Fix panels and gravel boards
Why: Secure attachment resists wind and keeps timber clear of damp soil.
7. Cap and seal
Why: Post caps and capping rails shed water, extending fence life.
Completion Checks
All posts plumb in two directions; panels level and flush along the run.
Panels sit 50 mm above soil or on gravel boards.
Fixings flush and tight; no panel rattle in wind.
Concrete tops sloped and set hard; site free of splinters, nails and rubble.
When to call a pro instead
If posts must anchor into rocky ground or retaining walls, the line crosses unclear boundaries, or you need long runs installed quickly, hire an experienced fencing contractor with specialist digging equipment, liability cover and knowledge of local planning rules.
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