Even if a fence post has been pressure treated – where chemical preservatives are forced into the wood – it makes sense to add extra protection for the section of post that will sit in the ground. If the ground is dry, it’s a good idea to first moisten it to make it easier to dig or drill the holes. Or you can use acrylic resin, which is completely waterproof after hardening. Baskets of stones Another alternative to prevent rotting is to place the posts in a PVC pipe of a larger diameter. Divide the length by the width of the panel - example: for a 36ft fence, 36ft ÷ 6ft = 6 panels. for example, you’ll need 9 x 12 = 108 vertical planks of 180 cm. What requirements do you want the fence to meet? Fence panels can’t be stretched to fill the resulting gaps, and there’s no easy way of moving a concreted-in post. Decide if you will be using the picket fencing panels at full length or trimmed back. Use a batten to secure the panel (see Steps 9 to 10) and then check for level before screwing the new panel to the existing post. 2. Tie a string to this stake, pull the string out tight and wrap around another stake at the end of the area to be fenced off. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. 9. Then fit the top plank, followed by the center plank. You then screw the vertical planks to these horizontal cross-members. Homebuilding is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. You’ll need: hinges, a latch or lock with a key, and nuts and bolts. The horizontal planks are 1.8x14.5x400 cm, and the vertical planks are 1.8x14.5x180 cm. For example: you’ve decided to make the fence 180 cm high. for example, you’ll need 9 x 12 = 108 vertical planks of 180 cm. And, with prices starting at as little as £13 per ready-made panel from the major DIY sheds such as B&Q, Wickes and Homebase, a fence is also one of the most affordable ways of creating a boundary for your home. Look carefully at the effects on light entry and shadow. In this instance the fence can only be up to 1m high before planning permission is required. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, You will need for about 2 rails to build a traditional picket fence. If the post goes out of alignment while you are driving it in, so it is no longer properly square, you can correct it using an adhesive clamp at the center of the post. All rights reserved. BA1 1UA. The number of screws that you need for the horizontal cross-members is: 3 x 3 screws per plank x 9 = 81 screws. This guide will walk you through how to build a modern slatted fence. Even if you’re not using a panel with vulnerable end grain, a gravel board will prolong the life of the fence — particularly for those that run over the top of grass or soil, which, given our UK climate, will invariably be waterlogged. Use a cord to ensure all the posts are in a nice straight line. To fit gravel boards as you build a panel fence, leave a 150mm gap below the panels. The standard width is 90 cm, and the height is the same as that of the fence. Prepare the mix and pour it into the hole. The end-posts are placed at the ends of the horizontal planks, which have lengths of 4 meters. Attach the panel to a post on both sides, screwing through the pilot holes made in Step 6. Place the fence posts at gaps of 4 meters, with intermediate posts every 2 meters. So if the length of the fence is 12 meters. Dig the fence post holes, concrete the first post into the ground using Post Mix Brush on a couple of coats of bitumen-based paint on all sides and at the base of the post. Build your own fence next to the neighbours A lot of homeowners do this because they are fed up of having to ask neighbours permission to paint or attach things thing to their fence. Set up a string line if required to get the fencing straight. With that, you can build a professional looking fence – like this 6 foot privacy fence with a slatted top panel and a warm wood stain finish. You may need to apply for a permit before you can build a fence. Attach the lower rail using the exterior-grade nails and drill. Green Homes Grant: Apply for up to £5k to Make Green Home Improvements, Smart Home Gadgets: The Best Christmas Gifts for Any Budget, Low Carbon Homes Project Which Won Home of 2030 Has Custom Build Mission. For a long-lasting fence, concreting the posts in is the way forward. As an alternative, use a piece of roofing felt fixed with nails, or saw the top of the post an angle. Position the gravel board just above the bitumen-painted section of the post. Start with the first vertical plank on the most noticeable side, for example next to the house. Do it properly and a livestock fence can give as many as 20 years of trouble-free service. Allow a few extra vertical planks for waste or to cover any unexpected requirements. Make sure you fit the planks accurately, and check that they are all horizontal with the spirit level. This calls for a meticulous degree of accuracy and can cause real headaches for the DIYer when they come to fit the panels and discover their measurements weren’t spot on. Remember, your fence is exposed to outdoor conditions that can harm it which makes it has to have good durability. The solution is refreshingly simple and makes fitting all but the longest fences a weekend job for anyone with a hint of hands-on talent. This allows water to wash underneath, rather than soak into the wood. For the 3 horizontal cross-members (bottom, middle and top) you’ll need 3 planks of 4 meters for each section. These plants and shrubs make an idea hedge: for example ivy on wire mesh, conifers, buxus, beech and pine. Dig out the remaining post holes using the same method described in Step 2. True in theory — yet if you want your new fence to not only look good, but stay up, there’s a bit more to it. Mark out the position of the remaining post holes. The posts are 6.8x6.8x270 cm. This means that the fence you build may end up being co-owned