Forest Timber Fencing Install Guide
Installing a timber fence can be an easy job if you carefully plan out the installation and ensure that your measurements are correct. This guide will go over the basic steps of a timber fencing installation – keep reading to find out more!
How to Install a Timber Fence
Step 1: Set the Fence Posts into the Ground
This is a very important step, as all of the fence posts need to be completely vertical and straight to create a stable and secure fence. If they’re not set well enough into the ground, they can become dislodged in windy weather and your fence may fall over during a storm.
The best way to set your fence posts is in a concrete-filled hole in the ground – this will ensure security and stability. The general rule is that a fence post that is 8 feet in height needs to be set around 2 feet into the ground.
Before you start setting the posts, you should set the desired run of your fence using a string line and stakes – make sure they’re the right distance apart, accounting for the width of each panel and how you’ll fix them to the posts. As the concrete sets, we recommend forming an incline around the bottom of the post, so that rain drains away from it.
If you’re using slotted posts, make sure that the distance between the fence posts accounts for the slot recess.
Step 2: Affix the Fence Panels to the Posts
While it might seem to be the best method to set all the fence posts first, you may end up setting all of the posts the wrong distance apart. Instead, we recommend setting the first post, secure the first fence panel to this post once the concrete has set, and then set the second post into the concrete. This makes sure that the fence posts will be in the right place before they’re set into the concrete.
This method also means that, if you have slotted fence posts, you won’t need to lift the entire fence panel over the top of the posts to slot it into place, making installation much easier and quicker!
When slotting your fence panel into place, all you’ll need to do is secure it with the right fixings – once it’s secured, you can move on to the next one.
If you’re using standard timber fence posts, you’ll need to attach brackets to the posts before you fix your panels. This will allow you to fix your panels to the posts securely.
And it’s as simple as that! Your new timber fence will be looking great in no time.
To shop our range of timber fencing from Forest Garden, click here.
If you have any questions that weren’t answered in this article, please take a look at our other guides and tips articles. You can also contact our team for advice – we’re always happy to help!
