In this blog, Sansums Sand & Gravel will take you through how to put up a panel fence, and some of our tips and tricks.
Before You Begin
We recommend that the best time of year to start putting up a new garden fence is early February to late September, as this will give any plants disturbed in the process, time to recover for their peak in the summer.
We also suggest that before you start putting up the fence, make some necessary check, so you don’t end up spending the money and have to take it down again!
Neighbours and Boundaries
It’s very important that you make sure to discuss your plans with your next-door neighbours if the fence is on the boundary to their property. They may not want you to change the fence, or they may not want the disruption spilling into their garden, so it’s best to check that they are happy to have a new fence. It’s also a good idea to check the exact line of the boundary as the fence might not have been built across the exact boundary lines as once drawn out in the property’s deeds.
We also suggest that you confirm that the fence is yours before you take it down. If it belongs to a neighbour, and they don’t want you to take it down, you can always erect another alongside it as long as it is on your side of the boundary. There is also an unwritten rule that a good neighbour puts up a fence with the post and rails facing their own property, but this is not a legal obligation.
Do I Need Planning Permission?
Generally, you will not need planning permission if the fence is less than 2 metres high. However, it will be necessary if the boundary line the fence is built on meets a highway or a footpath and you wish to erect a fence under 2 metres or add to a fence that’s over 1 metre in height.
Just to be safe, we recommend checking in with your local authority to find out if you need planning permission or not.
Prepare Your Area
First things first, remove any old fencing and plants that may be on the boundary. If you have any climbing plants along the fence, that you wish to keep then these can be cut back to ground level and they should be able to re-sprout and cover the new fence. Though, if you have any unwanted climbers, such as ivy, it should be removed or killed with weed killer or they will be able to quickly return.
Then, begin marking out where the fence will be with some string and a couple wooden pegs in a straight line along the boundary for you to work to.
Dig the First Post Hole
Then, begin digging out a hole for the first fence post. If you have a fixed point for one end of the fence, such as a house or a garage, it’s best to start from there. The hole needs to be 60cm (2ft) deep, and it can be roughly made with a spade’s width so you have space to put concrete around the posts.
Secure the Posts
Next, place the fence post in the hole. If the post is larger, it’s worth putting some rubble around the base of the post to give it some additional support. Then pour concrete into the hole and then make sure the post is level with a spirit level before the concrete completely sets.
Alternatively, you could also use some post supports, which can be hammered into the ground or bolted to concrete and means you can choose some shorter fence posts.
Mark the Position
Once you have set the first post into place, ask a friend for help to mark out where the next post should be. Then, place the fence panel against the first post and either you or a friend can mark the position of the other end on the ground.
Attaching the Fence Panel
Dig out the hole for the second post, then attach the fence panel to the first post using panel clips, spacing them evenly up the panel. Nail the clips to the post first, then the panel. To ensure that your fence will last as long as possible, make sure the panels don’t rest on the ground because this can easily increase the chance of rot.
Positioning the Second Post
Place the second post in the hole and ask a friend to support it as you attach the panel clips to hold it to the other end of the fence panel. Once you have attached the panel to the post, fix the post in position using the concrete and once again, ensure its level.
Repeat These Steps Along the Rest of the Boundary
Then, repeat all these steps along the rest of the boundary, until you have put up all the fence panels you need. If you are wanting to put a trellis on top, be sure to check how high you can legally have it first. All it will take is to screw it to the posts – making sure to drill holes first to avoid splitting the wood.
Fencing Panels Swindon
Here at Sansums, we stock close board fencing, which is also known as feather board fencing. It’s a very strong type of fence and if constructed properly and maintained properly, it will last for many years to come.
One of the main, most known characteristics of close board fencing is the distinctive arris fail and morticed post construction technique. A close board fence is an extremely strong, attractive and durable fence.
We supply and deliver featheredge close board fencing kits, so you can purchase individual fence parts such as fence posts, fence rails, feather edge boards, gravel boards, capping rails and fixings to suit your needs.
We stock 150mm wide feather edge boards x 1.65m length. Our fence rails are sturdy 38mm x 88mm and are available in 3.0m length. Our fence posts are 100mm x 100mm x 2.4mm length and we also keep 3-metre gravel boards for close board fencing and panel fencing.
All of our fencing stock is also pressure treated softwood. So, if you’re looking for fencing panels Swindon, be sure to give us a ring on 01793 536784