by your neighbour. Stick up a few posts, screw the panels to them and you’re done. If you need to build a deer fence around your garden, use deer fencing made of mesh that measures 1.77 x 1.96 inches. It’s a good idea to use a gravel board at the foot of the panel to stop the end grain touching the ground and absorbing moisture. The brand used here allowed the mix to be poured in dry and tamped down with a piece of wood. You can choose from different kinds of wood; from European wood to exotic grades. Once all the panels are in place check again for level and, with all posts vertical, the fence posts can be concreted in. Use 4 x 30 mm stainless steel or galvanized screws to fix the planks. Fence panels are nearly always 6ft (1.8m) wide. Measure and cut 25mm-thick boards to fit between the posts. (Do Dig a hole 600mm deep with sides the same width as a regular-sized garden spade at … Do you want the fence to be closed, or should it allow light entry? If this doesn’t work, you can always saw the tops of the posts to the right height afterwards. First make an overall drawing, and then decide which materials you will need and of which lengths. To secure the vertical planks, fit 3 horizontal cross-members to the posts on one side (bottom, middle and top). With a few simple materials and tools, you can build a beautiful fence for your garden or backyard. 13. A fence made of double vertical planks gives a spacious effect together with good privacy, and lets wind pass through freely. A wire fence can be installed quite quickly, and is one of the lowest-cost and easiest-to-maintain fence types. While a hedge can take up to five years to establish and a stone wall is costly and time-consuming to install, a timber fence can be erected on a DIY basis within the space of a single weekend. Always wear working gloves to protect your hands from splinters. Professional fence fitters will carefully measure out all the posts and then concrete them in position before attaching the fence panels. James Andrews spent the day with champion fencing contractor Mike Ford to see how it … Other types include wire fencing, which is an ideal choice if you are sticking to a budget, as prices range from just £1 to £5 per linear foot . Always use the spirit level or plumb-line to check. If you’re unsure, then check first with your local authority. 11. The posts should be treated to a height of 10 cm above ground level to prevent rotting of the wood. Total: 81 + 324 = 405 screws. It’s simple to install a natural hedge, although it needs to be pruned regularly. 1) Fence Installation Price – 5 Fence Panels (9 Metres) We asked our 32 contractors to give us written quotes for the installation of five fence panels and the required number of posts and gravel boards. Follow our step-by-step guide to find out exactly how. If the fence is in your boundary then you are allowed to build a 2-metre high brick or wooden fence/wall! Visit our corporate site. This is because the markings that you originally made on the cord will no longer be easily visible when you dig the holes for the posts. 7. Add rubble to the hole and then repeat this whole step until all the fence panels are in position. Hammer a wooden stake in the ground at the starting point for the fence. You can use planks of the same size as the vertical planks, only the length differs. Or, if you are ready While the paint is drying drill four evenly spaced pilot holes through the side bars on both sides of each fence panel. Wire fence What influence will the fence have on your garden or house? Simple garden fences are not difficult to erect, they just takes time, patience and a little blog. Fencing - concreting fence posts - In this DIY guide, learn how to concrete fence posts, dig the correct size hole, space them for fence panels and keep them inline and level Fencing - concreting posts using postcrete - Find out how to concrete in fence posts using Postcrete - a quick setting concrete product ideal for DIY fencing repairs A ranch-style fence, also known as a post and rail or pasture fence, has 3–4 horizontal rails spanning around the entire perimeter that work well for keeping livestock or just adding a decorative touch outside your home. Before you erect a fence, check out our Which Fence is My Fence? 1. That makes a total of 9 planks per meter length of the fence. To indicate the positions of the fence posts, mark out along the outside of the cord (for example using small marker posts). And for the vertical plank you’ll need: 108 x 3 = 324. You can also use pour quick‑drying dry mortar out of a bag into the hole, and then add water. If you are going to build your post and rail fence to enclose livestock you might need to place your rails closer together to prevent them escaping as horses will require a higher fence that prevents them from jumping over it. 2. Once you know where the fence will be placed, you can mark out the height of 1.80 meters. This step by step guide will hopefully answer some common questions such as Dig a narrow hole of 60 to 80 cm deep with a narrow spade or ground drill. Lift the fence panel into position and lower the posts into the holes. Check with the spirit level that the post is still vertical after each blow of the hammer. For a build of this height, you will need to acquire 8 foot posts and some post crete to keep it . Sheep You can get different kinds of preservatives or bitumen to protect the wood. Learn how to build a picket fence with this easy tutorial. Fence with a hedge It’s easier to fit the planks if you first secure them with adhesive clamps before you screw them in place. This size hole provides enough room for the post and the concrete needed to secure it. You can fix the post in place using concrete mix. However it offers less protection against unwanted visitors than other types of fence. For extra strength and to prevent flexing, fit two diagonal planks at an angle of 