Of course, for the very best results, close board fencing is best installed by a professional team with years of experience in the industry. If, however, you’re interested in how those professionals go about erecting the perfect close board fence, then you’re in the right place.
How to Install Close Board Fencing
Here, we’ll be telling you exactly how to install a fine perimeter fence that will stand the test of time.
Overview
This is a basic breakdown of the steps to follow when erecting a close board fence. Read on to find out the details of each major step.
- 1. Peg out a line of string to represent the front face of the fence
- 2. Dig holes along the string line
- 3. Place the first post and ensure it is level
- 4. Concrete the post in place
- 5. Dig the second hole
- 6. Position the second post, level then insert rails
- 7. Ensure rails are aligned and that the post is level, then concrete in place
- 8. Repeat the above steps until the fence framework is complete
- 9. Attach the gravel boards and feather edge
- 10. Fit any desired capping (recommended for weather protection)
Digging the holes
If you don’t have a post hole digging tool, then a garden spade will do. If you are digging in tough ground that has concrete or gravel in it, you will need something with a little more bite. A crowbar chisel and metal wedge works well but are absolute bone-shakers. Power tools are available for hire which will do the job quicker and in more comfort.
The ideal post hole is anywhere between 2 – 2 ½ ft (600 – 750mm) deep, depending on the height of the fence. It should be 8” square (200mm) with straight sides.
Concreting the posts
When concreting your posts into the ground, surround the post with concrete but do not place any concrete beneath the post. Doing so increases the chance of water pockets forming and soaking into the timber post, which would accelerate its decay.
If the soil under the post is not draining freely, place an inch or more of shingle or gravel to aid with drainage. When it comes to permanently affixing your post, use either a mixture of ballast and cement (mix 6:1) or use post fixing products made specially for the job.
Number of feather edge boards
A 3 metre bay of fencing would require 36-37 feather edge boards, if the boards are 100mm wide. Allow for 13 boards per metre run of fence. This should be enough to cover any blunders or wasted boards. Some feather edge is 125mm wide. In this case, you will require approx. 30 boards per 3 metres of fencing.
The bottom line
If you are at all unsure of your abilities in erecting a close board fence – stop. Don’t waste another second or penny and get in contact with a reputable fence builder. You’ll be safer, wiser and, in the long run, better off in the finance department. If your close board fence is well built and maintained from day 1, you can trust it to provide a hardy perimeter for your property for many years to come.
RTC Fencing are proud to install all types of commercial, domestic and industrial fencing for customers throughout Birmingham and the surrounding regions. We’ve been serving this great city and many others, including Leicester, Loughborough and Melton Mowbray, for over 20 years.
We like to think it’s our comprehensive service – from our free site survey to our prompt and thorough installations – as well as our friendly team that makes us number one in the area. To arrange a survey and get your close board fencing project off to a great start, be sure to contact our team today. We’re always here to talk fencing.