How To Build A Fence

How to Build a Fence

From small fences to add a boundary to your front garden, to robust timber fences that create a private, secure back garden, learning how to build a fence is a fantastic way to progress your DIY skills.

Learning how to put up a garden fence may seem intimidating at first, but with the right tools, our step by step guide, and some handy tips, you’ll soon master the challenge.

In this guide, we’re mostly going to focus on fence installation, using ready made fence panels and posts. However, we will also look at how to fully build a custom fence from scratch.

Read on for all you need to know, and pick up all the tools for the job with ToolStore UK!

Do you need planning permission to build a fence?

Before you purchase your fence materials and power tools, it’s important to establish whether or not you need planning permission. Generally speaking, it depends on the fence height. If your fence is below 2 metres in height, it should count as permitted development — this means you won’t need local authority planning approval.

There are some exceptions to be aware of. For example, if your fence is installed directly adjacent to a road or footpath used by members of the public, it can only be 1 metre high. You may also need planning permission if you intend to build a fence in a conservation area.

What tools and equipment do you need to install a fence?

Planning and preparation are everything when it comes to successful fence installation, and that starts with making sure you have the right tools and equipment.

When installing fence panels, you’ll need…

Materials:

Your fence panels
Fence posts
Gravel boards
Gravel board clips or L brackets
Screws
Nails
Post caps
Bricks
Bamboo canes
Pre mixed concrete
Timber batons

Tools:

Tape measure
Shovel or spade
Auger or post hole digger (optional)
Spirit level
Combi drill
Drill bits
Trowel
Hammer
Builder’s lines or chalk line set
Handsaw
Fence post rammer
Workbench
Caulking gun and silicone sealant

Step by step fence installation

Once you’ve gathered your materials and tools, you can get started on your fence installation. The technique we’ve outlined uses gravel boards. You may choose to use fence clips instead, in which case, the steps below will differ.

1. Mark your boundary lines

The first step of installing any fence is to mark out where you want it to go. This might be around the perimeter of your garden or bisecting the area to create a division.

Either way, start by clearing the area. Make sure there are no obstacles on the ground, including any plants or shrubs - you can plant them again once the fence is in place.

Use your tape measure to decide where you’d like your fence posts to go and mark the points with your bamboo canes.

2. Dig the post holes

Next, dig fence post holes where you’ve placed the bamboo canes. A shovel or spade should do the trick, however, you can also use an auger (a spiralled tool a bit like a giant corkscrew!) or a dedicated fence post digger, which scoops out the soil for a neat and even post hole.

Whichever tool you choose, dig the post holes to a depth of 450mm and ensure they are 300mm wide.

It’s worth noting that, if the ground is very soft, you may need to dig deeper holes and install longer fence posts.

3. Install the first and last fence posts

Now it’s time to install your fence posts. Start by placing the first post into its hole and standing it upright.

To keep the post steady while you work, create temporary supports using timber battens. Position one batten on each side of the post at roughly a 45 degree angle, pointing outward. Drive the ends of the battens into the ground and screw the tops to the post. This forms a triangular support structure, which holds the post firmly in place and prevents it from leaning or wobbling.

Use a spirit level to check that the post is perfectly vertical (plumb). Adjust if needed before fixing it permanently.

Next, repeat this process for the last post in your fence line. This will give you two fixed reference points.

Once both posts are in place, tie a builder’s line between them. Use two lines: one near the top of the posts and one near the bottom. This will act as a guide to ensure the rest of your fence posts are installed in a straight line and at an even height.

4. Install the middle posts

You’ll then need to place the remaining posts in the holes along the length of the boundary. These can be installed loosely.

5. Cut the fence panels to size

Fence panels come in various lengths, and you may need to cut one or more of them to get a perfect match with your marked boundary.

If this is the case, remove the batons and carefully cut the panel to size using your handsaw (a workbench makes the process far easier).

Reattach the back batons in the correct place.

6. Install the gravel boards

The next steps are where your fence starts to come together! You’ll be installing the fence panels and adding gravel boards — these are horizontal panels that run the length of the fence at ground level.

Usually made from wood, they help protect the fence panels from rot (just like skirting boards protect your walls from damage!)

You’ll need to attach your gravel boards to the fence posts. You can do this using gravel clips, L brackets, or countersunk screws.

7. Install the fence panels

If you want to learn how to install fence panels, use a pencil to mark six points down the side edge of your fence panel — mark them on both sides of the fence panel, at either end of the panel. Make sure they are evenly spaced, then use your combi drill to drill small pilot holes.

