For a standard 6ft high fence with wooden posts, we recommend 2 competent DIY’ers.

Materials you will need:

• 100mm x 100mm x 2.4m softwood fence posts
• Ballast & Cement 25kg bags  – approx. 4 x ballast + 0.5 cement per hole
• Fence panels
• Screws for fixing panels to posts

Tools you will need:

• Wheelbarrow
• Spade
• Spirit level
• String line
• 60-70mm coated screws
• Quick clamps (recommended)

Step 1

Remove the existing fence if present. Plan where the first post is to be situated. If installing a 6ft high fence, each post should be sunk 2ft in to the ground. Dig the first post hole to this depth ensuring your hole is nice and square to approx. 250-300mm wide.

Step 2

Offer the 8ft high post in to the hole and then measure from ground level to the post top. This measurement should be approx. 1900mm meaning the post will eventually sit just above the top of the fence panel.

Step 3

Assuming the hole is dug to the correct level, mix the ballast and cement together using a little water to create a slightly wet concrete mix. Be sure to thoroughly mix the ballast and cement together. Apply a little of the concrete in to the bottom of the hole – just enough to cover the soil. This is a good tip to help prevent water getting to the bottom of the wooden post.

Step 4

Place the post in to the hole and gently tap the concrete mix down. It’s a good idea to have a few old bricks handy which can wedge the post in place and will keep it level  whilst applying the concrete. Using the spirit level ensure that the post is perfectly upright, wedge in place and then apply the concrete, packing down as you go to ensure the concrete is compacted around the post.

Step 5

Fill the hole completely with concrete to ground level.

Spruce Tip: Smooth the concrete downwards away from the post to ensure rainwater will not sit against and rot the post prematurely.

Fix a string line to the top of post 1 and then fix the other end to the approx end of fence run at the same height.

Step 6

Measure the fence panel and then dig Hole 2 this distance from Hole 1. Dig hole 2, put post 2 in to the hole, and then using the Quickclamps, hold the panel up to the posts and secure with the Quickclamps. When the  panel is horizontal, wedge post 2 in place level ensuring it touches the string line and then concrete in place.

Step 7

Repeat this process for the entire fence run.

Spruce Tip - you may find that the last panel gap is not whole. Most panels can be cut down if you are careful.

Your fence is now complete. Post caps can be applied to the posts to complete.