Is your current fence falling into disrepair, is it being destroyed or destroyed by windy weather? Or would you like to add an extra layer of privacy to your garden? With summer just around the corner, fences are an inexpensive and practical way to add style and security to your garden – right on time for the barbecue. Whether you're replacing a broken fence or starting from scratch, installing a fence can be a daunting task. For this reason we have created this step-by-step guide.
planning
First, clear the area of any obstructions and plants / shrubs that you may want to replant later. Using a wire avoidance tool, map any buried cables or pipes to ensure you don't accidentally dig them up or damage them.
Measure the length of your garden to find out how many panels and posts you will need. The panels come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but are typically around two meters wide. The posts should be at least a meter longer than the height of your panels so that the fence has a solid foundation. If you want to add a grid, make sure your posts are big enough to hold it.
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mark
Using string, mark along your proposed fence six feet long to get an idea of the clearances and to keep your work in a straight line that follows the land. Measure and mark two feet along your post – this mark should be at floor level when you place the post.
Although optional, it's a good idea to treat the end of each post with an alcohol-based wood preservative to extend its life and prevent it from rotting in the ground.
If you don't have all of the tools and equipment you need, contact the Handy Squad. Our team of experts will be equipped with all the tools, equipment and materials necessary to build your perfect fence. Request a free quote by filling out our online booking form.
Placing the post
Use a shovel to dig a hole up to one-third the height of the fence from the ground (usually about two feet deep) and about three times the width of your post. Put about three inches of gravel in the bottom of the hole. This provides stability and weight to the post and allows the water to drain away.
Once the post is in place, attach wooden stakes on either side to keep it straight while the cement is being prepared. Use a spirit level to make sure that each side is straight and adjust if necessary.
Secure mail
Pour your dry post-mix concrete into the hole according to the directions on the package. Once you've added the water, you'll need to work quickly as the mixture will dry and set in just a few minutes. Remember to wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from dust and gloves if necessary.
Mix the cement inside the hole, then use a trowel to create a gentle slope away from the post. This will encourage the water to roll off your post and rot, preventing rot. Once the cement has set, fill the hole with soil or grass for a natural look. Remove the supports. Repeat this process for each post you need to install. You can check that all the posts are level by placing a piece of wood over two posts and using a level.
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Gravel boards
Mark the location of an L-bracket on the base of each post and secure it with a drill or electric screwdriver. Drill the gravel boards into the L-brackets with appropriately sized screws. We recommend 30mm external screws.
Place panels
Mark the positions of two U-brackets on the inside of each post. One 150mm from the top and one 150mm from the bottom of the fence panel. Attach the brackets with 35 mm external screws.
Carefully lift the fence panels, slide them between the U-brackets, and secure with 35mm external screws. If you need help moving the control panels, the Handy Squad can give you an extra pair of hands.
decoration
For a nice finish and to protect the end of the wood, you can add post caps to the top of each post. You should pre-drill a hole before adding each post cap to avoid splitting the wood.
Finally, you are ready to decorate your new fence. At Handy Squad, our decorators in London can help you with all the finishing touches such as painting and polishing your fence. Do you have unfinished projects? Our team can also paint rooms, repaint kitchen cabinets and even paint stairs. Request a free quote by filling out our online booking form.
