Installing a Fence: Our Step-by-Step Guide

Good fencing provides a host of benefits: it offers privacy, enhances security, clearly delineates boundaries, and gives a clean, 'finished' aesthetic to a property. For competent and enthusiastic DIYers, installing a new fence is a rewarding and relatively easy project.

In this edition of Greengate's blog, you'll learn how to install a new fence constructed from panels and posts made from timber.

• First, you'll need to source your materials. Here at Greengate's, your local builder's merchant, we have everything in stock that you're going to need. Like everything else in our product portfolio, these materials and components are guaranteed to be of premium professional quality and available to purchase at our signature low prices. 
• To create a stunning timber fencing structure, you'll need rock-faced base panels, treated timber fence posts, waney fence panels, metal fencing clips, concrete post-mix, and woodscrews. Optional items to offer extra support in exposed areas include post anchors and post spikes. 
• Installing the fence will be much easier if you can work from both sides so get permission from your neighbours to go onto their property. If there is already a fence where you intend to work, you need to check that you have the right to remove it before you start. Make sure the area is clear of any debris, plants, or anything else that might obstruct you.
• Mark out where you intend your fence to be installed.
• Attach fencing clips to the timber posts using the woodscrews.
• Dig a hole of around 2ft deep, more if the ground is very loose. 
• Fill around 1/3 of the hole's depth with water and pour Hanson High-Performance Post Mix (or equivalent) in steadily, mixing it thoroughly with the liquid. Keep pouring the post-mix until the dry powder comes up to the surface of the water.
• Align the post to ensure it is straight. Hold in place for five minutes to let the post-mix set: alternatively, you can secure the post with pieces of brick or rubble for this time. 
• Mark where the next post should go. The space between the posts should be tight enough to hold a timber panel in place without being so tight that there is no room to insert a panel. Dig the hole and repeat the previous two steps above, continuing until all posts are in place.
• Insert concrete base panels between the posts before inserting timber waney panels on top. 
• That's it, you're done!

Find all of our fencing products on the dedicated page of Greengate's website, where you can also view our complete collection of quality landscaping products. If you need any further advice or information, please get in touch with our expert team.