Installing a Garden Fence From Scratch: The Complete UK Guide for 2025

Installing a brand-new fence on a blank garden boundary is one of the most satisfying outdoor projects you can undertake. Do it well and you’ll gain privacy, security and a cleaner, smarter garden layout. This guide explains each step clearly — planning, permissions, digging posts, fitting panels and aftercare — so you can build a fence that lasts 15–25 years.

1. Planning & Permissions

Start with a tape measure and a notebook. Measure the full boundary and note slopes, trees, drains or awkward corners. Take photos if anything looks unusual — it’ll help when ordering materials.

Most UK rear-garden fences up to 2 metres high do not require planning permission. You may need approval if the fence faces a road or if you live in a conservation area. If in doubt, check with your local authority.

Have a friendly chat with neighbours. Agree where the boundary sits, what height you’re aiming for and whether costs are being shared. Good communication avoids disputes.

Marking Your Post Centres

Standard fence panels are 1.83 m wide. Mark your post centres at this spacing using stakes, string line and a spirit level. If the boundary doesn’t divide neatly, you can trim a panel, make an infill, or step the fence.

2. Choosing the Right Fence Style

Here’s a simple comparison of the most popular UK fencing styles, so you can pick the look and strength your garden needs.

Posts: Concrete posts last the longest and require no maintenance. Timber posts blend into planting and are lighter to handle. Pair either with timber or concrete gravel boards to keep panels off the ground.

3. Tools & Materials Checklist

• Spirit level
• Tape measure
• Post hole digger or auger
• 2 × 20 kg Postcrete per post
• Gravelboards
• Exterior screws (stainless recommended)
• String line & stakes
• Timber wedges/offcuts
• Wood preservative or fence paint

4. Setting Your Fence Posts

Posts are the backbone of your fence. A strong fence always starts with properly set foundations.

Dig your holes 600 mm deep (two feet) and about three times the width of the post. Add 50 mm of drainage gravel at the base.

Drop the post in, check it with a level, and add half a bag of Postcrete. Tamp it well, add the rest, and slope the top away from the post to shed water. It goes off in around 10 minutes, so check alignment fast.

Working on Slopes

Build your fence in steps: raise each post by about 150 mm, then use cut-down panels or trellis toppers to follow the contour neatly.

5. Fitting Gravel Boards & Panels

Gravel boards keep timber clear of damp soil and add years of life to your fence.

Concrete posts: Slide the gravel board in, then lower the panel into the slots. Simple and secure.

Timber posts: Screw boards into cleats, then fix panels through their battens using stainless screws. Use offcuts underneath to level the panel perfectly.

Adding a Gate

Use dedicated gate posts set 150 mm deeper, with galvanised hinges and a drop bolt. Match the gate style to your panels for a tidy finish.

6. Finishing Touches

Apply two coats of wood preservative or exterior paint. Popular colours include cedar brown, light oak and anthracite grey for modern slatted panels. Seal any small gaps to walls with clear silicone to prevent debris build-up.

7. Aftercare & Maintenance

A little routine care dramatically extends a fence’s life. Each spring, hose off algae, check for loose screws and treat any scuffed areas. Concrete posts only need a wash with soapy water.

Expected lifespans:
• Timber panels: 10–15 years
• Heavy-duty closeboard: 15–20+ years
• Concrete posts: 30+ years

FAQs

How many bags of Postcrete per post?

Use two bags for standard 100 mm posts at 1.8 m high. Use three in sandy or exposed sites.

Can I upgrade with trellis later?

Yes — as long as the total height stays under 2 m without planning permission.

How do I make the fence hedgehog-friendly?

Add a 130 × 130 mm hole in one gravel board every few panels. Fit with a galvanised “hedgehog highway” frame for neatness and durability.

Conclusion

A garden fence built correctly can transform your outdoor space for years. With careful planning, quality materials and proper installation, you can achieve a boundary that is strong, smart and built to last. For expert advice, materials or professional installation across Norfolk, CE Clarke Fencing is here to help.