Fencing guide
Perplexed by post types? Flummoxed by featheredge?
Don't worry, our top team have all the information you need to get your garden fencing just right. Whether you have a city patch in Worthing or a wild meadow in Arundel: we've got the posts, panels, fixings and accessories you need. Plus, we can deliver all this and anything else you need across Sussex - orders over £150 get free delivery!
Panels come in two main styles (plus trellis!) and are pressure-treated with golden brown or pale green woodstain. Of course, you can get a huge range of paints, stains and protective coatings to get it looking perfect; or refresh and protect older fencing and timber.
We also have budget-friendly dip-treated panels in select branches.
Timber, Concrete or Steel? Fence post choices are about balancing your needs for durability against your budget. But don't forget to get the right fixings and products to secure them into the ground or onto decking, patio, driveway or buildings.
For the widest range of products (including more ironmongery, gates and decoration) get in touch with our Garden Centre Departments or Builders Merchants. Or pop in!
Panels
The panels are the most visible part of your fence. You may be trying to match other panels in your garden or area, coordinating with neighbours or aiming to future-proof with the most durable options.
As standard we stock two of the most popular timber fence panel types from established British firm Grange Fencing.
Superior Lap Panels
- Waney-edge slats - The slats on these panels have natural edges. Lots of people prefer this organic look.
- Rebated frame - The slats are embedded in a groove (rebate) cut into the frame pieces; adding strength and reducing warping.
- Pressure-treated timber - Grange offers a 20 year warranty based on the advanced pressure treatment.
Featheredge Panels
- More durable - The construction techniques and extra overlap of the slats make Featheredge panels stronger in storms and bad weather.
- 100mm boards - This width gives the optimal balance for strength, weight and age of timber.
- Capping rail - The capping rail protects the end grain of the slats from rain and moisture.
- Pressure-treated timber - Grange offers a 20 year warranty based on the advanced pressure treatment.
Panel sizes
Fence panels come in a standard 6ft (1.80m) width. This allows easy replacement after damage or if you choose to upgrade.
Heights range from 2ft (600mm) to 6ft (1.80m).
Remember to account for the height of gravel boards, base walls or trellis panels when choosing panel heights and post heights!
Other panel types
You may want to consider trellis for part or all of your fencing. We stock heavy duty square trellis from Grange and have other options on display in our Lancing Garden Centre.
We can also advise on, and order composite fence panels and other options from Grange, Birkdale and more.
Start from the ground up
One of the first things that affects your fence decisions is what you're fixing into. With Timber posts, you have the most choice for fixings:
- Set the post into concrete (Postfix)
- Metal fixings that bolt onto hard flat surfaces
- Spikes to drive into the ground
- Brackets or direct fixing to walls and other structures
Since concrete posts are much heavier, they are normally fixed into deep holes set with concrete (Postfix). This makes them extremely sturdy and durable.
Steel posts normally can go into holes set with concrete (Postfix) or brackets can be used to fix them to other surfaces.
Don't forget to calculate for the hole depth when deciding on post heights!
Don't be pipped to the posts
Good fence posts, properly installed, are fundamental to your fencing project lasting through storm after storm.
Timber is the most versatile and lowest purchase cost, concrete posts are incredibly durable but heavy to install, Steel offers durability and super-easy installation for a premium price.
Gravel boards
Gravel boards are generally the best way of protecting your fence panels from moisture in the ground.
Depending on the ground make up, you can bury the lower edge of the board in the ground to help keep panels and posts square and level.
Timber gravel boards are available and can be coated with wood preservatives or plastic tape.
For ultimate security against rot, decay and movement, a concrete gravel board is best.
We can also special order composite gravel boards.
Fixing and Fastening
No matter what combination of surfaces, posts and panels you choose; fixings are going to be needed to hold things together!
- Concrete Screws are a brilliant way of attaching to masonry and brick with minimal fuss.
- Decking Screws are given some of the toughest coatings against corrosion. Ideal for fence timbers.
At Gardner & Scardifield we carry a huge range of screws, plates, brackets and fixings. Some are currently in-store only. We can help match exactly what you need. We have a range of top brands including ForgeFix, TimCo and Reisser.
Tools for the job
Need the tools for your fencing (or any other job?). We have a huge selection of power tools and hand tools with expert staff to guide you to the right one. Contact any branch for more information.
Fence paints and stains
Even the best timber pressure treatments do look a bit tired after a few winters of Sussex storms and salt spray (even if the wood is still sound). Plus, it can just be nice to spruce up the garden with a new colour or a freshen up!
Ronseal and Cuprinol produce some of the best products for looking after your fence and outdoor timber products. Our team can advise on everything you need and you can get everything you need via our Lancing Decorating Centre or Decorating departments in Horsham and Burgess Hill.
Tidying up
All set? Whether you're a top DIY whiz or hiring a professional, we hope things are clearer now! You can order for delivery across Sussex (over £150 is free of charge!). If there's anything you think you need that you can't see on our website just get in touch and we'll be delighted to help.
