An Introduction to Fence Supplies.
Using Wooden Fence Panels.
You will find a wide range of fence supplies and accessories at Solent Fencing.
We have a large stock of fence supplies at our depot in Gosport, Hampshire, for fast delivery or collection. Our team can provide expert advice on the best type of fence for your needs, and will provide a quote for supply and installation, or supply only for your chosen fencing contractor to install for you.
In this article, we’ll highlight some of our most popular products. Whether you are starting a DIY project or plan to hire a contractor, it helps to know what types of fencing supplies there are.
If you are just starting to think about a new fence, keep an eye out while on your travels. If you see anything you like, you can send a picture to us or bring it when you visit, and we can help you get a similar look. If you are unsure of what you want, we can help with that too.
What Fence Supplies Will You Need?
Your fence will be made up of fence panels, posts, a means of protecting the bottom of the fence and screws and fixings. Some fence posts are sunk into the ground but the posts will remain stable for longer if you use a concrete mix, which not only keeps them upright but gives some protection from the damp earth. You may also wish to use trellis along the top of your fence.
You can read more about our Fence Panels and how to choose them in our article about choosing fence panels.
Fence Supplies – Fence Panels.
The first thing you will think about is how the fence looks and the type of fence panels. Fence panels come in various standard sizes, and we make fence panels to order. Most fence panels are about 6ft wide and come in standard heights of 4ft, 5ft and 6ft. Our fence panels come in various colours, styles and thicknesses, so you can find the perfect one for your needs. Our panels are all standard thicknesses, making them compatible with the most popular post types.
Our most popular fence panel is the pressure treated lap panel. This fence is such good value and so versatile that it comes in more standard sizes than most, including 3ft and 5ft 6ins. The fence is shown here as standard and with a trellis top.
Find out more about the pressure treated lap panel.
You can mix and match your fence panels to reduce the cost. If you have an area that is hidden by growth or garden buildings, you could use cheaper panels and save some of the budget for more decorative panels in prominent areas.
Explore all fence panels.
Fence Supplies – Fence Posts.
The most popular fence posts are concrete or timber. There is also a galvanised steel system called Durapost. Your choice depends on how you want them to look and last. Even timber posts last a long time so if you want the natural look of wood, don’t be afraid to go that route.
How do Fence Panels Fit to Posts?
If you choose wooden posts, you would fit the panel to the post with a 3 sided clip called a C Clip or choose a post that has a channel for the panel to sit in. If the post has a flat surface, the C clip provides a channel to secure the post. Concrete posts are made with channels for the panels to sit in. After all, you wouldn’t want to be drilling holes in concrete! You would use an end post at the beginning and end of the run, with one slot. An intermediate post has 2 slots on either side of the post, and a corner post has 2 slots adjacent to each other. If you have a fence coming off the main run to form a T-shape, you may even want to use a 3-way post. Durapost is not a post as we think of it. It is a steel U shaped channel, and you use two of them back to back, to form a post.
Durapost.
Durapost is a galvanised steel fence system designed for durability and ease of use. It is lightweight but exceptionally strong. To give a comparison, an 8ft concrete post weighs about 40kg compared to 7kg for the Durapost. As you would expect, it costs a bit more than the concrete or wood equivalents but when you weigh up the benefits, the cost is justified. Durapost has a 25-year guarantee but the reasons for choosing it are more likely to be for a smart and modern look and ease of use.
Timber posts.
Timber posts are available in 2 thicknesses. 75mm or 100mm. You would always choose the 100mm for 6ft (1800mm) fences but could use the 75mm for any fence less than 5ft (1500mm). Talk to us about your plans, and we will advise. 75mm fences are available in 8ft lengths. 100mm fence posts are available in 5, 8, or 10 feet lengths. (1500, 1800, 2400mm). Timber posts are pressure treated to protect them from the damp earth.
Concrete Posts.
Concrete posts are probably the most popular type of fence post for residential use. They last a long time, look great in almost any environment and are conveniently built with the channels for the fence panels. There is also a concrete post designed for fence panels that have an arris rail. Instead of the panel fitting into the post, the arris rail at the back fits into the mortice slot and the panel sits in front. The slotted posts come in 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 feet lengths. (1500, 1800, 2100, 2400, 2700, 3000mm).
Durapost.
Durapost is a galvanised steel fence system designed for durability and ease of use. It is lightweight but exceptionally strong. To give a comparison, an 8ft concrete post weighs about 40kg compared to 7kg for the Durapost. As you would expect, it costs a bit more than the concrete or wood equivalents but when you weigh up the benefits, the cost is justified. Durapost has a 25-year guarantee but the reasons for choosing it are more likely to be for a smart and modern look and ease of use.
How Deep Should the Hole for a Fence Post Be?
Whatever type of fence post you choose, we recommend a 2ft hole. You can dig this out with a narrow spade, but specialist tools will make the job easier for you.
A manual post digger – auger will cost £20-£30 but may be very hard work unless the soil is soft. If you have a few holes to dig, it will be worth hiring a Post Hole Borer. This should only cost around £50 per day. If you are organised and plan out the holes accurately, you may be able to get the holes dug in one day and return it to avoid paying for hire while it’s doing nothing.
Fence Supplies – Gravel Boards.
What is a Gravel Board?
Gravel boards provide a protective barrier for the fence. A wooden fence that touches the ground, would continuously absorb moisture and rot, no matter how much protective treatment it had. Gravel Boards prevent direct contact with damp or wet earth to avoid moisture damage. A gravel board made with galvanised steel or concrete will also prevent dogs or young children from finding an area that can be made into a hole big enough to escape through.
A gravel board is made with wood, concrete or galvanised steel and is usually around 6 inches high. You may see fences that use 2 gravel boards which will give extra protection but are often used for decorative effect.
Composite Gravel Boards.
Composite gravel boards give you the best of both worlds. They are durable and will last a long time. Durapost gravel boards are manufactured in lengths of 1.83m, 2.44m, and 3.0m and are available in three matching colours to complement your fence posts. You’ll find building a fence with Durapost accessories a lot less strain as they are so light compared to concrete.
Wooden Gravel Boards.
If you want a traditional looking fence that blends with nature, you may prefer your fence to be completely made with wood. It is still better to use a wooden gravel board rather than let the wooden fence touch the earth. Although the wooden gravel board is just as likely to rot with constant contact with the damp, it is much cheaper and easier to replace than the fence panel. A gravel board also finishes the bottom off neatly and closes off any gaps.
Concrete Gravel Boards.
Walk down any road and you will quickly see that concrete gravel boards are the most popular choice. Concrete gravel boards don’t rot or decay so they last a lot longer than timber. It isn’t just that they last longer – they also keep their smart look for longer. When you build your fence with concrete posts and gravel boards you can be sure of a strong fence. The downside is that concrete is heavy and difficult to manoeuvre.
You have a bit of choice with concrete gravel boards as they are available as smooth concrete, rockface (as shown in the image) and recessed. You can see the recessed just behind the bush as the garden steps up. It makes sense to do this as the recessed gravel board is much cheaper than the rock face gravel board. The design of this fence has quite cleverly spread the budget by using our best value panels for the main fence but topped it with Madeley Diamond Trellis Panel.
Buy Smooth Concrete Gravel Boards.
As always, you will receive friendly expert advice from anyone at Solent Fencing. Pop in to see us or give us a call. You can collect from our vast stock or arrange delivery anywhere in Hampshire. To order online, add your items to your enquiry and fill out your details. We’ll check your items, give you a firm price and let you know when they can be delivered.