Concrete palisade fencing is a top-tier security solution, offering immense strength while maintaining visibility. While we always recommend a professional installation for the best results, a skilled DIYer can certainly tackle this project. This guide will walk you through the fundamental steps to ensure a sturdy and professional-looking installation.
Disclaimer: This is a general guide. Always prioritize safety, wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and consult a structural engineer for complex sites with steep slopes or poor soil conditions.
Tools & Materials
Before you begin, gather all your necessary tools and materials. Having everything on hand will make the process much smoother.
Materials:
- Blitz Beton Concrete Palisade Posts
- Blitz Beton Concrete Palisade Pales (the vertical slats)
- Blitz Beton Concrete Palisade Beams (the horizontal rails)
- Galvanised M12 bolts, nuts, and washers
- Builder's sand
- Stone/aggregate (13mm or 19mm)
- Cement
- Water
Tools:
- Spade and pick for digging
- Builder’s line (string line) and pegs
- Tape measure
- Spirit level (a long one is best)
- Wheelbarrow for mixing concrete
- Spanners for tightening bolts
- Crowbar or steel alignment bar
- Safety glasses, gloves, and steel-toed boots
Step 1: Planning and Site Preparation
Proper planning is the most critical step. A mistake here can be costly to fix later.
- Mark the Fence Line: Use pegs and a builder's line to mark out the exact line where your fence will run. Ensure it's straight and follows your property boundary correctly.
- Clear the Area: Remove any bushes, rocks, or debris along the marked line. You'll need a clear working area of at least one meter on either side.
- Mark Post Positions: Our standard panels are 2.0m wide. Starting from a corner, measure and mark the centre position for each post hole along your string line. Double-check your measurements carefully.
Step 2: Digging and Setting the Posts
The posts are the foundation of your fence. They must be perfectly aligned, plumb, and securely set in concrete.
- Dig the Holes: At each marked position, dig a hole approximately 400mm x 400mm wide and 600mm deep. The exact depth depends on your soil type; deeper is better for sandy soil.
- Mix Concrete: In your wheelbarrow, mix your concrete. A good general-purpose ratio is 1 part cement, 2 parts sand, and 3 parts stone. Add water slowly until you have a workable, stiff consistency.
- Set the First Post: Place your first corner post into the hole. Use the spirit level to ensure it is perfectly plumb (vertically straight) on two adjacent sides. Brace it in position with rocks or timber offcuts.
- Pour Concrete: Shovel the concrete mix into the hole around the post, a process known as backfilling. Compact it with a piece of wood as you go to remove air pockets. Fill the hole to ground level and slope the top surface away from the post to aid water runoff.
- Set the Next Post: Repeat the process for the next post, constantly checking the height and alignment against your string line. Use a temporary beam or a straight piece of timber to ensure the spacing between posts is perfect.
Step 3: Attaching Beams and Pales
Once the post concrete has cured for at least 24-48 hours, you can begin assembling the panels.
This provides a general overview of handling the pales and beams. Pay close attention to the following steps for securing them correctly.
- Attach Bottom Beams: Bolt the bottom horizontal beams to the inside of the posts. Don't fully tighten the bolts yet; leave them slightly loose for adjustment.
- Place the Pales: Position the first pale into the slot on the bottom beam, ensuring the rough sides of the pales face each other. Lean it against the post. Continue placing the remaining pales for that panel.
- Attach Top Beams: Once all pales are in place, lift and bolt the top beam into position. You may need a crowbar to help align the holes.
- Secure the Panel: Insert all M12 bolts through the pales and beams. Place a washer and nut on each bolt and tighten them securely with your spanners. Go back and fully tighten the bolts on the beams as well.
- Repeat: Continue this process, panel by panel, until your fence is complete.
Final Thoughts
Installing a concrete palisade fence is a rewarding project that adds significant security and value to your property. By following these steps carefully, you can achieve a professional and long-lasting result. If you feel the job is too big, or if you want the peace of mind of our 2-year guarantee, don't hesitate to contact us for a professional installation quote.
