Putting up or mending a fence isn't a huge job, although for most people hiring a professional is probably the best option. Remember that you need planning permission for fences over six feet high, and ensure you stick strictly to your property boundaries. If you're physically fit and have someone who can help then putting up a garden fence is a job which you can do yourself.
First you need to know what you will need: fence panels, fence posts, panel clips, nails, a spade, spirit level, tape measure and concrete mix. When purchasing the fence posts, ensure that 60cm or so is available to go below ground level to hold the fence panel in place.
Firstly, you should remove any old fencing and posts, including climbers like ivy. Cut them back to ground level and they should resprout and climb the new fence. If the climbers are unwanted be sure to put plenty of weed killer down so they don't return and cover your shiny new fence.
Dig the post holes. These should be around 60cm (2foot) deep. Make the hole a spade's width so there is room for concrete around the edges. You might want to take your time with this to ensure that it doesn't look too untidy.
Poke the fence post into the hole, possibly putting some rubble at the base of the post to provide additional support. Use the concrete mix to fix the post in position, adding water if necessary.
Once the first post is in position, you can mark the positions of the subsequent posts. Simply place a fence panel against the first post and this should help you mark exactly where post number two should be.
Attaching the fence panel can be tricky. Pin it to the first post using panel clips, spacing these evenly to secure the panel. Ensure that the fence panel isn't resting on the ground, as this can lead to rot. Nail clips to the post first, then to the panel.
When putting up the second post, get a friend to support it while you attach the panel to the post with clips. Once in position, fix the second post in position using the concrete mix, ensuring that it is level with the first one.
Simply repeat this process until your garden is fenced in, with all the posts and panels you need. Remember to leave space for a back entrance if required! And ensure that access from the house is still achievable.
Author Resource:
AVS Fencing are a well respected and specialist supplier of Garden Fencing , Decking & Railway Sleepers , established in 1987.Distributed by ContentCrooner.com