Fencing contractors for garden and privacy fencing
New fences and fence repairs, planned with the rest of the garden so posts, walls and levels work together.
Fencing as part of the garden build
Most people looking for fencing contractors near them want one thing: a fence that stays upright and gives some privacy. Fencing is part of our hard landscaping work, and it is often done alongside a new patio, garden wall or retaining wall, so the line of the fence, the ground levels and the drainage are sorted out in one go. One of our case studies includes new modern privacy fencing as part of a wider garden project.
Why fences lean and fail
Fence panels rarely fail on their own. The usual causes are posts that were set too shallow, posts rotting at ground level where timber meets wet soil, panels sitting directly on the ground and wicking up water, and soil or a raised bed piled against the fence so it acts as an unintended retaining wall. Wind load matters too: a solid, tall fence catches a lot of wind, and the posts and their footings have to resist it.
Good installation deals with each of those. Posts go in to a proper depth and are set in concrete or on secure bases, gravel boards keep the panels clear of the soil, and where the garden levels differ either side, a brick or block retaining wall takes the soil instead of the fence.
Types of fencing
Close-board fencing, built from overlapping vertical boards on rails, is strong and suits privacy and sloping sites because it follows the ground. Panel fencing is quicker to install and comes in many styles, from simple lap panels to modern slatted designs. Concrete posts and gravel boards last much longer than timber at ground level. Where a more solid boundary is wanted, a low brick wall with fence panels or railings above combines both. We talk through the options at the site visit and give a free estimate for the one that suits the garden.
Boundaries, height and neighbours
Before replacing a fence, check who owns it; title deeds often show the boundary responsibility. Under permitted development, fences, walls and gates can usually be up to 2 metres high, or 1 metre next to a road used by vehicles. Listed buildings, conservation areas and some estates have extra restrictions. Talking to neighbours first saves arguments, especially if the old fence comes down and access is needed from their side.
Repairs or replacement
A single broken panel or a snapped post can usually be replaced. When several posts are rotten, panels are splitting along the run, or the fence is leaning over a long length, replacing the line is normally better value than patching it section by section.
Fencing questions
- Why is my fence leaning?
- Usually rotten or shallow posts, wind load on a solid fence, or soil pushing against it from a higher garden. Fixing the cause matters, not just straightening the panel.
- Can a fence be installed in one day?
- A short run of panel fencing on a clear site often can. Longer runs, close-board fencing, removal of an old fence or concrete that needs to set take longer.
- Are you allowed to attach things to a fence?
- Only to your own fence, or with your neighbour's agreement if it is theirs or shared. Heavy items such as planters add load the posts were not designed for.
- What is the best fencing for dogs?
- A solid, tall fence with gravel boards at the bottom, so dogs cannot see through, squeeze under or dig beneath it easily.
- What affects fencing cost?
- Length, height, fence type, post material, removal of the old fence, ground conditions and access. Estimates are free after a site visit.
Related: patios, garden walls and driveways · garden walls · retaining walls · garden landscaping · composite fencing · fencing cost guide · case studies.