How To Build A Fence - Instructions
Getting Started
Regulations
You can build a fence up to 2.5m high without a permit, but it’s always best to check with your council before starting.
If building on a boundary, you’ll need to talk to your neighbour about its style, costs, and start time. Downloading a copy of the “Fencing Act” may help with these discussions.
Establish boundary and check plans
Accurately establish your property boundary. If you can’t find your boundary pegs, request a copy of your plans from the council, or get a surveyor to correctly establish your boundary.
Check your plans for the location of any pipes.
Call your electricity provider for information on underground wires – as these may not be shown on the plans.
Planning & Materials
Decide what your fence is going to look like, and what kind of materials you’ll be building it out of. Here’s what you’ll need for a standard fence like ours:
Posts:
- Decide your height and choose your posts to suit.
- Use 100mm x 100mm h4 treated rough sawn.
- Space them 2m apart.
Rails:
- Decide if you want these fixed in between the posts or on the front of them.
- Use100 x 50mm H3.2 treated rails rough sawn.
- Use three rails for fence heights above 1.2m high.
- For spans under 1.8m use 75 x 50mm H3.2 treated rails.
Concrete:
- Either builders mix and cement at a ratio of 6:1, or pre-mixed concrete.
- To work out the volume of concrete for a square hole:
Width x width x depth x number of holes
eg. 300w x 300w x 450d x 10holes = 0.405m3.
- To work out the volume of concrete for a round hole:
Diameter x diameter x .7854 x depth x number of holes.
Eg .350mm x .350mm x .7854 x .450mm deep x 10 holes = 0.432m3
Draw a plan:
- Next, measure up and draw yourself a plan, then work out your materials and order them.
Getting It Done Right
Set out
- Decide your height and choose your posts to suit. JJUse 100mm x 100mm h4 treated rough sawn.
- Space them 2m apart.
Dig holes
- Dig holes with a spade or post hole borer to a depth of 600mm. JJClear out any loose material in the holes.
Mitre 10 Handy Hints:
- If you’re using a post hole borer, place a mark 600mm up the auger so you know how deep you’re going.
Brace posts
- Move your stringline from the centre of the post holes, to 50mm away from where the face of your posts will sit. The reason we don’t place this stringline on the face of the posts is because the posts are rough-sawn, and if the stringline was against the post the rough timber can catch on the stringline or push it out – this could affect the straightness of the fence. Then position every post 50mm off the string line, which will be straight.