For the purpose of this video we've chosen some 6ft feather edge panels and 8ft dip treated
posts, and we're going to use cement to secure the fence.
First things first, measure out the length of your garden to work out how many panels
and posts you're going to need.
Panels are typically 6ft wide and come in a variety of styles. Here, we're replacing
an existing fence and posts, however the following steps will still apply if you're replacing
a broken fence or starting from scratch.
For posts, you're going to want them to be at least 2ft longer than the height of your
panels. This gives the fence a solid foundation.
Lastly you need to decide on your method of securing the posts using either concrete,
post shoes or spikes.
Start by clearing as much of the area around your proposed fence as possible. This will
make it far easier to work around and stop and plants getting in the way.
before installing your posts it's best to treat the end with a good quality spirit based
timber preservative. this will extend the life of the post in the ground and also prevent
it from rotting.
Measure out and mark 2ft along the post, this mark is going to need to be at ground level
to give the best possible anchorage for your fence.
When digging for your fence posts, you're going to want it to be at least 2ft down and
approximately 3 times the width of your post.
Mark out 6ft lengths across your proposed fence with string. This gives you an idea
of spacing and will keep it in a straight line following the land.
Place 3 to 4 inches of gravel in the bottom of the post hole, this acts as a ballast for
the post as well as allowing water to drain away, again, further extending the life of
your post.
Support your post using wooden stakes and attach them to help keep your post level whilst
you prepare the cement.
Using a spirit level as a guide, adjust the post as necessary to ensure the post is level
across both sides.
For this install, we're using a ready to use postcrete. This goes in dry and sets within
a few minutes. Fill your hole with the postcrete as per the instructions on the bag and just
add water. remember to wear goggles to prevent the dust from getting in your eyes.
Mix the cement within the hole, it sets pretty quickly so work fast. Once the cement has
been mixed thoroughly, use a trowel to create a slight slope away from the post. this acts
as a runoff for any rainwater and also helps to prevent rot.
Once the cement has set, fill in the hole and remove the supports. Repeat this for every
post you need to install.
If you're installing on a slope, it can be a little tricky to get your panels level.
For this installation we're going to create a step fence rather than following the slope
of the land. This creates a more natural and clean look.
Begin by placing your gravel board Against the ground at the taller post and level it
out. This allows you to mark on the other post where you're going to need to place your
clips.
This will create a gap beneath the board on one side which can be filled by cutting down
another gravel board.
These feather edge panels are framed along the top and bottom, requiring us to measure
the framing and mark the post where our clips need to go.
You can then slide the panels down between the clips and secure them in place using galvanised
screws.
Galvanised screws are resistant to rust and will last longer.
Check your panels are level one last time.
Lastly, finish the post with a post cap, remembering to pre-drill the hole for these to prevent
the splitting of the wood.
Once your posts are in, installing the panels is a relatively easy process. You'll find
you can get a run up quite quickly!
Occasionally, you'll find that you need a smaller panel than you have available. you
can easily cut down a panel and gravel board to fit however.
Measure out the gap and the width of your panel. Because these panels are framed horizontally,
we don't need to move the framing, however if you have vertically framed panels, you
can prize the framing away from the board and reattach it to the cut down panel with
nails.
Cut down the panel using a jigsaw, or very carefully with a handsaw, again taking care
to wear protective goggles to shield away from any saw dust or debris.
You can now install the panel in the same way.