Practical, step-by-step advice to help you complete fencing and garden projects with confidence. This category covers tasks such as installing fence posts, fitting panels and trellis, building raised beds, laying turf, using railway sleepers and carrying out common repairs. Each guide explains the tools, materials and key steps in clear, straightforward language.
31 July 2026
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90
Quick answer: Avoid setting fence posts in a hole filled with standing water. Remove the water, clear loose mud and confirm that the sides and base are firm enough to support the foundation. Use su..
31 July 2026
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139
Quick answer: To stop fence panels lifting out of concrete posts, check that each panel is wide enough to sit securely inside both post slots and that the concrete posts are upright. Fit suitable f..
31 July 2026
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142
Quick answer: Timber fence posts twist when different parts of the wood gain or lose moisture at different rates. Natural grain, knots, rapid drying, poor storage and uneven exposure to sun and rai..
31 July 2026
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124
Quick answer: To remove a fence post set in concrete, first detach the fence panels, gravel boards and fixings. Dig around the concrete foundation, loosen the surrounding soil and lift the post and..
31 July 2026
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81
Quick answer: To stop a dog digging under a fence, first close any existing gaps and remove loose soil from the fence line. Fit a durable barrier such as concrete gravel boards, timber gravel board..
31 July 2026
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86
Quick answer: Post mix is usually the more practical choice for setting standard garden fence posts. It is supplied ready blended, requires no separate mixing and sets quickly, making it well suite..
31 July 2026
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97
Quick answer: You can usually fit new fence panels into existing concrete posts if the posts are upright, firmly set and free from serious cracks or damage. The slots must also be the correct size ..
31 July 2026
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93
Quick answer: You can usually replace fence panels without replacing the posts if the posts are upright, firmly set, correctly spaced and free from serious rot, cracks or movement. Check every post..
31 July 2026
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211
Quick answer: Gravel boards should usually sit at ground level or slightly above it rather than being deeply buried. The bottom edge can be set into the surface enough to close small gaps, particul..
29 July 2026
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89
Quick answer: You can usually put trellis on top of a fence without planning permission if the total height remains within the permitted limit. In England, this is normally 2 metres from ground lev..
8 July 2026
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121
Your neighbour should not grow plants up your fence without your permission if the fence belongs to you. A fence is private property, and the side facing your neighbour’s garden does not automatically..
8 July 2026
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131
In most cases, you cannot force your neighbour to repair or replace a broken fence just because it looks bad, offers poor privacy or makes your garden feel untidy. Whether they have to do anything dep..
8 July 2026
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132
A neighbour cannot usually stop you putting up a fence on your own land if the fence is lawful, within planning limits and does not interfere with their property or rights. However, they may be able t..
8 July 2026
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109
The strongest type of garden fence for UK weather is usually a well-built closeboard or feather edge fence supported by strong posts, set properly into the ground, and protected at the base with grave..
6 July 2026
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149
A neighbour’s fence can have a bigger effect on your garden than many people expect. If it is broken, ugly, too low, badly maintained or completely the wrong style, it can make your own garden feel ne..
6 July 2026
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105
Making your garden more private does not have to mean putting up the tallest fence you can find. In many UK gardens, the best privacy comes from a careful mix of fence panels, trellis, screening, plan..
30 April 2026
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130
Quick answer: Choose closeboard panels for solid privacy, ultra heavy duty closeboard for a more substantial framed option, waney lap for straightforward traditional screening, picket panels for lo..
2 March 2026
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243
A fence that leans, rattles or wobbles is nearly always a post problem, not a panel problem. The panels might look fine on day one, but if the posts are not set deep enough, the whole run can move the..
1 March 2026
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129
A rattling fence is usually a sign that something is moving when it should not be. The cause is often simple: a loose fixing, a panel sitting badly in its posts, a gravel board chattering in the slot,..
24 August 2025
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307
If you need a shed for storage, a workshop or a small garden room, one of the first questions is whether it is cheaper to build one yourself or buy a ready-made shed.
The honest answer is that it dep..
24 August 2025
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100
Quick answer: Choose a shed by starting with its intended use, not its external dimensions. Confirm the planning and building-control position, measure the delivery route, select a level and well-d..
