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Fence Installation Darlington

Trusted & Reviewed Fence Erection Contractors

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 Darlington 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 Darlington 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 Darlington, 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.

How Much Does A New Fence Cost?

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:

  • £1,450 for a 4ft fence
  • £1,850 for a 6ft fence

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.

How Much Does A New Fence Cost?

How Long Does It Take To Install Fence Panels?

A typical fence installation project takes between one and four days, although the actual time taken will depend on factors such as these:

The Weather

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.

Location

If your Darlington 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.

Size

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.

How Long Does It Take To Install Fence Panels?

Terrain

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.

Design

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.

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What Type Of Fence Panels Can I Have?

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:

Solid Panels

Decorative

Semi-Solid

Trellis

There are many variations on these, and we invite you to contact us for a better idea of what's on offer.

What Materials Are Fences Made Of?

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:

Picket

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.

What Type Of Fence Panels Can I Have?

Overlap (or larch-Lap fence boards)

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.

Closeboard

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.

Feather Edge

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 Materials

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:

PVC/Vinyl Fence Panels

Pros

  • Smart and attractive
  • Low maintenance
  • Looks great for many years
  • Looks like real wood from a distance
  • Splinter-free
  • Wide variety of designs

Cons

  • More expensive than wood
  • May become brittle due to constant temperature change
  • Prone to mould and algae
  • Repairs are difficult

Aluminium Fence Panels

Pros

  • Lightweight and easy to install
  • Long-lasting (highly resistant to corrosion)
  • Economical option

Cons

  • Not great for security
  • Doesn't offer much privacy

Composite Fence Panels

Pros

  • Environmentally friendly (60-40% mix of hardwood fibres and recycled plastic)
  • Offers great privacy
  • Very strong and durable
  • Good range of colours

Cons

  • Only available (currently) in one design

Steel Fence Panels

Pros

  • Visually impressive
  • Great for security
  • Long-lasting
  • Highly durable and resistant to corrosion

Cons

  • Very heavy and difficult to fit
  • Only one colour (galvanised grey)

Gravel Boards

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.

The Fence Installation Process

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:

Preliminary Work

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.

The First fence post

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.

The Fence Installation Process

Remaining Fence Posts

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.

Install fence panels

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.

Final Touches

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.

Do I Require Planning Permission?

You don't usually need planning permission to install fence panels, but it's worth checking with Darlington 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:

  • Your fence does not exceed one metre in height from ground level if it runs alongside a public highway or footpath.
  • It is no higher than two metres elsewhere (i.e. not alongside a road or footpath).
  • The fence is to be erected on the site of a listed building or the property boundary borders a listed building.
  • Any existing fence panels that are of the maximum height are not increased beyond this.

Consult Your Neighbours First

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.

Do I Require Planning Permission?

Are Fences Necessary?

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 Darlington understands all of this, and we want to help you to get the very best garden fencing for your needs and budget.

Are Fences Necessary?

Terraform Driveways: The Complete Landscaping Package

We proudly serve Darlington, 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.

Terraform Driveways: The Complete Landscaping Package

Our Patterns & Colours

cheshire cobble

cheshire cobble

circle pattern

circle pattern

compass

compass

english cobble

english cobble

european fan

european fan

farmyard cobble

farmyard cobble

grand ashlar

grand ashlar

lakeland weave

lakeland weave

large ashlar

large ashlar

large cobble

large cobble

london cobble

london cobble

old english

old english

opa locka

opa locka

random stone

random stone

riven slate

riven slate

running bond

running bond

small ashlar

small ashlar

smooth cobble

smooth cobble

walkway slate

walkway slate

Fence Installation Darlington FAQs

Is Indian Sandstone A Good Choice For A Patio?

Sandstone has ridges that add to the character and also make it less slippy than other materials like limestone. Sandstone also has a much broader range of colours available than other materials.

Why Is Indian Sandstone So Popular For Patios?

Indian sandstone paving slabs are popular because they are uniform in appearance, formed from nature itself and are easy to lay in large numbers. They offer a clean modern look that suits most brick types used to build houses and so matches well.

Does Sandstone Paving Fade?

If it is constantly in direct sunlight then some fading will occur but this will only make the design look better with age and will also be minimal.

How Long Does Indian Sandstone Paving Last?

Despite Indian sandstone not being as durable as materials like granite it will still last for decades with most residential usage.

Do I Need To Seal My Indian Sandstone Patio?

Even if you seal a sandstone patio it will still have algae and mildew forming on it so it is not necessary. You can buy special bleaches, algaecides, oil & rust removers in most DIY shops if you choose to do so.
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