Choosing Fence Panels

Here are some fairly basic things to consider when thinking of buying a new fence.

The old adage good “fencing makes good neighbours” may be true but it must surely be wise to tell your neighbours what you would like to do. When they realise that they will benefit from having the new fence themselves they will probably be enthusiastic.

Number of panels and posts required

Measure the length of the proposed new fence line. As a rule your new panels will be about six feet wide, so divide the length of your fence in feet by six to get the number of panels you need. For example, for a fence 48 feet long you will need eight panels. You will probably want new posts  eight panels will need nine posts if you want posts at both ends.

Types of post

You have a choice between the strength and longevity of concrete posts and the natural appearance of wooden posts. For wooden posts you have a choice of two sizes, 4 inch square or the cheaper 3 inch square. You also have a choice of post caps.

Using gravel boards underneath the fence panels is a good way of ensuring that your panels will not rot prematurely. Both wood and concrete gravel boards are available.

Remember, your fence is only as good as your posts, so if you opt for one of the more expensive panels use the appropriate posts.

Methods of securing posts

There are two methods of securing your posts into the ground. One is to concrete them in, the other is to use metal post anchors. Metal post anchors are only suitable for wooden posts. Choose the correct length of post for the job. If you are concreting them in the posts will need to be 2 ft longer than the height of the fence. If you use metal post anchors the posts will not need to be as long.

Fitting Panels to Posts

For wooden posts fix the fence panels to the posts using panel clips to avoid splitting the wood. Concrete slotted posts do not need fixings – the panels slot straight into the posts.