How to put up a garden fence: step-by-step DIY guide

A new garden fence gives you privacy and shelter. With good preparation you can put up a wooden fence with panels and posts yourself. The secret lies in three things: checking in advance what is allowed, setting out the line accurately and setting every post perfectly straight and firm. Always read the installation instructions from the manufacturer of your panels, posts and any concrete first: they give the dimensions, post depth and working time that apply to your materials.

👷 Calling in a professional is never unnecessary. Will the fence be high or heavy, is it in a windy spot, are you unsure about the property line or are there cables and pipes in the ground? Then call in a landscaper or another experienced professional. They will put the fence up straight and solid in one go.

What do you need to arrange before you start?

Do not start digging until these points are clear:

• Local rules: the permitted height and position of a fence vary by situation. Check the website of your municipality before you buy materials.
• The property line: not sure exactly where your plot ends? Find out before you set the first post.
• The neighbours: talk to them beforehand, especially if the fence will be on the boundary.
• Cables and pipes: your garden may contain cables and pipes. Request their location before digging (in the Netherlands via a KLIC notification to the Kadaster) and remember cables you laid yourself, for example to garden lighting. If you hit something, stop immediately. Never do electrical work yourself.

What do you need?

Materials

• Wooden fence panels and posts that match each other, preferably made of treated or durable wood; check the size of the posts and the width of the panels.
• A way to anchor the posts: a drive-in ground anchor for wooden posts (choose the size that fits your post) or concrete according to the instructions on the packaging.
• stainless steel wood screws or the fixings specified by the panel manufacturer. Stainless steel prevents rust stains on the wood.
• Post caps, a string line and wooden pegs to set out the line.

Tools

• A 20 metre fibreglass measuring tape for long distances, a tape measure with auto-lock and a carpenter pencil.
• A 120 cm spirit level, a post level and an adjustable square.
• A sharp spade and a garden shovel to dig the holes; a pickaxe and a crowbar for hard ground, stones and old roots.
• A sledgehammer to drive in ground anchors and a rubber mallet to tap posts and panels into place.
• A cordless drill driver to screw the panels in place and a quick clamp to hold a panel temporarily.
• A cordless circular saw or hand saw to cut posts to length.
• A construction bucket for concrete or gravel.

Personal protective equipment

Wear sturdy latex-coated work gloves against splinters, high leather S3 safety boot with a steel toe cap when carrying and digging, and safety goggles when sawing. Use earmuffs when sawing with the circular saw or using the sledgehammer, and knee pads if you work on the ground a lot.

Step-by-step guide: how do you put up a fence?

1. Set out the line. Drive a peg in at the start and end points and stretch a string line between them. Measure the total length with the 20 metre fibreglass measuring tape and divide it by the width of one panel plus one post. This tells you how many panels and posts you need.
2. Mark the post positions. Put a mark along the string for every post. A narrower leftover section is best placed at the start or a corner, not in the middle.
3. Set the first post. Dig a hole with the sharp spade or drive in a drive-in ground anchor for wooden posts with the sledgehammer. Place the post in the hole or anchor and check with the post level that it is plumb on two sides. Follow the manufacturer's depth and build-up.
4. Use the first panel as a gauge. Secure the panel against the first post, slightly above the ground, with a quick clamp. This shows exactly where the next post goes.
5. Set the next post. Place the second post against the panel, check that it is plumb and that the top of the panel is level with the 120 cm spirit level. Only then fix the post.
6. Fix the posts. Pour concrete according to the packaging or tamp the soil down firmly layer by layer, depending on what the manufacturer recommends. Let concrete cure as stated on the packaging before you put any load on the posts.
7. Screw the panels in place. Use the cordless drill driver with stainless steel wood screws or the supplied fittings. Use the string to check that the line stays straight.
8. Finish the fence. Cut posts that are too long to an even height, fit post caps so that no water soaks into the end grain.

Which mistakes are easy to make?

• Starting without knowing the rules, the property line or the location of cables and pipes.
• Digging all the holes in advance: small differences add up, so the last panel no longer fits.
• Checking the posts on one side only, so they lean.
• Letting the wood stand directly on wet soil, so it rots faster.
• Putting load on the fence before the concrete has cured.

How do you work safely?

• Digging: request the location of cables and pipes in advance, dig carefully by hand near a cable or pipe and stop immediately if you hit something.
• Lifting: panels catch the wind. Lift them with two people and do not work in strong wind.
• Sawing and driving in anchors: wear safety goggles and earmuffs and keep your hands away from the cutting line.
• Cement and concrete: avoid contact with skin and eyes; read the safety information on the packaging.

Read more about working safely in our blog on safe working on the construction site. You will find all protective equipment in our workwear and safety range, see the link at the bottom of this blog.

💡 💡 Never set all the posts first and add the panels afterwards. Alternate: post, panel, post. That way every panel fits exactly and you avoid having to dig posts out again.

👷 Is it a high fence, a gate with heavy posts or a garden with cables and pipes just below the surface? Then leave it to a professional, with the experience and equipment to do it straight and solidly.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit for a fence?

That depends on the height, the position and the rules in your municipality. So check the website of your municipality first.

How deep should fence posts go?

That differs per post, panel and type of ground. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. With high panels, loose soil or a windy spot, it is wise to get advice from a professional.

Is it better to set posts in concrete or in a ground anchor?

Both work. Concrete gives a heavy, solid base; a drive-in ground anchor for wooden posts is driven in and keeps the wood above the soil, which helps against rot. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Should I talk to the neighbours?

Always, especially if the fence is on or near the property line. Agree who sees which side and who maintains it.

What do I do if I come across a cable or pipe while digging?

Stop immediately, leave it alone and contact the network operator or the owner. Never repair or move it yourself.

Read also: our blog on laying a garden path, our blog on getting your garden ready for winter, our blog on building a small brick wall and our guide to Stalco Garden tools.

Read this article in Dutch as well: Hoe moet je een schutting plaatsen? Stappenplan voor doe-het-zelvers.

Where can you find everything for this job?

At Saniso, the online store for DIYers and professionals, you will find tools, materials and personal protective equipment for your job.

• Browse our construction tools and our workwear and safety.
• Create a customer account and order easily.
• Working on a bigger project or want to hand over the job? Request a project quote.
• Book a showroom visit, at least 24 hours in advance.
• Not sure which material suits your job? Get in touch with us.

In doubt about the approach? Feel free to call in a professional.

Saniso – Build your home with Saniso.