This article tells you how to install a new garden fence, using concrete posts and wooden panels.

A good fence offers privacy from the neighbours, and helps to make your home secure.  Wooden panel fencing is the most popular type used for home boundaries.  This is because they are fairly easy to erect and often cheaper than building a brick wall.

Below is our guide on how to install a new garden fence.

Tools Needed

• String
• Tape measure
• Spade
• Spirit level
• Quick-setting concrete post mix
• Water
• Mixing bucket

How to Install a New Garden Fence Guide

Step 1.  Choosing your Fence Panels

When it comes to fence panels, there is a wide range to choose from.  You can read about different types of fence panels here.

Step 2.  Choosing your Fence Posts

Typically you will need fence posts that are approximately 2ft longer than the finished height of your fence.  For example, if you are planning to build a 6ft fence, you will need 8ft high posts.  We recommend slotted concrete posts, as they are extremely robust.  Also the slots on the sides enable fence panels to be slotted into and out of place easily.

Step 3.  Choosing your Gravel Boards

We recommend 6 inch or 12 inch concrete gravel boards, along with concrete posts.  Your wooden fence posts can then sit on top of the concrete gravels boards, keeping them of wet ground, prolonging the life of your fence.

Step 4.  Clear the Area

Completely clear the area, where you want to install your new fence.

Step 5.  Measure Up

It is important to ensure your fence is straight.  The best way to do this is to make a straight line using a long piece of thick string.

To do this, simply hammer a wooden stake into the ground where your fence will start and end.  Then tie the string between these two stakes, ensuring it is pulled tight.  This will be your fence line.

Step 6.  Dig your First Fence Post Hole

You now need to dig holes for your fence posts.  Typical depths are usually 2 feet deep.  The width of the hole should be roughly equal to a width of a garden spade.  Start your first hole at one end of your fence line, close to where you have positioned your stake (holding the string).  The hole you dig should be large enough to hold the fence posts you have.  Once the post is in the hole, there should be space around it for concrete to be poured around the post.

Step 7.  Mark the Positions of the other Fence Posts

Mark the next hole to be dug using a tape measure.  The distance from your last hole should be equal to the width of your fence panel.  Mark all your holes, ensuring you are using your straight string as a guide.

Step 8.  Dig the Other Fence Post Holes

Repeat the digging method in step 6, for the other post positions you marked.

Step 9.  Push your Concrete Fence Posts into the Ground

Place the concrete fence posts into the holes.  You must ensure your fence posts are in an upright position, and that there are installed in line with your string.  Use a spirit level to check the upright position.

Step 10.  Place the Gravel Boards Between the Posts

Lay your gravel boards on the ground between your posts.  Make sure they slot into the grooves of the posts.

Step 11.  Slot you Fence Panels into your Slotted Concrete Posts

You should be able to slot each of the fence panels between the concrete posts, from above.  It is best to get someone to help you lift the fence panels into place.

Step 12.  Fill your Post Holes With Concrete

Your fence should look complete.  You now need to fill each of the post holes with concrete, but making sure your fences are level vertically.  Use a spirit level to check each post is vertically level before you pour the concrete.

We hope you have enjoyed this how to install a new garden fence guide.