How to Erect a Fence

Step 1:
If you're using metal spikes, push the first post spike into the ground and use a sledge hammer to drive the spike into the ground until the square base is level with the ground surface. Fit a spike fixing tool into the top of the spike to make hammering easier. Fit all the posts into place, making sure the posts are the correct distance apart for the panels.

Step 2:
To stop the bottom ends of the fence rotting, the pieces are supported on gravel boards. Lay the boards in position along the bottom, resting on the ground. Mark where each crosses a post and cut to fit. Use fence fixing brackets to attach the boards and a spirit level to check they are horizontal.

Step3:
Place the first fence panel up to the first post, resting on the gravel board. Screw/nail the fixing brackets to the panel and to the fence with weatherproof screws or galvanised nails. Use three to four brackets per post for strength. Continue to fix panels.

Step 4:
On level ground, you may need to trim some timber from the top of each post to make sure all the posts tops are level. Screw a post cap to each post to protect from the weather.

Tips & Advice:
- All fencing needs a regular coating of preservative to ensure it doesn't rot. Check and re-coat at least every two years.
- Don't buy panels that have a large number of knots or splits.
- It's easy to make a panel slightly smaller to fit an awkward gap - just cut through each part of the trellis with a handsaw and re-fix the edge piece along the cut edge.
- If the fence starts against your house wall, fix the first post to the brickwork with expanding masonry bolts.