How to Set Up A Wooden Panel Fence
James Monahan
The first thing to do in setting up a wooden panel fence is to clear away
all obstructions. Clear away plants etc. from along the line of the fence.
The plants can be replaced after the fencing has been erected. Before
pegging out the line of the fence with string, make sure that there’s a
reasonable ground level.
Identify the straight runs by marking the position of the posts for the ends
and any bends of your fence. Also mark any point where the angle of the
ground level changes significantly. These are the main points where there
must be posts.
Measure the distances between the points where you will put posts then use
these measurements to calculate the number and sizes of fence panels
required. Normally, there is a range of panel widths so you should be able
to make up the distance with complete panels of differing widths.
Remember to put allowance for the width of the fence posts when calculating
the sizes required.
A fence panel comes after a pair of posts then another post, another fence
panel and so on. Secure posts with rubble and concrete them in after the
fence has been erected.
To ensure that the posts and panels are a tight fit, leave the concreting
until the fence is complete. To avoid having gaps between the panels and
posts, be very, very accurate in erecting all the posts.
Mark the position of the first post and erect it then fix a taut line
between the first post and the end of the first straight, flat run. Hold and
support the first fence panel against the post by using scraps of wood.
Position the next post; remove the fence panel and erect the next post.
Check that the post tops are level if you are running a fence over flat
ground. Use a spirit level on a straight edge between the post.
Reposition the fence panel and secure it to both posts by using three
galvanized nails or screws on each side of the panel and each end of the
panel.
You can also use a special panel clips secured to the fence posts to make it
easier to remove/replace fence panels in future but the panel will have to
be lifted up to remove it.
Repeat this process until the fence is completed. Align the top of adjacent
wooden panels and ensure that the front of each panel faces in the same
direction. You may need to brace the erected fence if the posts are going to
be secured with concrete as you work along
The next thing to do after completing the fence is to mix up the concrete.
Put concrete around each fence post. Make sure that each post is vertical
and brace each post if necessary until the concrete has gone off. To prevent
water collecting around the post itself, finish the concrete so that it has
a slope away from each post
After the concrete has hardened, fix the gravel boards under the panels. Cut
the boards according to the length of the gaps between the fence posts. Nail
or screw the boards using galvanized nails/screws to blocks of wood which in
turn are nailed or screwed to the fence posts.
Align the blocks so that each gravel board fits under the fence then leave a
slight vertical gap to avoid a water trap.
Treat the gravel boards and fixing blocks with wood preservative before they
are fitted if they are not pre-treated.
If needed, fit caps to the fence posts. Use a good quality wood preservative
to coat the panels and posts. Replace any plants which were removed before
the panel fence was erected.
James Monahan is the owner and Senior Editor of
http://www.PanelPlace.com
and writes expert articles about panels.
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