If you’re looking to add a touch of charm and personality to your garden, adding picket fencing (sometimes called a Palisade fence) is a great way to do it. Installing one yourself may seem intimidating but don’t worry – this guide will provide everything you need to know about putting up your own palisade fence.
What You’ll Need
You don’t need many tools or materials to install picket fencing, but there are some basics you will need in order to complete the job. Start by gathering:
- Wooden posts, preferably ensure these are HC4-treated posts which offer the highest standards of protection against rot and decay for in-ground use, back rails and pickets (choose pressure-treated wood for projects that may be exposed to high levels of moisture). You will find all the components within our Palisade fencing kit & Timber fence posts
- Posthole digger, spade or auger to create holes for the posts
- Tape measure, spirit level & string
- Nails, screws, brackets and other fittings
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Your Fence:
- Work out how much fencing you need by measuring the length that needs to be covered. You will also need to consider any additional sections of the fence, such as a matching palisade gate.
- You will need to space out the posts relative to the height, type and weight of your fencing and other factors (such as wind exposure). Generally, for a 0.9m (3ft) to 1.8m (6ft) high fence you should use one post every 1.8m (6ft). Mark out the positions on the ground before digging.
- Now you can dig the holes for your posts. Ensure that these are deep enough to provide a secure footing and stable base for your fence, around 600mm (2ft) is usually sufficient. You may need to backfill with concrete or stones to achieve the desired height of your fence if it is too low in certain places.
- Fit your first post into the ground and check that it is level using a spirit level or string. Concrete Post-Mix is an ideal way to secure your wooden fence posts. Usually, 1.5 x 20kg bag is sufficient for 1 fence post. Just add water to the dry Post-Mix in the ratio shown on the bag & follow the instructions. You can then fit the remaining posts in the same way.
- Connect the horizontal rails to your posts using nails or screws. Ensure these are positioned at the right height for fitting your pickets when you come to assemble them. For example one rail at the bottom of the picket & one at the top of the picket.
- To complete the fence you will need to attach your pickets to the rails using nails or screws. Make sure these are spaced out evenly for a neat and tidy finish to your fence.
- Alternatively, you can use our 1.8m (6ft) wide x 0.91m (3ft) high pre-made Palisade (Picket) fence panels in either Round Top or Pointed Top styles.
- Finally, you can fit any additional details such as post caps or gates if required before letting the Post-Mix set fully overnight.
- With the right preparation, picket fencing makes a great addition to any garden and will look beautiful for years to come. To make your fence even more special, you can paint or stain it in a variety of different colours.
- Maintaining your picket fence doesn’t have to be a difficult task. With regular checks for rots or damages, it’s easy to ensure your fence is in top condition and ready to stand the test of time. Make sure you check the nails and screws periodically to make sure they are secure and well-maintained. With proper care and maintenance, your picket fence will look stunning in any garden setting for years to come!
