Fit concrete fence posts and gravel boards

Set concrete posts plumb and level, then fit gravel boards and panels for a solid, long-lasting garden fence.

FP-01Check the boundary line and fence height rulesConfirm exactly where the boundary sits before you dig, and check with your neighbour if you're not sure — a fence built off the true line can cause disputes later. Measure your finished height (post plus gravel board plus panel) against local height limits before you order materials. If the fence will be taller than these limits allow, check with your council's planning department first.

RULES

1 each · Tape measure

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KNOW THE RULES

Under permitted development rules, a fence next to a highway is normally limited to 1m high, and 2m high anywhere else, without planning permission. Check with your local council before building taller.

FP-02Locate buried services before you digGardens often hide cables running to sheds, outbuildings or garden lighting, and old pipe runs are rarely obvious. Sweep a cable and pipe detector along the whole line of posts before you touch a spade. Dig the first 200mm of each hole by hand rather than with a borer, so you feel or see anything buried before you go deeper. If you hit anything solid, coloured tape, or a cable, stop and investigate carefully before carrying on.

1 day · Cable and pipe detector (hire, per day)

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FP-03Mark out the post positionsKnock a peg in at each end of the run and stretch a string line between them at the height you want the top of the fence. For standard 1.83m wide panels, space posts about 1.98m apart, centre to centre, to allow for the post itself. Mark each position with a peg or spray paint, and sight along the line to check it runs straight.

20 m · String line

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6 each · Wooden pegs

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1 can · Spray marker paint

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FP-04Dig the post holesDig each hole about 600mm deep and 300mm wide for a fence up to 1.8m high — roughly a third of the post's height above ground should be buried. Keep the sides as straight and vertical as you can, so the concrete has plenty to grip. Add about 100mm of hardcore or rubble to the bottom of each hole for drainage before the post goes in.

1 each · Post hole borer or spade

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2 bag · Hardcore/rubble

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FP-05Set the two end posts firstStand the first end post in its hole on the hardcore and check it's plumb on all four sides with a spirit level. Mix quick-set fence post concrete following the bag instructions, pour it around the post, and brace it with timber battens and bricks while it sets. Repeat for the post at the far end of the run, and check both posts are plumb and level with each other before moving on.

2 20kg bag · Quick-set fence post concrete (postcrete)

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4 each · Timber battens for bracing

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2 each · Concrete fence posts

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FP-06Set the intermediate posts to a string lineRun a string line tightly between the tops of the two end posts. Stand each remaining post in its hole, line it up against the string, and check it's plumb before mixing and pouring concrete around it. Work along the run one post at a time, checking level and line before each one sets.

3 each · Concrete fence posts

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3 20kg bag · Quick-set fence post concrete (postcrete)

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FP-07Leave the concrete to cureQuick-set postcrete grips within about 10 minutes, but leave the posts a full 24 hours before fitting panels or gravel boards, and ideally 48 hours before putting any real load on them. Keep the bracing in place the whole time so nothing shifts out of line while it cures.

FP-08Fit the gravel boardsScrew gravel board clips to the base of each post, sitting tight against the ground. Slot timber or concrete gravel boards into the clips along the whole run — they keep the fence panels off the soil and stop them rotting. Trim boards to length with a saw where needed, and check each one is level before fixing the next.

3 each · Gravel boards

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6 each · Gravel board clips

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1 box · Screws (for clips)

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FP-09Fit the fence panelsLift each panel into the groove on the posts, or against fixing brackets if your posts don't have grooves, resting on top of the gravel board. Check the panel is level and the gaps either side are even, then screw it to the post through the panel frame. Work along the run panel by panel, checking level as you go.

3 each · Timber fence panels (1.83m x 1.8m)

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6 each · Fixing brackets

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1 box · Screws

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FP-10Backfill and tidy upFirm soil back around the base of each post where the concrete doesn't quite reach ground level, and rake the surrounding area level. Sweep up any spilled concrete or offcuts and check every post is still plumb now the whole run is finished. Dispose of empty postcrete bags and packaging responsibly.

1 each · Garden rake

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PART OF A BIGGER PROJECT

Repair a fence run

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