Erecting a fence on top of existing wall.

VoucherMan

Decided it's time I got on with it as I've been pondering it for a couple of years now :eek:

I'd like to put (or get someone in to do it) a fence on top of my existing back wall. It's main purpose to keep the cats in. Structure wise some sort of trellis would be preferred as this would still let light through. There's quite a good selection of ready made panels at the local garden centre so hopefully that wouldn't be a problem. I'm thinking about 6 feet tall on top of the wall.

My main issue is how to support the fence. The existing stone wall is about 4 feet tall with a topping stone 5" thick on one side, 4" on the other. While I've never tested them I doubt they're securely fixed to the base of the wall. Just screwing a frame to the stone would no doubt be unstable.

The two options that spring to mind are vertical supports fixed to the base of the wall & attached to the fence, made from either metal or wood. While a metal support would, in my mind at least, make a better support I'd expect it would have to be custom made, therefore more expensive, so wooden supports may be preferable.

A view from the outside in case it helps



On one side there's the neighbour's extension (about 12 feet high). Other side the neighbour's built a fence (about 11 feet high). It's actually a complete enclosure to contain their cats. I'm sure if I asked they wouldn't mind me securing the fence to their properties /structures but to prevent possible future complications I'd like to avoid this.

To further complicate matters the cats enjoy sitting on the wall so the fence would need to sit towards the outer edge, while the main vertical supports are attached to the inside.


Another issue I'd not considered until it was thrown up courtesy of Google is planning permission. I wouldn't have thought this would be a problem. My fence would be smaller in height than either neighbour's boundary. I doubt my neighbour even got planning permission for their fence.


In brief

Any suggestions on a good construction method?

Is planning permission likely to be an issue?

Captain_Flack.

6 feet including the wall or in addition to it?

If it's in addition start with planning permission.

VoucherMan

Captain_Flack. wrote: »

6 feet including the wall or in addition to it?

If it's in addition start with planning permission.

In addition, so about 10 feet in total. I can't see it being a problem if other properties in the vicinity are anything to go by, but there's no point even asking unless I can come up with a feasible way to support it.

BobQ

Who owns the wall?

If its yours then provided your neighbour does not object to it (and the planning authorities do not find out) does the method of fixing matter? Tell the contractor what you want and let him work out what is best.

If its your neighbours wall or a shared wall you need to consider what damage the fence can do to the wall. Well that is a consideration if its your wall as well.

I think the biggest problem is doing it safely. Personally I would just fix trellises at that height.

Can you remove the capping stone and then fix the supports through the middle of the wall? Or build a few pillars on the wall and put the trellises between them? This might look a bit more elegant.

Do you need 10 feet. Would concrete posts next to the wall up to about 7-8 feet with trellised panels be sufficient?

VoucherMan

BobQ wrote: »

Who owns the wall? Me

If its yours then provided your neighbour does not object to it (and the planning authorities do not find out The thought had crossed my mind but I'm not coming on here to ask about ways to flout the rules ) does the method of fixing matter? Tell the contractor what you want and let him work out what is best. Probably what I'll end up doing but it's nice to have a few ideas (of my own ) to start.

If its your neighbours wall or a shared wall you need to consider what damage the fence can do to the wall. Well that is a consideration if its your wall as well.

I think the biggest problem is doing it safely. Personally I would just fix trellises at that height. The other point I'd not mentioned is that I'd also like to grow plants up the fence/trellis. This combined with the cats tendency to climb would likely put much greater stress on the base.

Can you remove the capping stone and then fix the supports through the middle of the wall? Or build a few pillars on the wall and put the trellises between them? This might look a bit more elegant. I don't know how the wall is constructed. I'm guessing there are 2 outer layers filled with rubble. Similar to other (garden) walls in the area

Do you need 10 feet. Would concrete posts next to the wall up to about 7-8 feet with trellised panels be sufficient?

Concrete posts may work. My first thought was they'd be a bit unsightly, but then compared to the surroundings :think:. I'd hope a six foot high fence would be enough to put my cats off but even then I may need to add some sort of net at the top. A simplified version of


I had been thinking it was a job for a competent handyman. Now I'm thinking someone a bit more experienced would be more suited.

PasturesNew

I'd expect a fence, or trellis, to aid a cat. Nice grippy wood

VoucherMan

PasturesNew wrote: »

I'd expect a fence, or trellis, to aid a cat. Nice grippy wood

Hence the likely addition of an overhanging barrier.

Luckily my cats are fairly lazy and not into climbing much