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Do you need a new fence? There are several reasons why this could be: maybe your old fence has suffered damage due to bad weather or has simply given in to old age and started to rot. Perhaps you moved into a new home in Coxhoe and the fence needs attention. Or, you feel it's high time that you redesign your garden to make it a more appealing space because you're spending more time there.
Fences provide a sense of security and privacy, and they make our gardens in Coxhoe feel complete. They can be as basic or as ornate as you wish, depending on your budget and preferences.
Whatever your reason for needing a new fence, Terraform Driveways are the people to call. We provide a first-class fence installation service in Coxhoe, covering all the surrounding areas..
We install fences of all kinds, and our skilled fence erectors are waiting to get started on your project, whatever the size.
With such a vast range of fence panels to choose from, and as properties vary greatly in size, it's not easy to say how much it will cost. Fence installers charge varying rates and labour costs can differ vastly from region to region.
Having said this, the average fence panel costs around £45, while wooden or concrete posts cost about £25, so you can get an idea of the total cost of your project.
Further to this, Checkatrade, a website that vets and recommends traders, suggests an average fence installation cost of:
However, the final price depends on how much fencing you need to enclose your space, the type of fencing panels you choose, and the terrain (the ground surface we are working with).
When you need new fencing, contact us with all the details and we will compile a detailed quote for your fence installation costs.
A typical fence installation project takes between one and four days, although the actual time taken will depend on factors such as these:
There's no avoiding it - there are times when strong wind, heavy rain and snow will cause delays. This isn't purely for the comfort of our fence installation team; working with fence panels in high winds is a safety risk, and excess moisture could affect concrete mixtures adversely, making them weaker.
Don't worry, though, if we do need to postpone your appointment we'll always reschedule it for when the weather is better at the earliest opportunity.
If your Coxhoe property is difficult to reach or located at the furthest edges of our range, it may take longer to transport the materials required for the job. We also need to allow travelling time for our fence installation experts to reach you.
It goes without saying that installing twenty fence panels will take a lot longer than installing three or four! If your garden (or other enclosed area) is particularly large, we need to extend the working time accordingly.
The state of the ground that we will be dealing with may affect the length of the work. Hard, rocky ground, trees, tree roots, paving slabs, concrete, and many other obstacles will need to be removed and the area has to be prepared properly before work can begin.
Your old fence panels and posts will have to be taken away as well, so this needs to be taken into account.
The complexity of your garden fence design could add to the time taken to install it. A basic wooden fence installation wouldn't pose any problems, especially if it's just on one or two sides, whereas more complex fencing materials require special handling and will take longer to install.
Straight lines are easier to follow, so if your garden design has organic curves in the fence line, this could increase the timescale of the project as it will need extra care to achieve the desired results.
This is up to you! We will provide a few suggestions as to what's available, but if you have a particular type in mind we'll try our hardest to get it.
To get you started, here are the four basic types of fence panels generally available in the UK:
There are many variations on these, and we invite you to contact us for a better idea of what's on offer.
For the most part, UK fence panels are made of wood. Timber fencing is popular because it looks attractive, is usually environmentally friendly*, relatively easy to install, is durable and is easy to maintain. It is also likely to last for between ten to fifteen years before it needs replacing.
*Only if it is sourced responsibly! Cheaper wooden fence panels are often from questionable sources that contribute to deforestation and have a high carbon footprint.
Wooden fence panels can be traditional, with picket, overlap, closeboard and feather edge designs:
The classic picket fence has evenly spaced upright pales with an open construction. This low-level option is great for front gardens and for showing off prized blooms. This is a good choice if you have no concerns about privacy or security.
Overlap panels are thin slices of timber that run horizontally within a frame. They do indeed overlap to form a solid barrier and are fixed in place with timber battens.
They are available with a waney (wavy) edge if you prefer the rustic look, or with a neatly trimmed straight edge if you prefer a crisp, modern image.
Sturdy and secure, this option is perfect for those who want to create a more private space and is the most economical choice.
Neatly arranged vertical slats overlap with horizontal battens supporting them on the reverse of the panels. The slats are held within a timber frame for extra sturdiness.
This option has a pleasing, natural, uniform appearance without being too rustic, making it ideal for those who prefer a contemporary edge to their garden.
This type of fencing is similar to closeboard panels, with vertical pales supported by horizontal battens. The term feather edge (or featherboard) arises from the fact that the timber pales taper in thickness, with one side being thicker than the other, much like a feather.
Alternatively, you can have decorative fences, such as lattice or slatted panels.
Other fencing materials include aluminium, steel, composite and vinyl (PVC).
