A solidly built fence with a modern look improves the appearance of a whole plot and completes the look of the building. For a fence to do its job for many years, the materials it is made from matter — but so does the way it is installed, and before that, how the ground is prepared. A good many people decide to fit a fence themselves. Here is how to level fencing posts so that an aluminium fence not only looks excellent but also serves you for a long time.
Why does levelling a fence matter so much?
Modular fences are easy to install, which is why a good many people choose to fit them themselves to keep building costs down — though a fence installation service is part of our range.
If you decide to order our aluminium fence and fit it yourself, you need to know that levelling the first posts is the priority, because it is what makes the fence stable. If you have no experience of building a fence then, depending on the area involved, it is sometimes better to entrust the work to professionals.
Levelling fencing posts step by step
Fitting fencing posts calls for proper preparation. Above all, the foundation is choosing a good quality spirit level so the posts stand truly vertical.
Planning to fit the fence yourself? Here is what you need to know before installation and which tools to prepare.
Planning exactly where the fence and posts will go
Start by setting out the fence line and planning where the posts will stand. What spacing should fencing posts have? The recommended spacing is 2.5 m to 3 m, but it can be reduced or increased by around half a metre depending on requirements.
This is also the moment to think about fence height — above a certain limit, building a fence needs planning consent.
This is also the moment to think about the height of the fence. In England you can build up to 2 m under permitted development, or 1 m where the fence is next to a highway used by vehicles. Above that you will need planning permission, and different rules apply to listed buildings and where an Article 4 direction is in force.
Before installation you need to know how many spans and posts are required. How do you work that out? Divide the length of the fence line by the width of the spans you have chosen.
Preparing the ground for the fence
If there are slight undulations on your plot, it is worth levelling them gently. Before building the fence, also clear away any unwanted vegetation or branches that might get in the way. Plan where the entrance gate and the wicket will go as well. If your plot slopes steeply, go for building a fence on uneven ground.
Digging the holes for the fencing posts
Next the holes have to be dug — another stage of the installation work. An earth auger is best for this, though a spade will do the job too. How do you decide on the depth of the holes? You need to take into account the height of the fence, but also the character of the ground: the holes should reach below the frost line, and how deep that lies depends on your location. The principle is simple — the deeper the post is set, the better the strength and the more certain it is that the fence will stay vertical. At Fello we supply posts with 100 cm of extra length for concreting in.
Setting the posts in the holes and levelling them
Once the holes are ready, the question remains: how do you level the fencing posts? The posts should be placed exactly in the middle of the holes, and a spirit level used (a water or magnetic one works best) to set them at a true 90°. Until the posts are concreted in, it is worth using props to hold the structure, or packing stones around the post. Levelling fencing posts correctly is critical when building a fence. It is worth using professionals, because serious mistakes can mean taking the fence down and rebuilding it, which comes at an enormous cost.
Fitting the fence — spans, entrance gate, wicket
Fitting the fencing posts correctly makes installing the remaining components convenient, quick and trouble-free. We also offer wickets and entrance gates matched to the style of the fence. At Fello we specialise in designing, producing and installing fences, railings, facade louvres and gazebos made from aluminium. We deliver individual designs and give expert advice at every stage of the work. Let us know exactly what interests you. Send an enquiry and we will come back with an initial quotation for the fence of your dreams, or for any other product.