Plan Your Fence & Permits
Confirm your boundary line, discuss plans with neighbours, and check local regulations or planning permissions (especially for corner plots, conservation areas, or heights over common limits). Identify underground utilities before digging and sketch a simple layout with panel count, post positions, gates, and corners.
Measure & Mark the Line
Run a taut string line along the proposed boundary at finished fence height. Mark post centres at your panel width (e.g., 1.8–2.0 m). Use spray paint or pegs and confirm squareness at corners with a 3-4-5 triangle or builder’s square.
Choose Panel Type & Finish
Select from decorative, privacy, security, or commercial panels. For longevity and colour choice, opt for powder-coated steel in your preferred RAL shade. If budget or industrial conditions apply, consider galvanised steel (optionally powder-coated later).
Choose Posts & Footings
Pick posts to match wind loads and panel weight. Standard embedment is ~600 mm, deeper for taller fences or soft ground. Corner and end posts should be heavier section or include braces. For existing slabs, specify bolt-down base plates with appropriate anchors.
Tools & Materials Checklist
- Panels, posts, caps, brackets/bolts, gate kit (if needed)
- Post mix or concrete, ballast/cement, water
- Auger/spade, mixing bucket, level, tape, string line
- Drill/driver, masonry drill bits, spanners
- PPE: gloves, eye protection, boots
Digging in Different Ground Types
Clay expands—over-dig slightly and add drainage gravel. Sand needs wider holes and formwork if collapsing. For rocky ground, use a breaker and chemical anchors where digging is impractical. Always test hole stability before setting posts.
Set Posts in Concrete
Dig holes ~3× post width and 1/3 post length deep. Add 100 mm drainage gravel. Plumb the post, then pour concrete sloped away from the post top to shed water. Re-check plumb along and across the run. Allow cure per mix instructions before loading with panels.
Bolt-Down Posts on Concrete/Deck
Position base plates to your marks, drill holes with a masonry bit, vacuum dust, and fix using through-bolts or chemical anchors. Shim for level if slab falls for drainage. Confirm anchor edge distances per manufacturer guidance to avoid cracking.
Install on Slopes (Stepped/Raked)
For gentle slopes, rake panels by aligning the top to the grade using adjustable brackets. For steeper slopes, step posts in increments equal to your panel height difference. Keep bottom gaps consistent to prevent wildlife ingress and for a neat sightline.
Fix Panels to Posts
Start at a corner or fixed point. Offer the first panel, check level on top rail, then fix using supplied brackets/bolts. Maintain equal gaps between panels. Do not over-tighten—protective finishes can be damaged. Fit post caps to seal out water.
Add Gates & Latches
Use a dedicated gate post or reinforced end post. Set hinge side first, leaving consistent clearance (typically 10–20 mm). Fit hinges, then latch/lock hardware. Confirm smooth swing and add gate stops/closers as required. Seal any cut edges with touch-up paint.
Corners, Ends & Transitions
Use corner posts with dual fixing faces or angle brackets. For wall tie-ins, drill and fix using shield anchors or resin anchors with appropriate embedment. Transitioning heights? Step neatly at posts and maintain sightline continuity along the top.
Powder-Coated Finish Care
Wash quarterly with mild soapy water; rinse thoroughly. Avoid abrasives and strong solvents. Remove bird droppings or road salt promptly. Inspect annually for chips; touch up with colour-matched paint to maintain our 20-year coating performance guarantee.
Galvanised Steel Care
Galvanising forms a zinc patina that self-heals minor scratches. Clean with neutral detergents; avoid acidic cleaners. White rust (zinc oxide) can be lightly brushed off and treated. Powder-coating over galvanised steel offers the best long-term aesthetics.
Touch-Ups & Rust Repair
Feather back to bright metal, degrease, apply zinc-rich primer, then topcoat with compatible metal paint or approved touch-up. Seal cut ends and drilled holes immediately after installation to prevent under-film corrosion.
Seasonal & Winter Upkeep
Clear leaf build-up around posts to prevent standing moisture. In coastal or gritted areas, rinse panels more frequently. After storms, re-check fixings, caps, and gate alignment. Lubricate hinges with a non-staining outdoors-safe lubricant.
Safety & Handling
Wear gloves, eye protection, and steel-toe boots. Team-lift heavy panels. Fence lines near roads or public footpaths should be cordoned during works. Verify underground services before digging; use cable/pipe locators where available.
Waste, Recycling & Disposal
Recycle metal offcuts and removed steel where possible. Dispose of concrete spoil responsibly. Follow local council guidance for metals, concrete, and packaging recycling streams. Keep invoices for any licensed waste carriers used.
Troubleshooting
- Panels not level: Re-check post plumb; shim brackets or re-set post before concrete cures.
- Gate sag: Fit adjustable hinges, add a diagonal brace, or upgrade to a heavier gate post.
- Rust spots: Sand to bright metal, zinc-prime, and topcoat; investigate cause (chips, trapped moisture).
- Rattling in wind: Tighten fixings; consider anti-rattle pads or additional brackets.
FAQ
- How deep should posts be? Typically ~600 mm or 1/3 of post length; increase for taller fences/soft soils.
- Concrete or bolt-down? Concrete for soil/landscape; bolt-down for sound slabs/walls.
- Best finish? Powder-coated steel for colour and durability; galvanised for industrial/corrosive settings.
- Maintenance? Wash quarterly, inspect annually, touch up chips promptly.