Installing a garden fence is a practical way to improve the privacy, security, and overall look and feel of your outdoor space. Whether you’re looking to protect your garden from the wind, the neighbours, or a way of keeping your pets and children safe; a good garden fence is perfect for the job.
In this guide, we explain how to put a garden fence up. We go through the process step-by-step, ensuring you have the necessary tools, materials, and understand how to get the job done. There are also bonus sections covering other key topics, like how to put in a fence post, how to attach a trellis, how to windproof a fence and the best way to protect a fence against rot.
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How to put a garden fence up
As far as gardening projects go, installing a garden fence is a relatively straightforward job. The process can be broken down into 6 chronological steps. Of course, you’ll also need the right fencing materials for the job, and the tools to actually get the job done properly.
Required tools:
- post hole digger / auger / thin spade
- pencil & tape measure
- level
- wheelbarrow
- saw
- hammer / nail gun
1. Plan for your fence
Determine the purpose of your fence. Are you building a garden fence for more privacy, better security, or to shield the garden from windy weather?
What materials will you use? Fence panels can be made from timber or composite materials. You’ll also want to decide on the style of your fence at this point.
Measure out the perimeter or path of your fence and also check your site against local regulations for any restrictions on height or style.
If you’re unsure of the quantities of materials you’ll need, check out our handy fencing calculator.
2. Mark out the area
Use spray paint or stakes and string to mark out your fence line. This will help ensure you install a straight fence with proper spacing between fence posts.
Consider the length of your fence panels and ensure you space the fence posts correctly. Efficient spacing of fence posts can save money and helps ensure the stability of your fence.
3. Dig post holes
Use a post hole digger, a post auger, or a thin spade to create holes for each of the fence posts. Aim for a depth of around one-third the height of the post, plus or minus a few inches for gravel or fence post aggregate that’s added at the bottom of the hole for improved drainage.
4. Put in the fence posts
The fence posts form the foundation of a stable and long-lasting fence. It’s important you put your fence posts in properly.
Here are the 5 things to know before putting in your first fence post.
- Materials —select durable materials like pressure-treated timber, or opt for concrete, or metal posts. Ensure the posts are suitable for the height and type of fence you are installing.
- Mark post locations —clear the fence line of debris and rocks and mark the exact locations for your posts.
- Dig holes —use a post hole digger or auger to dig holes that are one-third the length of your posts, plus a few centimetres extra for the gravel base.
- Put in a post —start by placing a few inches of gravel at the bottom of each hole for drainage purposes. Position the post, fill the hole with concrete post mix or aggregate, and ensure the post is level. Once the concrete has set, check the posts again to assess if they’re level and, if necessary, adjust before attaching any fence panels.
- Protect your posts —fence posts bear the weight and strain for the entirety of your garden fence, ensuring it stays solid for years to come, no matter the weather. Fence posts are vulnerable to insect damage and rot, which occurs due to prolonged exposure to moisture in the earth. Postaver Sleeves are the optimal way to protect wooden fence posts from rot and insect damage.
5. Attach fencing panels
Once the posts are set, attach the fence panels or boards to the posts using appropriate screws or nails. Ensure even spacing and level alignment.
6. Protect & style your fence
Apply wood preservative or paint to protect your fence from the elements. Add any decorative elements or additional features like trellises.
Installing a fence FAQs
There are a number of considerations to be aware of when putting up a garden fence. The most frequently asked questions tend to revolve around; planning permission; rot protection, windproofing, and the best way to attach a trellis to a fence.
How high can fences be in the UK?
In the UK, garden fences under 2 metres in height don’t generally require any planning permission or approval.
However, there are planning rules for fences that are adjacent to a highway used by vehicles, the height limit without planning permission is reduced to 1 metre. Additionally, if your property is in the curtilage or even the sightline of a listed building, you will need to get planning permission regardless of height.
How to attach a trellis to a fence
Adding a trellis to a fence can add a sense of style and improve privacy whilst also providing support for climbing plants. Here’s how to go about attaching a trellis to a garden fence.
- Choose your trellis — there’s a wide variety of trellis styles and finishes. Select a trellis that complements your fence design and meets your needs.
- Prepare your fence — measure out and mark where the trellis panels will be attached.
- Install the trellis — secure the trellis directly to the fence using screws or brackets. Make sure it’s level and properly aligned and use battens to add extra support where necessary.
How to protect a fence post from rot
Fence posts, particularly timber fence posts, are vulnerable to rot. Here’s how you can extend the life expectancy of your fence posts by protecting them against rot.
- Use pressure-treated tanalised timber — look for pressure-treated posts that are extra resistant to rot and insect attack.
- Add gravel for drainage — place a few centimetres of gravel at the bottom of the post hole to improve drainage and reduce the moisture contact with the wood.
- Apply a wood preservative — treat your posts with a high-quality wood preservative, focusing on the lower third of the post that will be buried in the ground.
- Use Postsaver® Sleeves — Postsaver Sleeves create a barrier against moisture and insects, significantly extending the lifespan of timber fence posts.
How to windproof a fence
If you’re building your fence in an area that gets a lot of wind, be sure to check out our article on choosing the right type of windproof fencing.
- Choose windproof fencing — slatted fences and post-and-rail designs allow wind to pass through, reducing the overall pressure on the fence.
- Secure your fence posts properly — ensure the fence posts are set deep in the ground and secured with concrete to prevent them from buckling.
- Consider concrete or composite materials — concrete, steel, and composite fencing materials are often used in high-wind areas and with modern technology, are often much stronger than timber.
- Utilise windbreaks — planting shrubs or strategically placing other obstacles near the fence can reduce wind speed and deflect the flow of air, taking some of the strain off your garden fence.
How much does a fence cost in the UK?
So, how much does a garden fence cost in the UK? We go into detail on this question, and more in this short guide. The answer depends on your choice of materials, its height, and the overall quality of the build.
If you have any further questions around garden fencing, whether you’re building using timber or composite, contact Estate Sawmills today.