21 August 2025
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544
Post spacing is one of the most important parts of building a strong fence. If the posts are too far apart, panels can move, rails can sag and fixings can work loose in the wind. If the posts are too ..
21 August 2025
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231
A railway sleeper retaining wall is a practical way to level a sloping garden, create raised beds or form a stronger edge for paths, patios and seating areas. Sleepers give a solid, natural look and c..
20 August 2025
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302
A shed is only as good as the base it sits on. If the base is level, firm and well drained, the shed is more likely to stay square, dry and easy to use. If the base moves or holds water, you can end u..
20 August 2025
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832
If you are planning a new patio, cost is usually one of the first questions. The final price depends on the paving you choose, the size of the area, access, drainage and how much ground preparation is..
19 August 2025
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145
Quick answer: Green and brown pressure-treated timber are primarily different in their starting appearance, but colour alone does not tell you how well the timber has been treated. The important fa..
19 August 2025
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742
If your neighbour wants to put up a fence on or near the boundary, the main question is where the fence will sit. If it is fully on their land, they can usually install it without your permission, as ..
25 July 2025
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238
Fence posts do most of the hard work in a garden boundary. They hold the panels upright, support gates and help the whole fence cope with wind, wet weather and movement in the ground.
If the posts ar..
1 April 2025
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119
Quick answer: Do not paint directly over green algae on fence panels. Algae creates a weak, damp and contaminated surface that prevents paint or stain bonding properly. The coating may become patch..
5 November 2024
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720
Concrete fence posts are strong, durable and a good choice for long-lasting fencing. They do not rot like timber posts, and they are often used with slot-in fence panels and gravel boards.
Sometimes,..
5 November 2024
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295
If you have noticed green patches, streaks or speckles on new timber, it can look worrying at first. This is common on freshly pressure-treated wood, including fence posts, gravel boards, sleepers and..
5 November 2024
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185
If your fence backs onto your neighbour’s garden, you may wonder whether you can go round and paint the side facing them. The simple answer is that you should ask first. Even if the fence belongs to y..
5 November 2024
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253
In many cases, you can replace a fence without your neighbour’s permission if the fence belongs to you and sits entirely within your property. If it is your fence, you are generally responsible for ma..
5 November 2024
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141
When planning to install a shed in your garden, one critical consideration is its proximity to your fencing. The positioning of your shed can impact several factors, including local planning laws, you..
5 November 2024
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950
If you want to put a 6ft fence at the front of your property, the first thing to check is whether the boundary sits next to a road, footpath or verge. In many UK homes, a front garden fence beside a h..
5 November 2024
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165
Quick answer: If you have applied too much iron sulphate and the grass has turned dark brown or black, stop applying lawn treatments and assess how severe the damage is. If the application was rece..
5 November 2024
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562
Postcrete and normal concrete are often mentioned together, but they are not the same thing. Both can be used around the garden, but they are designed for different jobs.
Postcrete is mainly made for..
5 November 2024
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214
Creosote was once one of the best-known treatments for outdoor timber, especially for fencing, posts, sleepers and agricultural timber. Many older homeowners remember its dark colour, strong smell and..
5 November 2024
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104
Most people want their garden to feel private. Whether you are sitting outside with a coffee, eating with family or just trying to relax, it is not pleasant to feel overlooked.
In the UK, garden priv..
5 November 2024
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152
When you are putting up a new fence, one question often comes up: do you have to give your neighbour the nice side of the fence? It is a fair question, especially when you are paying for the materials..
5 November 2024
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130
Neighbour fencing disputes are common because fences sit right where two properties meet. A fence may look simple, but it can raise questions about ownership, boundaries, privacy, access and who is al..
4 September 2024
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140
Quick answer: The best way to slow rot in Railway Sleepers is to use timber with a treatment specification appropriate to where it will be installed, prevent water from remaining trapped around the..
4 September 2024
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355
Badgers are fascinating creatures, but they can become a nuisance when they start digging up your lawn. This behaviour, although natural for them, can cause significant damage to your garden. Understa..