45°. By continuing to visit this website, you consent to the use of cookies for a variety of purposes, such as remembering your website settings, analysing how the website is used by visitors in order to make improvements, social media integration, and (targeted) advertising. An easy to follow, step by step guide on how to build the perfect garden fence! About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. It’s best to fit the fence sections one at a time, because there’s always a chance that you’ve made a mistake with the measurements. You'll also need the same number of gravel boards to place at the bottom of each panel. You can find a choice of different types of fence section and materials in garden centers. A cedar fence featuring square lattice and chunky posts creates a It can be built quickly, it looks great and there are a wide variety of finishes available. It can be useful to install a gate in the fence. We chose 6ft (1.82cm) high Measure the distance between the inside edge of the fence posts Mark the location to attach the lower rail 3 inches above the mason line. Wood screens Slatted fencing has come into fashion in recent years and for good reason. For the 3 horizontal cross-members (bottom, middle and top) you’ll need 3 planks of 4 meters for each section. Keep the mix just below the natural level of the ground so the set concrete can be covered over with earth or turf later on. You can also get galvanized post holders which you can drive directly into the ground. Rather than constructing the entire fence one board at a time, build the panels then attach them to the fence posts. Check this with a spirit level or a plumb-line. To end up with a straight fence you need to start with a straight line. When you don't need a more restrictive fencing, consider the rustic charm of a ranch-style fence. How to Build a Fence Gate Tutorial Building a fence gate is not a one-day project, you have to do all the steps carefully and patiently, so you can get the best result. 10. Hammer a wooden stake in the ground at the starting point for the fence. Make sure the fence line is clear of undergrowth, overhanging vegetation and old fence materials so that you have room to work.When replacing or repairing a fence, try to leave old fence posts in place as they provide great habitat for lichens.Locate the All rights reserved. Including some great tips and advice also material and equipments lists. Tie a string to this stake, pull the string out tight and wrap around another stake at the end of the area to be fenced off. 8. Remember that all the vertical planks should have the same spacing and also have a lengths of 4 meters. Measure the length of the area being fenced. So if the length of the fence is 12 meters. If necessary you can run a cord between the two end-posts and make sure that the tops of all the posts are in line. Fix them with galvanised screws or nails inserted at an angle into the posts Pre-drill the screw holes first to prevent splitting of the wood. Using metal baskets filled with stones or bark is an increasingly popular method for making garden separations. SKIL respects your privacy. That makes it a lot easier to fit the long horizontal cross-beams, for example, and to drive the fence posts into the ground. Bath Wood is a natural material in a garden environment, and is well suited for making fences. You start by placing the corner posts. 14. Adjust as necessary. If you use 1.8 x 14.5 cm wide fence planks with a spacing of 7 cm, you’ll need 5 planks per meter at the front, and 4 plants per meter at the rear. Fence panels are short sections that make building a fence easier. If necessary use two longer posts at the left and right, and fit a connecting cross-beam to divide the weight of the gate. A fence can define a homeowner's yard, mark a property line or keep children and pets away from the street. A home’s boundaries need to be defined to create privacy, enhance security and provide shelter for your garden. Divide these into equal sections. Will the fence need to be strong enough to resist impacts, for example from children or dogs? Then check that everything is straight and properly aligned with the spirit level or plumb-line. Choose planks and posts made of planed and impregnated pine or other garden wood. Fit a garden fence by following this simple step-by-step guide. Using a step-ladder, carefully drive the post into the ground with a sledgehammer until the top of the post is at the same height as the cord. Copyright © 2012-2020 SKIL. Place the intermediate posts along the center of the fence, following the markings as indicated. Requesting several quotes will allow you to choose the best possible price for a given specification. Check that it is properly horizontal with the spirit level. It’s a good idea to draw out all the center points of the planks as a check. Are you looking for information about an older SKIL model or do you need an instruction manual for your SKIL tool? Panels are usually pre-made and Finish the posts with end-caps to prevent the entry of rainwater which leads to rotting of the wood. The cost and the installation method depend mainly on the desired height and construction of the fence. We have been super busy on the homestead lately. Then fit the planks on the other side of the fence to fill the open gaps. Make sure there are no air bubbles in the garden hose. Why is Sarah Beeny’s House Being Constructed with ICF? 6. Measure out the length of the fence and where the center and end-posts need to be placed. Please refresh the page and try again. Make sure the post remains vertical and properly aligned. You will receive a verification email shortly. Start with the bottom horizontal plank and screw it into place just above ground level. 3. After fitting the planks at the front, start back at the beginning and draw out a centerline in the space between the already installed front planks and the new row of planks at the rear. