The Ultimate UK Fencing Guide — Types, Woods, Costs & Top Tips For Your Fence Project

Fencing installation quick guide & top tips

Settled on a species and a style? Next up is installation. There’s always the option to hire a professional team, of course, but we’re sure a few tips from the trade won’t go amiss if you’re thinking of embarking on a DIY fencing installation.

Measure up & planning

• Measure the length of your garden to decide how many posts and panels you’ll need. Don’t forget to factor the width of the posts into your measurements.
• Posts come in a variety of heights. There’s also the option to choose concrete posts.
• There are a variety of methods for securing the posts. This can include post ‘shoes’, cement or post spikes.
• Unless you’re very fortunate, you’ll be likely to need a panel cutting to size to complete your fence. Make sure to prepare measurements for this before you speak to your fence merchant; they’ll be able to create a bespoke panel.

The posts

• When buying your posts, remember that you need around a third of the post’s intended height in the ground (so, 2ft in the ground for a 6ft post). Mark this out on the post before planting. To each side of the post, there should be a width three times the space of the post.
• If you’re using timber posts, it’s best to ensure they’re treated to prevent rotting. Soak the ends of the posts in a bucket (the parts that will be in the ground) with a wood preservative before planting them; ideally, ensure they’re given around 24 hours.
• Dig all of your holes and use markers to ensure everything is the correct distance apart.
• Make sure the posts are level across both sides; wooden stakes are useful here.
• If using cement, pour in some fast-setting concrete mix and then add water, waiting a few minutes and holding your post upright before moving onto the next post. Of course, make sure you have a spirit level and, if possible, a partner to help.
• You may want to place a few inches of gravel in the post holes; this allows water to drain away — preventing the posts from rotting.

The panels

• A gravel board is useful for preventing the fencing from touching the floor, fighting against rot.
• Use stainless steel or galvanised screws or nails. They’re more resistant to rust.
• Always have a spirit level on hand to check your panels are level once they have been installed.
• You might want to top off your fencing posts with some caps — but make sure they’re pre-drilled to prevent end splitting.

How high can I build my timber fence?

In the UK, there’s no nationwide policy; instead, fence height restrictions are set at a local authority level. However, you will usually need to obtain planning permission if you’re erecting a fence that is over 2 metres (6 ft 6 ¾ inches).

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How long does a timber garden fence last for?

You won’t be surprised to learn that the service life of a fence depends on a few factors: the species of wood you use, the style, as well as the quality of installation and the regularity of follow-up treatment.

Read more : Barry Parker – unsung hero of the Arts & Crafts Movement

A well-constructed, well-cared-for fence made of a quality species like Western Red Cedar can have a lifespan of over 40 years. Cheaper styles of solid fence — such as those typically found in home improvement stores — can start to need replacing or repairing within 10 years, especially if you live in a windy area.

So, that brings us helpfully on to the next part of our guide — treatment, maintenance and care for your fence.

Source: https://gardencourte.com
Categories: Garden news