Each one has its benefits and drawbacks, though few possess the elegance and natural feel of a wooden fence. Here's a quick guide to these materials:
Pros
Cons
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Pros
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Cons
These aren't compulsory, but they make good economic sense! Made from wood, concrete or composite materials, gravel boards form a strip that runs along the base of a fence panel, protecting it from rot.
Whether you choose wood or concrete, gravel boards are an excellent idea as they allow you to repair your fence without having to replace entire panels. Concrete gravel boards will last longer as they won't rot, while wooden ones will eventually do so.
While some details will vary between different fence types and whether you have chosen concrete or wooden fence posts, the process is much the same.
Here's a general overview of how our fence erectors go about the job:
If necessary, we will investigate whether it's likely that we'll encounter any water/sewerage pipes or electrical cables.
Ideally, the area should be clear of obstacles and ready for work, but please communicate with us if this is not possible. Please also discuss the issue of waste removal as we may need to factor this into the fence installation cost.
Starting at one end or a corner, the first post hole is dug to a depth of about 2ft and three times the width of the post. An extra 6ins is added if a wooden post is used as this helps to stop the timber from rotting.
The fence post is held in place and checked with a spirit level, after which the dry mix is poured in, along with water. The post is held until the concrete begins to set. Expert fence erectors will add a gentle slope in the mix using a trowel to force rainwater away from the wooden posts to prevent rotting.
Once it has hardened enough, a gravel board is added, which helps to mark out where the next hole will be.
All good-quality wooden fence posts will be made from pressure-treated wood. Even so, it's best to soak each post in a wood preservative before pushing it into the ground.
Note: If your fence installation starts directly from the wall of your house, we will fit a wall plate that's the same length as the fence panel.
Work will continue around the space to dig the holes and fit all the fence posts required, followed by the gravel boards (if you've opted for these) that will be slotted into place.
Once these are all in place they will be checked with a spirit level to ensure they are the same height before a post cap is fixed to each one, and then it's time for the next stage.
Each panel slots into the grooves on the posts, and is fixed into place with wood screws or panel fixing clips.
Hopefully, your enclosed space allows for whole fence panels to be used, but life isn't always that easy! It may be that your corner posts might be situated awkwardly as your garden is an odd shape or ends halfway through a panel. Most panels are 6ft wide, but it may be that you have a smaller gap than this.
Thankfully, we can cut a panel to size to make it fit perfectly without affecting the overall appearance and effect.
If you were fitting your own fencing, you would ensure that the area was tidied up and all materials and tools were put away. When you engage Terraform Driveways to install a fence, we treat it exactly the same way and will always leave the site free from waste and clutter.
You don't usually need planning permission to install fence panels, but it's worth checking with Coxhoe council planning office if you're unsure.
Generally, most councils operate under the assumption that planning permission is not needed as long as you meet these requirements:
Aside from the issue of planning permission, it's always a good idea to speak with your neighbours before booking a fence installer.
However well you may get on with your next-door neighbours, arguments over property boundary lines can become heated. Ignorance of the law is not an acceptable excuse for overstepping boundaries, so always make sure you know exactly where your boundary ends and that your neighbours are okay with the work going ahead, particularly if we need access to their land in order to complete the work.
Why do we have fences? Are they absolutely necessary?
Under UK law, there's nothing to say that you must have a fence around your property, and since the 1970s many new estates were built without fences around the front garden.
The only exceptions are if you live close to a railway track, you have livestock that needs to be contained, or the property deed stipulates that a barrier is required.
Even so, most people prefer to enclose their outside space, particularly at the back of the house. This is because society has changed dramatically over the years, and we tend to value our personal spaces more.
We prefer not to be watched over by neighbours or passers-by, and that's fine. We also need safe spaces for our kids or pets to run and play. And, sadly, we have to think about security concerns and protect our possessions from theft and damage.
However, it doesn't mean that your fence has to be plain or purely practical. There are hundreds of different styles to choose from that will allow you to enhance your garden or outside area.
Terraform Driveways in Coxhoe understands all of this, and we want to help you to get the very best garden fencing for your needs and budget.
We proudly serve Coxhoe, providing a superior service for all your landscaping needs, including garden fences.
Our repertoire of services includes driveways, patios, garden design, fence installation and fence repair, meaning that you only need to make one call to transform the landscape around your property.
Don't hesitate to call today on our free-call number or contact us via our website to let us know how we can help and get your free quote. You can also explore the full extent of our services that will completely transform your garden space.
So, whether it's a simple fence repair or a complete replacement of your old fence, we'll perform the work to a very high standard, providing you with the security and privacy you desire. And if you want a play area, pond, summerhouse, new patio or driveway, we'll handle that too.
Terraform Driveways always strives to offer exceptional service at affordable rates to our valued customers everywhere, no matter the size or scale of the job. Call today for fence installation and so much more! Our team is ready and waiting to fulfil your expectations.
