One of the most common questions we are asked is 'How do I correctly build garden fecning?' At WB Contracts we specialise in a wide range of fencing construction techniques. If you want to undertake the task yourself we can show you step by step how to erect a garden fence correctly. We give you also provide you with professional landscaping and garden design advice.
Tools Required
- Spade.
- Wheel Barrow.
- Cement mixer (portable for small gardens - can be rented at local builders merchants).
- Sprit Level.
- Screw gun / Screw dirver.
- Screws.
- Hammer.
- Builders line.
The following steps provide an overview for assembly of a common wooden garden fence construction. Pre-plan in advance and if neighbours are goign to affected run your plans by them prior to starting the project.
Step 1 - Assemble wooden fence panels. These can be sourced at a local garden centre and come pre treated and cut to desired lenghts. Set up your line to mark out location of proposed fence.
Step 2 - Work out how high your fence post must be above the ground. You will need to add together the height of the fence panel, 50mm gap between the soil and the bottom of the panel (or the height of a gravel board), and 50mm length above the top of the panel, to allow a post cap to be used.
Step 3 - Using a guide length of wood, dig holes approx. 600mm (or approx. ¼ of the post length) deep with a spade, for each post. Now pack a layer of hardcore or gravel around 100mm deep. Firm it well with an off-cut piece of wood or metal post.
Step 4 - Put the fence post into the hole, keeping the post vertical and remember to check regularly with a spirit level. Continue to pack with cement, and keep firming down at each stage. Finish with the level of concrete just below the soil.
Step 5 - Repeat this method for all the posts, and allow the concrete to set for at least 24 hours, you may want to support them while it sets by nailing temporary wooden braces at 45° to the ground.
Step 6 - Attach the fence panel with galvanised metal fixing brackets and nails. Set some bricks in place to support the fence panel whilst doing this - it becomes much easier! You may wish to use a gravel board below your fence panel, attach this afterwards.
DIY tips...
• Nail a piece of wood to the bottom of the fence post at the correct height - when this is resting on the ground you are at the correct height.
• Mix 1 part cement, 2.5 parts sharp sand & 3.5 parts aggregate.
