Installing a fence on your own can seem a little daunting at first however the truth is, as long as the design and materials are of top quality, the whole fence installation process should be relatively simple. Armed with the correct tools, the right custom-made materials, and with the backup of guidance from professionals like us, you’ll be admiring your own handiwork in no time!
Tip #1 – Check General Requirements with the Brisbane City Council
The requirements for fence installation differ from state to state, and in Brisbane, are enforced by the Brisbane City Council. Planning and building approvals are not generally required for a proposed rear, front or side boundary fence if it meets the following requirements:
- It is less than 2 metres high
- It is not part of a retaining wall
- It is not associated with a swimming pool (they have their own requirements)
- It is associated with a house used for residential use
- It will not restrict water run-off from neighbouring properties
However, there are restrictions in terms of fences built on corner allotments, in that they must be constructed in a way to allow traffic to have a clear line of vision around a corner. Building approval must also be obtained for any fence that is higher than two metres above the natural ground level, which can also include a combined fence and retaining wall.
Tip #2 – Discuss Your Fencing Plans with Your Neighbour
If you’re installing a fence and the location shares the same property line as your neighbour, it’s wise to be upfront and open about your intentions. Fencing plans can be one of the biggest issues between neighbours, so it’s best to open the lines of communication early to eliminate friction. Some of the basic rules for dividing fences are:
- There should be a ‘sufficient’ dividing fence between neighbouring properties if an adjoining owner requests one, even if one or both pieces of land are empty.
- A ‘sufficient’ dividing fence is one that is between 0.5 metres and 1.8 metres high, and is constructed mainly of ‘prescribed material’ including wood, chain wire, metal panels, bricks, cement, hedges or concrete blocks.
- Generally neighbours must contribute equally to the costs of building and maintaining a dividing fence.
- Neither party should attach anything to the dividing fence that could damage it.
- In the majority of cases, issues about dividing fences need to be solved by the owners of the properties themselves
Tip #3 – Choose Your Fencing and Get Ready to Install!
Aluminium fencing is one of the most popular fence installation products on the market, and for good reason. It’s affordable, low maintenance, is quick and easy to install, and comes in a wide variety of colours and styles.
Here are FenceCorp, we offer the best quality aluminium fencing on the market today. All of our products are manufactured and coated by us here in Australia, exceed the current Australian standards, and are approved by building authorities across the country.
If you’re keen to install your new fence yourself, you’ll need a few tools to get you going including:
- Tape measure
- Scissor shovel or a small spade
- String line
- Crow bar
- Spirit level
- Reverse drill
- Phillips Head bit and a Hex 5/16″ bit
- Post-mix concrete (or a 10-20mm blend with general purpose cement) – not rapid dry cement!
Tip #4 – Start with Installing your Fence Posts
1. Using the fencing panel sizes as a guide, estimate where you’ll place the panels and where your fence will run.
2. Once you’ve determined where you’ll put the corners of your fence, hammer a stake into the ground about 1 metre past each corner point and run a string line from these stakes at approximately 200mm off the ground. This will give you a straight line from point to point from which to work.
3. Use the panels as a guide to divide the area into even spaces and mark where you’ll install each fence post. Dig the post holes about 500mm deep and 200mm in diameter. Bear in mind that the distance between gateposts is 30mm wider then the actual gate size.
4. Place the fence posts in the holes, leaving approximately 1300mm above the finished ground level (1200mm for the panel, a 60 to 70mm gap underneath and 20 to 30mm above the panel).
5. Fill the holes with a wet concrete mix using the string line to ensure the posts run straight, and use the spirit level to check that the fence posts are 100% vertical.
6. For the best results install the fence posts first, allowing the concrete to set for at least 24 hours before installing the fencing panels and the gate. Most importantly, don’t disturb the posts while they are setting!
Tip #5 – Now Install your Fence Panels
1. Once your posts are firmly set, starting at one corner, place the first fence panel into position. The panel should be 70 to 80mm off the finished ground level and less than 10mm smaller than the gap between the fence posts.
2. Use the spirit level to check that the panel is 100% horizontal.
3. Fit the top panel brackets using your screw gun. Be careful not to drill too hard as the screws may split.
4. Move the string line up the post, level with the top of the panel brackets, to create a new level line for each run of the fence, while measuring down to check the gap under the panel.
5. Screw in the top brackets level with this second string line.
6. Starting at the corner, place that end of the panel into the bracket, pushing the next post slightly to slot the other end of the panel into place.
7. Continue building your fence, panel by panel, until all panels are in place.
8. Before installing the bottom brackets and under-pinning the top brackets, look along the line of fencing panels and double check that you’re happy with their placement.
Tip #6 – Finally … Install Your Gate!
1. Fit the hinges to the outside of the gate, positioning them as far apart as possible.
2. Lift the gate into position and screw the hinges to the fencepost.
3. If your fencing is to house a swimming pool, ensure that the gate opens away from the pool so that young children will push the gate shut rather than open if trying to gain access.
4. Follow the gate latch instructions provided.
Easy! Now enjoy your new fence!
Need help installing your new fence? Contact the professionals at FenceCorp today on (07) 3715 5055.