Are you looking to replace an old drab fence? Or are you placing a fence in a brand new spot? Save some money and DIY! 

This guide to how to build a fence is simple and explains the full process as well as all the bits and bobs you’ll need to bring the fence to life.

What you’ll need

Here’s a list of some equipment you will need to complete your fence.

Important things to consider

• Do you have an existing fence to remove first? Think about how much extra time this will add to your project and if you need any extra materials or assistance to remove the old fence and prepare the ground.
• Where does the fence lie? Is it joining a neighbour’s (or multiple neighbours) garden? Or does it run along a Public Right of Way? Think about who you’ll need to speak to, whose gardens you’ll need to access, and anything else that affects the erection of the fence.
• Check your local authorities building regulations. Is there a certain style or height you must adhere to or material you must use? 
• Do you have any features to work with? Are there trees or flower beds, etc that you need to work around?
• What is your goal with the fence? Is it for privacy? Is it to establish a boundary? Is it decorative? This will guide the design, materials required and measurements you need to take.

Preparing the ground

Do not rush this step! Doing this step correctly means your fence will last for longer, and will help ensure you can get your fence level throughout the process.

Remove any rocks or debris from the area you want to dig your fence into. Dig out any plants or shrubs blocking the area (carefully do this if you want to replant elsewhere!).

Use a cable avoidance tool to check the area for cables. You might need to rethink your plan if you find obstacles in the ground.

Placing the fence posts

Mark out the position of your first post. With a spade or post hole digger, dig out a 600mm deep x 300mm wide hole (or bigger/smaller depending on the thickness of your fence posts).

Then add 25mm of gravel or MOT type 1 to the hole. This aids drainage to prevent the bottom of your post from rotting.

Next, place the post in the hole (you may need someone to help you) Use a spirit level to ensure that the post is straight and upright.

To keep the post upright while you add postcrete, screw some offcuts of timber to the post. These timber offcuts should rest on the ground to support the post when nobody is holding it. Check that the post is straight upright again before moving on to the postcrete stage.

Following the manufacturer guidelines for mixing, add postcrete to the hole, up to 25mm below the soil line. Use a trowel to create a gentle slope in the postcrete on all sides – this is to stop rainwater pooling towards the post and rotting it.

Follow the manufacturer guidelines for drying and wait until the postcrete has set before removing the timber offcuts.

For your next post (you don’t need to wait for the first to dry), use stakes and string line to mark out the position of your next post. It’s a good idea to cut a timber length the same length as your fence panel (if using) to see if you’ve got the correct distance between the posts.

Repeat the process for setting the posts for all of your posts, ensuring they are level each time.

Attaching a gravel board

It’s a good idea to add a gravel board to your fence. This keeps your fence panels/boards off of the ground, away from grass, plants and anything damp that can reduce their life. They are usually 140-150mm in height and slot under your fence panels.

To attach the gravel board, drill an L-shaped bracket to the bottom of a fence post. Then, attach the gravel board to the other side of the L-shaped bracket with 20mm external grade screws. Repeat on the other side, and with each gravel board.

Placing fence panels (if using, skip attaching rails and fencing boards)

If you are using ready-made fence panels, follow these steps.

Drill U-brackets on your fence post 150mm from the top and 150mm from the bottom of where the fence panel will sit. Use 35mm external grade screws to secure them.

With someone’s help, lift the fence panels and slot them in place between the U-brackets. Secure the panels to the U-brackets with 35mm external grade screws.

If a portion of the fence panel is too large, measure and mark the portion you need to cut off. Remove the framing batons from the front and back of the panel. Then cut the panel to size with a saw and reattach the framing batons.

Attaching fencing rails

You should attach fencing rails so they are visible on the side of the fence that is inside of your garden. This is for aesthetics and for security, making it harder for someone to climb the fence into your garden.

Most fences will have 2 to 3 rails per section. Use a set square to mark where the rails will go, ensuring it is completely straight. Mark out all of your slots for your rails and attach U-brackets to the posts on either side of where you want the rail to go. Slot your rails in and secure them between the posts. Repeat for all rails.

Attaching fencing boards

Mark where the boards will go on the rails. The distance between boards depends on your fence design but they should be at regular, equal intervals.

Attach your first fence board using galvanised steel nails (the length depends on the thickness of your boards and rails). Repeat for every fence board at regular intervals until your fence body is complete.

Adding a trellis

If you are adding a trellis topper to your fence, follow these steps.

Drill a U-bracket to the middle of where the trellis will attach to the post. Use 35mm external grade screws to fix it. If your fence is in a windy spot, attach an extra set of U-brackets for security. Do this on both posts.

Slide the trellis into position and secure. Repeat until you’ve added a trellis on all sections.

Attaching post caps

Post caps are decorative and protect the top of your posts.

Firstly, clean the top of each fence post with a damp cloth, removing debris and dirt. Apply a bead of silicone caulk around the post top.

Pre-drill a hole in the top of your post cap. Place the post cap on top of the post, then secure it with 1 screw through the pre-drilled hole.

Apply fence stain/paint

We recommend waiting 3-4 weeks to apply any paint or stain to your new fence.

Before applying your paint or stain, wash the fence with a pressure washer or a bucket of warm water and dish soap. Rinse it thoroughly and let it dry completely. 

Sand down any areas with splinters so the paint or stain applies evenly. Then you can apply your paint or stain.

Enjoy your new fence!

It’s a lot of hard work, but your fence will look lovely and make a massive difference in your garden.

Be sure to use our fencing calculator to work out exactly what materials you need for your fencing project.