Tips for Installing a Closeboard Fence
January 24, 2012 by bill_weston
This is a guide to installing a new closeboard fence for your home. The following components are required when constructing a closeboard fence using featheredge:
- Arris rails
- Gravel boards
- Featheredge
- Counter rail
- Capping
- Centre stump
- Cleat
- Fence Posts
- Post fix or ballast and cement
- Nails
* In the UK a fence can be built up to two metres high without the need for planning permission, unless it is situated next to a highway or pavement, in which case it is one metre.
* Because of the way closeboard fences are constructed, they are much stronger than other types of panel fence, such as lap panels. Making closeboard fencing using featheredge a more cost effective solution.
* To ensure you build the fence in a straight line, use a tautly pulled string from two points where you want your fence to be.
* If you are fixing posts for a 1.8M (6ft) fence then dig the holes 600mm (2ft) deep and about 300x300mm wide. If the bay of fencing is starting from a wall, purchase a wall plate, morticed in the same way as the posts, for fixing and be sure to use a spirit level throughout to ensure everything is level.
* The posts should be positioned 3.0M (10ft) apart, use a batten to this length to measure where each post should be positioned along the line of string.
* Dig the post holes and then add compacted hardcore to each hole at a depth of 100mm.
* Be sure to apply a good wood preserver or treatment to the cut end of the posts before putting them in the ground as an extra precaution against rot.
* Secure the posts in the holes using post fix or a concrete mix.
* If you want to re-cover the concrete around the posts with gravel or turf, don't fill the hole completely up to the surface with the concrete mix. Slope the last layer of concrete slightly away from the post to allow for rain water to drain away. Remember to use a spirit level throughout.
* Add the arris rails to form the framework, followed by the gravel boards and centre stumps.
* Finally pale the featheredge onto the framework with the thick edge against the post and then layer along in the same way, resting the bottom of the featheredge on the gravel board. Cut a spacer from a piece of scrap wood to ensure that the featheredge boards are all evenly spaced throughout the entire fence. Continue to use a spirit level throughout to ensure the featheredge is perpendicular to the posts.
* Consider using post caps or finials on the posts to smarten up the overall look of the fence when you've finished. Post caps also protect the exposed grain of the post from rainwater.
