Replacement fencing

ian103

After the recent storms we need to replace a very poorly installed fence - posts less than 1ft into the ground and only a shovel full of concrete.

The fencer who came out has suggested feather edge fencing built on 4" square posts @ 6ft high. We expressed our concern over the wind but he seemed convinced it would be OK.

The other option but at a slightly higher cost is a vertical hit and miss fence - I think this is our preferred option as the wind won't be hitting a 'sail'

Next door has concrete posts and custom made hit and miss panels - their fence survived, next door but one has concrete posts but standard panels - numerous panels shattered.

Any thoughts / suggestions / comments

SailorSam

I've said this before on here so apologies to anyone reading it again.
Ive got 6' concrete posts but i've lost the wooden panels several times in the past when we've had strong winds. What i did a few years ago and it's been ok since was, i drilled six holes in each panel, 3 either side, top; bottom and middle. Then ii got strong thin wire/rope to thread through a couple of times and tie it up. So now every panel is joined to both the posts and the panels either side of it.
Even if you have to get a new fence i'd recommend doing this so that you shouldn't have problems in the future.

Furts

The problem I have experienced with hit and miss fencing is complaints about a lack of privacy. People can look through the gaps.

My suggestion is if the gaps are acceptable then go with this.

Equally fencing is an item where material standards are vital. I have a long boundary fence built in an very exposed, wet and windy location. It is 1900mm high, formed with green pressure treated posts, all 100mm by 100mm. It has green, pressure treated, feather edge boards- each 100mm IIRR. There is no gravel board.There are no post cappings. The fence has never been stained or treated with anything. It has been totally neglected and forgotten.

The fence was erected over 25 years ago, No posts, rails or boards have ever been damaged by the weather, nothing has been replaced. I suspect the fence could last another 25 years.

This specification, and cost, was my choice. Had I had panels I would probably have renewed the fence once by now. Had I had panels from the DIY stores I would probably have replaced the fence two, or three, times by now.

With timber, and fencing, quality is the key. But everything comes at a cost.

ian103

Thanks, I know where the materials are coming from and they have a good reputation for supplying decent quality timber - We are going the route of hit and miss - OH says she will then plant some decent sized hedging / shrubs to get some better privacy

molerat

Double boarded overlapping hit and miss is the best option although it does cost more but increases the privacy as does having it horizontal rather than vertical. Horizontal does not need top and bottom rails but does have the downside of being used as a ladder.

Furts

molerat wrote: »

Double boarded overlapping hit and miss is the best option although it does cost more but increases the privacy as does having it horizontal rather than vertical. Horizontal does not need top and bottom rails but does have the downside of being used as a ladder.

But be careful if doing this. My posts are 2800 centres. I would not try spanning this with horizontal slats - unless they were really substantial, My "arris" timbers are 50x100 and have sagged noticeably.

Furts

ian103 wrote: »

Thanks, I know where the materials are coming from and they have a good reputation for supplying decent quality timber - We are going the route of hit and miss - OH says she will then plant some decent sized hedging / shrubs to get some better privacy

Just check they are pressure treated, not dipped, and that any fresh cut surfaces receive a couple of flood coats of preservative.

Hope this helps.

browneyedbazzi

My parents have vertical hit and miss fencing and I think it is much nicer than the traditional panels or featherboard you see over here. We never had any issue with privacy because the boards either side nearly overlapped and the gap to see through was tiny so you could only see through at a really awkward angle. Their fence has been up more than 20 years and they've never had a problem with wind damage. The only downside for me is the cost!

molerat

Furts wrote: »

But be careful if doing this. My posts are 2800 centres. I would not try spanning this with horizontal slats - unless they were really substantial, My "arris" timbers are 50x100 and have sagged noticeably.

Mine are 75x75 posts at 1800 centres 600 in the ground with 25x150 boards so fairly substantial and copes well with our wee highland breezes

ian103

I think the previous owners were stitched up by the fencer who installed the fence (when installing last year he created this years job by doing a really poor install)

It was just a bit of a shock at how much we feel the wind in the new house, we get hit from all sides so anything we have put up needs to be robust / allow wind to pass.

I guess one of the joys of living by the sea.