How to Install Fence Panels — Step-by-Step UK Guide

What You'll Need

Before You Start

• Discuss the fence with your neighbour. Even if you own the boundary, courtesy prevents disputes later.
• Check your title deeds for the boundary line and any covenants about fence type or height.
• Check for underground services — contact your utilities or use a CAT scanner before digging.
• Use our Fence Panel Calculator to work out how many panels, posts and gravel boards you need, and our Concrete for Fence Posts Calculator for Postcrete quantities.
• Remove the old fence completely before starting. Pull out old post stumps and concrete if possible.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Set the Line

Drive pegs at each end of the fence run and stretch a string line between them at ground level. This is your fence line. All posts will align to this string.

Step 2: Mark Post Positions

Mark the centre of each post hole along the string line. Standard fence panels are 1.83m (6ft) wide, so post centres should be 1.83m apart plus the width of one post (typically 75mm). In practice, measure 1.905m centre to centre for 75mm posts.

Step 3: Dig Post Holes

Dig each hole to 600mm deep and approximately 300mm square. Use a post hole digger for speed and neat holes. Place 50mm of gravel in the bottom of each hole for drainage — this prevents the post base sitting in waterlogged soil.

Step 4: Set the First Post

Place the first post in its hole. Check it is plumb (vertical) with a spirit level on two adjacent faces. Brace it with temporary battens nailed to pegs in the ground. Pour in Postcrete dry, then add water as per the instructions. It sets in 5-10 minutes. Double-check plumb before it sets.

Step 5: Set the Second Post Using the Panel

Offer up the first panel between the first post and the second post hole. Use the panel to set the exact position of the second post. Set the second post in Postcrete, checking it is plumb and that the panel fits snugly between them. Continue this process along the fence run — set each post using the panel as a spacer.

Step 6: Fit Gravel Boards

Fix gravel boards between each pair of posts at ground level. These lift the fence panel off the ground, preventing rot. Screw them to the posts using galvanised screws. The gravel board is a sacrificial piece — when it rots (after 5-10 years), replace it without disturbing the fence.

Step 7: Fit the Panels

Lift each panel into place, resting on the gravel board. Fix using galvanised panel clips (U-brackets) — two per side, screwed to the post. Alternatively, nail through the panel frame into the post using 75mm galvanised nails. Panel clips make future replacement much easier.

Step 8: Fit Post Caps and Finish

Nail or screw a post cap onto each post to shed rain away from the end grain. This dramatically extends post life. Remove temporary braces once all panels are fitted and concrete has fully cured.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Posts not deep enough: Shallow posts blow over in the first storm. Minimum 600mm depth, ideally 750mm for exposed sites.
• Panels touching the ground: Timber panels in contact with soil rot within 2-3 years. Always use gravel boards.
• Not checking plumb: A leaning fence looks terrible and catches more wind, making it more likely to blow over.
• Setting all posts first: If you set all posts in concrete before fitting panels, even a small error in spacing means panels will not fit. Always use each panel as a spacer.
• Using untreated timber: Make sure all posts and gravel boards are pressure-treated to UC4 standard for ground contact.

Cost Estimate (2026 UK Prices)

Use our Fence Panel Calculator and Concrete for Fence Posts Calculator for exact material quantities.