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What is involved with Fence or Gate Installation?

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Alex, Staff Writer

Monday, 25 January 2021

A newly installed fence or gate is the perfect way to finish off your garden design. It also enhances your property’s security, all while providing privacy too. Fences also have the job of marking a boundary, making it essential they are well built and accurately placed. Compared with building a wall, fences are much easier to build and cheaper too. 

If you are considering having a new fence or gate built on your property, we’ve put together the following guide to help you understand the process. 

Consultation

The consultation stage is the perfect time to ask plenty of questions about what’s possible. As a customer, you might know exactly what you want or be completely in the dark about what would work best for your garden. 

For example, when it comes to fencing there are endless different panel options not to mention materials you can use. This includes wood, metal, plastic, composite and steel. Your choice is going to depend on your personal style, the practicality of the material and your budget. 

With a new gate, security is the priority. So, choose a material that is sturdy and has the ability to have a lock built into it. If you are installing a new fence too, then make sure it’s the same height as the top of your gate for a neat finish. 

Measuring up

Measurements will be taken so that the materials can be ordered. Your contractor will need to assess the height and length required for each aspect. This stage can be tricky if your garden is on a slope, or if your current fencing isn’t straight and needs correcting. 

Your contractor will then order the materials, though you can do this step yourself if you prefer. The materials will normally be left outside your home, where the contractor will move them on the day the work starts. 

Installation

The first stage is to remove any existing fencing or gates, including any concrete fence posts. You may also wish to combine garden landscaping so that your contractor can level out your garden. They can also change the layout of your outdoor space during this time too. 

Next, they’ll set to work putting up your fence one panel at a time. It usually requires at least two contractors, as one person needs to hold the panel while the other hammers it in. Using string and a spirit level will ensure each post is perfectly level before setting it with concrete. 

An optional finishing touch is to put caps on the top of any wooden posts. This will help preserve the life of your posts. The contractor can also paint your newly installed fence or gate, or add a protective stain.

Points to note

If installing a fence that borders on a neighbours property, it’s always a good idea to keep them involved in the process. Depending on which fence you are replacing, you may have to give them the ‘good side’ which means you’ll receive the side with the posts visible. Though, some fence designs allow for an even design on both sides, which may be more favourable. 

Depending on where you live, there may be restrictions with the maximum height allowed for your fence. Usually, this is 6ft which includes any trellis you place on top. The height should also be in proximity to your neighbour's fence so that one side doesn’t look uneven.

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