Square Horizontal Fence Panels

Description

Quick Facts

Description

Caragh Garden Notebook

Installation

• Post size: 100mm × 100mm minimum (90mm finished if planed)
• Post height: 2.4m minimum (allows 60–75cm below ground, 180cm panel height, plus clearance)
• Post spacing: 180cm centre to centre (to match panel width)
• Post type: Standard fence posts or planed & ribbed posts for a more refined finish

• Dig post holes: 30cm × 30cm × 60–75cm deep
• Add 10–15cm of compacted hardcore or gravel for drainage
• Position post in hole, checking it’s plumb (vertical) and correctly aligned
• Use temporary bracing to hold the post upright
• Mix postcrete or standard concrete and fill around the post
• Tamp down to remove air pockets; slope the surface slightly away from the post to shed water
• Allow 48–72 hours to cure fully before fixing panels
• Essential for corner posts, end posts, and any posts under load

• Use heavy-duty metal post spikes (minimum 75cm long, rated for 100mm posts)
• Drive spikes into firm, level ground using a sledgehammer and protective block
• Check alignment and level before inserting posts
• Best for lawns or firm soil; not suitable for soft or stony ground
• Not recommended for exposed sites or long fence runs

• Position the panel between two posts, resting it on gravel boards or bricks (5–10cm clearance from ground level to prevent rot)
• Check the panel is level using a spirit level
• Fix the panel to posts using galvanised fence panel brackets or screws
• Use a minimum of two fixings per side (top and bottom) for panels up to 1.8m; three fixings for taller installations
• Pre-drill screw holes to prevent splitting
• Ensure panels are secure but not over-tightened (timber expands and contracts seasonally)

• Work with a second person—panels are heavy and awkward to position alone
• Install corner and end posts first, then intermediate posts
• Use string lines between posts to ensure alignment
• Check posts are plumb and panels are level throughout installation
• Allow concrete to cure fully before fixing panels

Maintenance

• Panels arrive pressure-treated and ready to install
• For enhanced protection, allow timber to weather for 6–12 months before painting or staining
• Clean with a stiff brush; apply exterior-grade timber preservative, decking oil, or wood stain
• Pay particular attention to cut ends and the top edge where water can collect

• Spring: Inspect panels and posts for stability; check fixings and tighten if needed
• Treatment: Apply a fresh coat of preservative, oil, or stain annually to maintain colour and protection
• Cleaning: Remove debris, moss, or algae from horizontal slats (water can collect on top of boards)
• Ground contact: Ensure gravel boards are doing their job; replace if rotting
• Vegetation: Trim back plants growing against the fence to maintain airflow and prevent moisture build-up