How to Install Featheredge Fencing?

Before you begin to install featheredge fencing you'll need to decide whether you require Gravel Boards, Post Caps (with or without Finials), Counter Rails and Capping Rails depending on the level of 'finish' required. You'd also need to know the distances between posts and decide your preferred panel width.

We'll show you how to install featheredge fencing easily, ust follow the below steps...

 

Step 1: Know your measurements

With featheredge fencing, there are 3 generic distances between posts, 1.8M, 2.7M and 3.0M.

100mm Featheredge boards are the most common size used and you should expect to use, 23 boards for a 1.8M panel. 35 boards for a 2.7M panel and 39 for a 3.0M panel. You should also think about adding a few extra just in case.

Once you have decided on your preferred panel width, you will need to calculate the number of fence posts required depending on the length on the fence run.

Remember to allow 600mm (2 feet) for the post to go into the ground in determining your overall post length. For example if you fence is to be 1.8M high (6 feet) out of the ground, then your post length would be 2.4M (8 feet) in total.

 

Step 2: Choose your materials

You will also need to decide whether you require Gravel Boards, Post Caps (with or without Finials), Counter Rails and Capping Rails depending on the level of 'finish' required. You will also need the following materials:

• Fence Post - Morticed!
• Arris Rails - Ended
• Featheredge Boards
• Support Stump
• 40-50mm Nails
• Post Mix

 

More materials that might make your work easier include:

• Counter Rail
• Capping Rail
• Gravel Boards (optional)
• Post Caps (optional) & Cleats (Fixing Gravel Board)

 

Tools:

• Rubber Mallet
• Hammer
• Spade
• Spirit Level
• Tape Measure
• String
• Watering Can or Hose Pipe
• Battens and Chocks

 

Step 3: Preparation of the fence run

Remove any obstructions, old fence post including concrete etc. Check every 1.8M/2.7M/3.0M plus post width for any issues along the run which would prevent you from digging a hole for the posts. If you prepare it right then you will not have an interrupted installation, otherwise you will have to stop and start all the time increasing the duration of the work.

 

Step 4: Install Your Fence...

Follow these instructions carefully...

1. Dig the hole for the 1st post. This will normally be 600mm (2feet) deep, and the width of the spade. This allows a sufficient volume of concrete to hold the post firmly. Use a spirit level to check that the post is exactly vertical. Backfill with the concrete and any hard core that came out of the hole.
2. Run a line from the first post to the end of the run of fencing, stretching it taut. Measure along the length of the post, and dig the next hole.
3. Set the second post in the hole, but don't backfill it. Either get someone to hold it, or use battens temporarily nailed to prop the post in position.
4. Fit the Arris Rail at this point and hammer them in to get a good fit using a rubber mallet.
5. Concrete the second post in position, and then repeat the procedure for the remaining length of fence.
6. Once all the posts and rail are in, fit the gravel boards.
7. Once the posts are set, you can hammer the nails in fitting the boards without compromising the fit of the posts.
8. Nail the Featheredge Boards in place, first nail in place the 1st two boards at either end, both facing inwards (narrow edge facing inwards).
9. Now nail the rest of the boards, use the above 'Nail Position' diagram above for a reference of where to place your nails, the overlap of boards should be approximately 25mm (1 Inch).
10. Fit optional Post Caps and Finials, Counter Rail & Capping Rails etc.

Notes:-

Mark out on each post where the ground level should be to ensure a consistent professional finish.

First mark where the top of the Fence should be (a couple of inches from the top), and then where the Top of the Gravel Board should be as well as the Bottom of the Gravel Board.

The Bottom mark of the Gravel Board position is your ground level on each post. Pack under the post with hardcore if you go past your level.