The Scenario

Protect your garden from being overlooked and from the wind by installing wooden fencing panels. The fence post sits on top of galvanized fence post spikes set into concrete.

1. The right tools

You will need some posts, some galvanized fence post spikes, wooden fencing panels, galvanized fence clips, some wood screws, concrete and one or two wood slats.

You will need the following tools. A hammer, a spade, a mallet, a spirit level, a cordless drill, a clamp, a tray, a trowel and a socket spanner.

 

2. How to prepare the footings

 

Mark the position of your posts with a line of string between two stakes. Lay a fencing panel on the ground between two posts to measure the exact distance you need between footings. Plant a stake identifying the midpoint of each post all along the line.

Dig a 40 centimeter deep hole where you want the footing for each post. Using the slats of wood, make two temporary stays. Use the mallet to hammer them into the first footing to keep the post vertical when you put it in place.

3. How to prepare for installation

Insert the foot of a post into a fence post spike and drill a pilot hole before fixing the coach screws. To attach the first panel to its two posts, mark the screw holes for the galvanized fence clips. Put 120 centimeters from the top and the other 160 centimeters further down. Draw a pilot hole then attach the fence clips. With the clamp attached to a fence clip screw it in place as far as it will go.

Place the wooden fencing panel between two posts with fence clips. Align the panel with the top of the posts then screw in place. Set the panel and its two posts into the first two footings. Place blocks under the panel to maintain a three or four centimeter gap above the soil. Check the panel is horizontal using the spirit level. Support the panel using a slat on each
side and check the posts are vertical.

Mix up the concrete and pour it around the feet of the first two posts up to the level of the soil. Leave the surface slightly sloping for water to drain from the post to the soil. There is no need to wait for the footing to harden. To support each panel with an angled stay, your fence will be finished in a weekend ready for good weather.

 

Watch the video tutorial here.