7 May 2024
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199
Quick answer: To install fence posts, confirm the boundary, check for underground services, mark a straight fence line and calculate the exact post spacing from the panels or rails being used. Dig ..
1 May 2024
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106
Best Plants to Grow Alongside a Garden Fence
A garden fence does more than mark the edge of a property. It gives privacy, creates shelter, frames the garden and provides a useful backdrop for plantin..
29 April 2024
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237
Quick answer: For many UK rear gardens, a fence around 1.8m or 6ft provides a practical balance of privacy and security. Lower fences around 0.9m to 1.2m suit front gardens and decorative boundarie..
25 March 2024
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189
Quick answer: Brown foliage in the middle of a conifer is not always a sign that the plant is dying. Older shaded foliage naturally turns brown and drops on many conifers, particularly when the out..
15 February 2024
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96
Fencing costs can vary throughout the year, but there is no single month when every fence is guaranteed to be cheapest. Prices depend on materials, demand, labour availability, weather, delivery costs..
12 February 2024
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116
Quick answer: Timber fencing begins with logs being sorted, debarked and sawn into posts, boards, rails and smaller components. The timber may then be graded, dried, machined and pressure treated b..
1 February 2024
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135
Quick answer: There is no reliable UK rule saying that you own the fence on the left or the right. Fence ownership and maintenance responsibility may be recorded in title documents, deeds, transfer..
30 January 2024
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174
Rock salt is one of the most common products used to reduce ice on driveways, paths and paved areas during winter. It is affordable, widely available and simple to use, which is why many homeowners ke..
29 January 2024
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142
Rabbits can look harmless in a garden, but they can cause real damage once they start feeding, digging and creating runs through lawns and borders. A few nibbled leaves may not seem serious at first. ..
25 January 2024
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108
Garden fires and bonfires are still common in the UK, especially when people are clearing branches, hedge cuttings or woody garden waste. They can seem like a quick way to get rid of material that is ..
17 January 2024
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57
You can often put up your own fence next to your neighbour’s fence, provided it is entirely on your land, complies with any planning rules and does not damage or interfere with your neighbour’s proper..
11 January 2024
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113
Quick answer: A correctly specified, well-installed pressure-treated fence can often provide around 10 to 20 years of useful service, with some systems lasting longer. There is no universal lifespa..
10 January 2024
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58
Fence repairs can be awkward when the damaged section can only be reached properly from a neighbour’s garden. Even a simple repair can become sensitive if access is not discussed first. A fence may si..
27 December 2023
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25
Quick answer: A good shed can make a UK home more appealing by providing secure storage, reducing indoor clutter and making the garden more practical. However, it does not add a guaranteed percenta..
25 December 2023
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139
A leaning or rotten fence post does not always mean the whole fence needs replacing. In many cases, a concrete repair spur can be used to support the existing timber post and extend the life of the fe..
22 December 2023
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186
Yes, concrete fence posts can be painted. Many homeowners choose to paint them so they blend in better with timber fence panels, garden gates, trellis panels or the wider garden design. Concrete posts..
15 December 2023
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151
Whether you should paint or stain a pressure treated fence depends on the finish you want, the condition of the timber and how much maintenance you are prepared to do. Paint gives a stronger, more uni..
13 December 2023
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66
Closeboard fencing is one of the strongest and most reliable fencing options for UK gardens. Also known as feather edge fencing or close board fencing, it is built from vertical overlapping boards fix..
13 December 2023
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104
Closeboard fencing is usually not cheaper than basic panel fencing at the point of installation, especially when compared with standard lap panels. It normally costs more because it uses stronger mate..
11 December 2023
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145
For feather edge fencing, nails are the traditional fixing and are still widely used. Screws can also work, especially for small repairs or where you want easier removal later. The best choice depends..
9 December 2023
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123
Hedgehogs are welcome visitors in many UK gardens. They feed on a range of insects and invertebrates, move quietly through borders at night and are a familiar part of British garden wildlife. If you h..
7 December 2023
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123
Working out how many bags of Postcrete you need per fence post is an important part of planning a fencing project. Too little material can leave posts poorly supported, while buying far too much adds ..
