Featheredge Fencing

Before installing featheredge fencing, decide whether you want Gravel Boards, Post Caps (with or without Finials), Counter Rails and Capping Rails (depending on the level of ‘finish’ you want). Also, decide the distances between posts and preferred panel width.

Measurements

With featheredge fencing, there are 3 generic distances between posts: 1.8m, 2.7m and 3.0m.

100mm (10cm) Featheredge boards are the most common size used and you should expect to use 23 boards for a 1.8m panel, 35 boards for a 2.7m panel and 39 for a 3.0m panel. It would be sensible to add a few extra, just in case.

Once you’ve decided the panel width, calculate the number of fence posts required for the length of the fence run.

Remember that 600mm (60cm/2 feet) of post goes into the ground when deciding the post length. For example, for a fence to be 1.8m (6 feet) high above the ground, your post length would be 2.4m (8 feet) in total.

Materials

Having decided whether you require Gravel Boards, Post Caps (with or without Finials), Counter Rails and Capping Rails, you will also need the following materials:

Fence Post – morticed or unmorticed for post and rail system
Arris Rails or straight cut Rails
Featheredge Boards
Support Stump
40-50mm Nails
Post Mix

Other materials that might make your work easier include:

Counter Rail
Capping Rail
Gravel Boards (optional)
Post Caps (optional) & Cleats (Fixing Gravel Board)

Tools:

Rubber Mallet
Hammer
Spade
Spirit Level
Tape Measure
String
Watering Can or Hose Pipe
Battens and Chocks

Preparation of the fence run

Remove any obstructions (old fence posts, concrete etc) and check every 1.8m/2.7m/3m plus post width for anything along the run which would prevent you from digging a hole for the posts. Proper preparation at the start gives you an uninterrupted installation, rather than constantly stopping and starting to clear obstructions which will increase the duration of the work.

Dig the hole for the 1st post

This will normally be 600mm (60cm/2 feet) deep and the width of the spade which allows for enough concrete to hold the post firmly. Use a spirit level to check that the post is exactly vertical then backfill with the concrete and any hard core that came out of the hole.

Run a tight line from the first post to the end of the fencing run then measure along the length to the post and dig the next hole.

Set the second post in the hole, but don’t backfill it – get someone to hold it or use battens temporarily nailed to prop it in position.

Fit the Arris Rails at this point and hammer them in to get a good fit using a rubber mallet.

Concrete the second post in position, and then repeat the procedure for the remaining length of fence.

Fit the featheredge fence boards

Once the posts are set in place, hammering nails to fit the boards won’t shift the posts.

To nail the Featheredge Boards in place, nail a board at either end, both with the narrow edge facing inwards.

Now nail the rest of the boards which should overlap by approximately 25mm (2.5cm/1 Inch).

Fit your optional Post Caps and Finials, Counter Rail and Capping Rails.

Notes:

If you mark out on each post where the ground level should be, you should get a consistent professional finish.

First mark where the top of the Fence should be (a couple of inches from the top), and then where the Top of the Gravel Board should be as well as the Bottom of the Gravel Board.

The Bottom mark of the Gravel Board position is your ground level on each post. Pack under the post with hardcore if you go past your level.