Installing a panel-style fence can be a daunting DIY project! With some basic carpentry skills, the right tools and a helping hand, it can be a fun and rewarding experience! So why wait? Lets get stuck in!

A Step-by-Step Guide

A panel-style fence is any pre-manufactured fence that comes in a panel. They can be installed between pressure treated timber, slotted concrete or steel posts. Fence panels are typically made of wood or composite materials. Fence panels can be a cost-effective and attractive way to secure your property. Provide privacy, or define your outdoor living spaces. At Back Garden and Beyond, we are committed to providing high-quality products online and helpful information to enhance your outdoor living experience.

In this blog, we will guide you through the steps to install a panel-style fence and help you get the best results for your project. Whether you are installing a wooden or composite fence, the basic process is the same, so this guide will be applicable to all types of panel-style fences.

Materials and Tools

Before you start your fence panel installation. You need to make sure that you have all the necessary materials and tools. The following list includes everything you need to complete the project:

• Posts
• Post caps
• Panels
• Concrete
• Gravel
• Screws or Nails
• Post holes digger
• Fencing Graft
• Digging bar
• Measuring tape
• Level
• Hammer
• Powered Screwdriver / impact driver / drill
• Saw
• Shovel
• Work gloves

Step 1: Measure and Plan Your Fence

The first step in installing a panel-style fence is to measure and plan your fence. Measure the length and height of the area you want to fence. It’s important to check local building codes and homeowners’ association regulations for any restrictions on fence height and placement. Now its time to select the type of fence panels and posts you would like. To determine how many fence panels you will need add the length of your chosen panels.(usually 6ft/1.830mm) and the width of your chosen posts (Timber 4inch/100mm – slotted concrete 2inch/50mm) this is know as post centers. Simply divide the overall length needed by the post centers to see how many panels you will need.

How many posts will you need?

When it comes to posts for your new panel fence, you will require what’s know as a starter post. This means if you need 5 panels you will need 6 posts. If you need 10 panels you will need 11 posts. If you have chosen to use concrete posts you will also need an extra posts for major changes in the direction of the fence line.

You will also need enough concrete to fill each of the post holes. Enough screws to fix each panel to the timber posts. Don’t worry if this seems a little too much to work out. Back Garden and Beyond.com we’ve already taken care of this for you! Simply head on over to our website and build your fence panel kit to your requirements. Use our compare tool to see which fence panels best suit your budget.

Step 2: ”Can you dig it?”

Next up, post holes! The most labour intense part of putting up a panel style fence is digging the holes for the posts. Check out our full guide on how to dig a fence post hole here.

Run a sting line from the start of the fence line to the end. Mark out your post locations with spray paint or wooden pegs, using the post center number from earlier. We recommend that you try and work downhill starting from the highest end working toward the lower end. This will speed up the install time.

We recommend using a Postsaver protector sleeve when installing timber posts. They protect the posts from water at ground level, helping the post to last as long as possible.

Step 3: Installing the posts and attaching the Panels

Once the holes have been dug and sleeves are on your posts, its time to start erecting your fence panels. Mark the bottom of the fence on your fence posts. With the mark you made on the post an inch above the ground. Install your starter post upright and level to your string line. We recommend using a fast setting product like ”Postcrete” when installing fence panels. The posts set nice and quickly and makes fixing the panels to the posts a breeze. If using traditional ballast and cement mixed concrete compact the concrete until it is firm enough to stop the posts from moving. Move the panels into place, this is an easier task with two people. Pilot drill holes in the panel where you will be screwing to the posts. Lift the panels off the ground by 20-40mm. Fix to the timber post with screws through the pilot holes. Remember to support the other side of the panel until the next post is installed. Now simply repeat the process until all of the fence panels and posts have been installed.

Installation with concrete post

If your using concrete posts the you will also need a concrete gravel board. Mark the bottom of the fence on your posts as before and Install your starter post. Lay the gravel board onto the fence line and insert into the post slot. Checking with a tape measure that you have enough space for the panel above the gravel board in the slot of the post. Check the gravel board is running parallel with the fence line and is level, with no gaps underneath. Sometime you will need to dig the gravel board into the ground on a high spot to keep the fence level. Now lift the panel into position, slotted into the post and sitting on top of the gravel board. Install the next post and repeat the process until all the panels and posts are installed.

Step 4: Add Finishing Touches

The final step in installing a panel-style fence is to add post caps to the top of the posts. Pre drill the center of the post caps and fix them to the top of each post. Clear away any spoil created by the post holes and dress the ground to its existing landscape.

We hope this comprehensive guide on how to install a panel-style fence has been informative and helpful to you. Installing a fence can be a challenging task but with the right tools and knowledge, it can be a simple and enjoyable project.

Your Go-To Option – Back Garden and Beyond

If you’re looking for a durable, attractive, and easy-to-install fence solution, consider a panel-style fence. With a little bit of planning, preparation, and elbow grease, you can have a beautiful fence that you’ll enjoy for years to come. Visit Back Garden and Beyond. we offer a wide variety of fencing options and other products to help you create the perfect outdoor space for your home. With over 15 years of experience, Back Garden and Beyond can assist you in everything fencing from advice, DIY fencing kits to installation and fence disposal.