6 December 2023
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113
Quick answer: The cheapest proper privacy fence for many sheltered UK gardens is usually waney lap panels fitted between pressure-treated wooden posts. Repairing a usable existing fence may cost ev..
18 November 2023
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163
Does Painting a Wooden Fence Make It Last Longer?
Painting a wooden fence can help it last longer, but only when it is done properly and maintained over time. Paint forms a protective layer over the ..
18 November 2023
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121
When installing fence posts, gate posts or other outdoor timber supports, one of the most important decisions is what to set them with. The post foundation affects how straight the fence stays, how we..
17 November 2023
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216
Adding too much water to Postcrete can weaken the mix, slow down setting, increase shrinkage and reduce how securely the post is held in the ground. Postcrete is designed to be used with a specific am..
16 November 2023
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124
Yes, you can pressure wash a wooden fence, but it needs to be done carefully. Timber is softer and more absorbent than concrete, brick or metal, so too much pressure can damage the surface, raise the ..
15 November 2023
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211
Postcrete is designed to set quickly, which is why it is such a popular choice for installing fence posts, gate posts, rotary washing lines and other domestic garden posts. In typical conditions, many..
13 November 2023
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40
Quick answer: Dip treatment applies preservative mainly to the timber surface, while pressure treatment uses a controlled process to drive preservative further into the wood. Pressure-treated fenci..
12 November 2023
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128
Quick answer: Choose timber fence posts when natural appearance, easier handling and flexible fixing are the priorities. Choose concrete fence posts when resistance to ground-level rot, low routine..
8 November 2023
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142
How to Attach Trellis to a Fence or Wall
Trellis is one of the simplest ways to add height, interest and planting support to a garden. It can soften a plain boundary, improve privacy, support climbin..
6 November 2023
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121
Adding trellis to a garden is a common way to improve privacy, support climbing plants and make a fence line look more attractive. It can soften a plain boundary, add height without using another full..
4 November 2023
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204
Can My Neighbour Screw Things Into My Fence?
If a neighbour has screwed, nailed or hung something on your fence without asking, it can be frustrating. It may be a planter, trellis panel, washing line..
3 November 2023
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236
Adding trellis to a garden fence can be a simple way to improve privacy, support climbing plants and soften a plain boundary. It can make a seating area feel more sheltered, help screen an overlooking..
2 November 2023
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147
If your neighbour’s garage wall faces into your garden, it can be tempting to tidy it up with a coat of paint. It may feel like the wall is part of your outdoor space because you see it every day, but..
2 November 2023
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100
Putting up a fence in your garden can seem like a simple job, but it is worth checking the basics before you start. A new fence can improve privacy, security and the appearance of your property, but i..
28 October 2023
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73
Quick answer: You can install garden fencing yourself if the boundary is agreed, the ground is manageable and you are confident measuring, digging, levelling and handling heavy materials. Replacing..
27 October 2023
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182
Do I Have to Pay Half for My Neighbour’s New Fence?
Being asked to pay half for a neighbour’s new fence can put you in an awkward position. You may want to keep things friendly, but you may also be u..
26 October 2023
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121
Cats are excellent climbers, so it is no surprise when a garden fence becomes part of their daily route. For owners, the worry is usually that a cat may leave the garden, get injured, become lost, or ..
25 October 2023
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109
Quick answer: Home insurance may cover garden fencing, but it is not guaranteed. Fences are normally considered under buildings insurance rather than contents insurance, and the cause of the damage..
22 October 2023
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89
Am I Responsible for the Fence at the Bottom of My Garden?
Fence ownership can be confusing, especially when the fence sits at the bottom of the garden rather than along one of the side boundaries. M..
13 October 2023
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168
Quick answer: Start by brushing loose dirt and green growth from the fence with a stiff but non-damaging brush. Wash the timber with clean water and a mild timber-safe cleaner, working gently along..
11 October 2023
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232
Quick answer: A neighbour's CCTV camera is not automatically unlawful simply because it captures part of your garden. However, once a domestic CCTV system records people or areas beyond the owner's..
11 October 2023
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124
Timber is used across construction, landscaping, furniture, packaging, paper production and fencing. From structural softwood to garden sleepers and fence posts, it is one of the most widely used natu..