Fencing & Trellis

Step 1 – To make sure you put your fencing in the correct position and aligned evenly, we recommend using a taut line to mark out where your fence is going to go. Use pegs or another implement to place into the ground and use string between them to act as a guide. Approximately 6 inches above the ground is suitable.

Step 2 – In terms of the height, remember to leave about 5 cm below and above the panel to make room for gravel boards (if you have them) and the post caps.

Step 3 – Dig holes at your fence post points approximately 60 cm deep and pack in a layer of hardcore or gravel about 10 cm deep. Place the fence post into the hole and check using a spirit level that they are straight and upright.

Step 4 – Pack in the cement while continuing to check the post remains level and upright with your spirit level. Top off the cement levelling out just below the soil level. Allow the cement to solidify for 24 hours before going onto the next step.

Step 5 – Attach your fence panels using the brackets supplied and screw them into position. You can use bricks or another suitably firm object to support the fence ends as your placing them into position to hold them steady. Finally, attach your gravel board once the fence panels are firmly in place.

Our pressure treated fence panels have a 15 year guarantee against rot but they are more expensive than traditional fence panels which will require maintenance to keep them in good condition. Fence maintenance is mainly to protect against the elements. Wind is a fence panels biggest enemy. You should regularly check that your posts are sturdy and firmly set in the ground in concrete or in Metposts, as a rocking post will not withstand the high winds, and will potentially cause your fence panel(s) to break. Water is another foe so you need to check for rot at the bottom of your posts, which is generally the first place it starts. To prevent rot at the base of your fence panel, install them raised very slightly from the ground or sit them onto wooden or concrete raisers.

Pressure treated fence panels do not require preservative applying for several years unless you want to change the colour. Non pressure treated fence panels will need to have a preservative applied annually to prevent rot. Paint isn't advised as it will chip and peel, causing you endless work in the future.

Fence stain is easily obtainable. Available in a variety of colours, to give your garden an individual look and it will also give your fence that protective finish to prevent rot. Once applied, it will need reapplying every year or so, as algae grows, and the colour fades. Soft colours such as browns and greens give a pleasant natural look and blend in with your garden plants, but if you live at the seaside be bold and go for something like a deep blue.

When painting or repainting older panels, always brush down with a wire brush or clean them with a pressure washer to remove the algae. Pull off clinging plants like ivy. You wont be able to remove every single clinging tendril, some you will just have to paint over any that are left.

Fence stain can be applied by brush, roller, or sprayer. Choose a period of calm, dry weather to paint your fence panels. Put newspaper or a large old cloth down to protect nearby plants. Although sprayers sound much quicker, they are more expensive, and not everyone gets on with them and the slightest breeze can send the paint in the wrong direction.

The other alternative to fence stain is creosote substitute. This looks almost black in the tin, and produces a very dark brown, almost black shade like old Tudor beams. Alternative shades are not available.

How often your fence will need repainting will depend on weather conditions, and the direction your fence is facing. Simple maintenance like reattaching a slightly loose panel can save you money preventing more extensive damage when the British weather does its worst.