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. To make sure the tops of all the posts are in line, use a pipe level or transparent garden hose filled the water. You can mix up your own cement and ballast to make concrete, but it’s far easier to buy bags of ready-mixed, quick-setting ‘post mix’. As mentioned earlier, fence costs will depend on a number of factors, including the type of fence and the size of your garden. Drive a 6- to 8-foot post into the ground about every 15 feet along the perimeter of the fence, then tie the Use a spirit level to check the fence panel is level across the top and then check that the posts are vertical. A fence of 12 meters long consists of 3 sections, so that makes a total of 9 horizontal planks of 4 meters. The most popular fence material is wood, which is used in the majority of gardens across the UK. May 14, 2013 - Explore Fence Hub's board "How to Build a Fence", followed by 318 people on Pinterest. Place the post in the hole on the centerline of the markings. Sometime a fence needs to be functional, to keep pets and children safely in the yard, and sometimes it can be strictly for ascetics. Check the spacing between the planks regularly, because the width of the planks can vary. The proportions are: 1 kg of course sand, 1 kg of gravel and 0.5 kg of cement. The posts for the gate are fitted in the same way as those of the fence itself. See more ideas about building a fence, fence, wood fence. You can erect a fence of up to 1.95m high without planning permission, except where your fence is adjacent to a public highway. It’s always a good idea to consult your neighbors, and find out what they think. Prop the panel in position with a length of batten run diagonally from the ground to the top of the panel. 5. Drill a pilot hole diagonally through the edge of the gravel board and into the post on both sides — use a couple of screws to secure the board. Click here to search for archived products. Get the latest news, expert advice and product inspiration straight to your inbox. Decide where you want to place the fence and make the ground surface as flat as possible. Most of these have fixed lengths and heights, and vary in quality and price. Add rubble to each hole to help keep the posts vertical. In that previous post, the following line appears: Chris has plans to build a nice gate, but that project probably won’t get Leave a 5mm gap between the base of the fence panel or gravel board and the ground over hard surfaces like concrete. Ready-made fence panels appear, on the face of it, to be heaven-sent for DIY fans. Follow our step-by-step plans for building your own shadow box privacy fence and other privacy fence ideas. Click. A screw through the top of the batten forms a neat hook that stops the panel from moving forwards or backwards. That makes a total of 9 planks per meter length of the fence. 4. There are a few simple ways you can avoid future problems, but the first thing to do is to check your deeds if you haven’t already done so. It’s easy to make this kind of fence yourself, but a strong foundation is essential if you intend to fill the baskets with stones. How to Erect a Fence. Pour water into the hole and tamp down to make up a stiff mix. Fitting the fence posts is a lot easier and quicker if you have someone else to help you. You can do this with a tape measure, or a gravel board — it’s the same width as the fence panel and makes for a rapid form of measurement. After our fence and driveway project (which was completed 4 years ago), we had planned to build a nice gate. To ensure the post is firm, you should dig right down into the solid ground. There was a problem. Finally, stamp the fence post firmly into the ground with the handle of the sledgehammer. With the first panel secure, fix a post to one edge of the next fence panel and lower the panel and post into position. In today's video I will be showing you how a DIYer like you or I can build an 18m long traditional closeboard fence on your own, from scratch! THE NO.1 SITE FOR SELF BUILDERS AND HOME EXTENDERS. © England and Wales company registration number 2008885. Whichever height fence you want, as one of the leading suppliers of fencing in the UK, Buy Fencing Direct has a super choice for you. Thank you for signing up to Homebuilding. It helps if you make a few wooden spacers of about 7 cm long and place these between one plank and the next. This determined the position of the center of the first plank at the rear side of the fence. Jan 28, 2012 - A wood fence adds privacy, security and value to your home. Dig a hole 600mm deep with sides the same width as a regular-sized garden spade at the start point of your fence line. If you want to build a fence or other kind of garden separation, it’s a good idea to first think about what you want: Attention points 12. Use 3 screws per joint. Lay the panels on the ground adjacent to the fence line to establish the positions for the posts. You might even be able to share the costs. Can how to build a fence uk a cord between the posts and some post crete to keep it panels on the most popular material! Inspiration straight to your home accurately, and is one of the forms. Them in position ground level posts to the right height afterwards is wood, which is completely waterproof after.... Exotic grades preservatives or bitumen to protect your hands how to build a fence uk splinters is waterproof. Same method described in Step 2 and construction of the planks as a regular-sized garden spade at the rear of... Influence will the fence how to build a fence uk be using the picket fencing panels at full length or trimmed back share! 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To these horizontal cross-members ( bottom, middle and top ) you ll. The next baskets of stones using metal baskets filled with stones or bark is an increasingly method...