It’s a good idea to use bricks to prop your fence panels about 50mm off the ground to stop them from getting wet and rotting.

Check the panels are horizontal, using your spirit level, before hammering galvanised nails into the pilot holes. This should secure the panel in place.

Repeat the process for all the panels along your fence line.

8. Secure everything with concrete mix

Now you want to make sure your fence posts are truly secure by filling the holes with concrete mix.

Follow the guidelines on the concrete mix packaging, filling the holes to just above ground level. When levelling, it’s best to smooth the mixture downwards to prevent rainwater from seeping in and damaging your wooden fence posts.

9. Add the post caps

Post caps give your fence a neat and polished finish. They are square pieces of timber that sit flat on top of the posts.

To install them, soak the post caps in water to prevent them from splitting. Apply sealant using a caulking gun to reduce the risk of rot and use a hammer and nails to fix them to the fence posts.

10. Add the finishing touches

You can now paint, oil, or finish your fence as you like!

How to build a custom fence from timber

If you want to develop your fence building skills further and install a bespoke design, here’s how to do it.

The general process is similar to installing a pre-made fence — the difference is that you create the panels. This gives you more freedom over the aesthetics, as you can decide the height, style, spacing, and wood type.

To make your fence panels, you’ll need to:

Cut your timber to create horizontal support rails (two per panel)
Cut your timber to create vertical fence pickets or slats
Lay the rails out on the ground and attach the slats along them evenly (use spacers to ensure this)
Make sure the slats are squared up before securing them
Seal or stain your custom fence panels to protect them from the elements

Now you have your bespoke fence, you can install it using our steps above!

Safety considerations when installing a fence

As with any DIY project, building a fence comes with some safety hazards. You’ll be using power tools, lifting heavy materials, and handling timber, which could lead to splinters.

With this in mind, make sure you wear the right safety gear, including:

Eye protection
A dust mask (for when mixing concrete)
Protective gloves
Safety boots

Other safety considerations include:

Getting a friend to help you when lifting the fence panels into place.
Making sure your fence installation won’t affect any underground pipes or electrical wires.
Washing your hands after mixing concrete — the mixture can cause burns and irritation.

Common fence installation mistakes

Whether you’re installing a fence for the first time or you’re becoming a pro, mistakes can happen. With a bit of forward thinking, however, you can limit any damage and resolve any issues.

Here are a few common fence building mistakes to be aware of.

Installing a tall fence without checking with the local authority

Checking if your fence requires planning permission is a vital first step. If you build a tall fence (2 metres or higher) or install one in a conservation area without seeking permission from your local authority, it could lead to a fine, and you may be asked to remove the fence.

If you are found to have installed a fence without authorisation, you may be able to rectify the issue by applying for retrospective permission, but this can be a very costly process.

The best course of action is to check local planning guidelines before ordering any materials to avoid disappointment and delays.

Not using gravel boards

Gravel boards aren’t technically mandatory when building a fence, but they can make all the difference to the longevity of your fence. These boards reduce the risk of damp seeping into your fence and causing the timber to rot.

Taking the extra time to install gravel boards can save money in the long run and keep your fence standing strong for years to come.

Not sealing or staining your fence

Once you’ve built your fence, the hardest part is over! It can be tempting to leave it at that. However, neglecting to seal or stain your fence posts and panels can reduce the timber’s lifespan.

Protective seals and stains weatherproof your fence to help it last longer, so it’s well worth taking the extra step.

Using poor quality power tools

Low quality saws, drills, and components can lead to chips, splits, and damage to the timber.

We recommend investing in power tools from renowned manufacturers, such as DeWalt and Makita. With these high quality tools, you can feel confident that you’ll get the best results from your fence installation.

Our top power tool and equipment recommendations for building a fence include:

DeWalt DCD996X1 18v Flexvolt Brushless Combi Drill with 1x9ah Battery: This DeWalt combi drill is lightweight yet powerful. It can drill up to 55mm into wood and has a maximum torque of 95Nm. This kit includes a 9Ah XR Flexvolt battery pack for extended runtime.
Makita DHP486Z 18v LXT Brushless Combi Drill (body only): One of our top 10 combi drills, the Makita DHP486Z is another great option for your fence installation. It offers a maximum fastening torque of 130 Nm and has variable speed settings, powered by trigger.

As a body only drill, you can use your existing compatible Makita battery or invest in a new one for your toolkit

DeWalt DWHT0-43003 Torpedo Level: This 25cm spirit level is a must have for any toolkit. It’s the ideal all rounder and will ensure your fence posts and panels are in the correct position.