How to Fit Fence Panels to Wooden and Concrete Posts

Before You Start 

Check that your posts are set correctly first. Timber posts should be set at least 600mm into the ground and secured with post mix, while concrete posts have pre-formed channels that the panel simply slides into. Whichever you are using, posts should be set plumb and level, with the correct spacing for your panel width, generally 1.83m centre to centre for a standard 6ft panel. If you are still working out spacing and quantities, our guide on how many fence panels you need is worth reading first.

Fitting Panels to Concrete Posts 

Lower the first panel into the channel of the starting post, keeping it level.

Slide the second post into place over the free edge of the panel, lowering it into the ground or bolting it to a metal post support if you are not concreting in.

Check the panel is level and set the post plumb before the post mix sets.

Repeat along the run, checking each panel is level before moving to the next.

Fit a gravel board beneath each panel, keeping the timber a minimum of 50mm clear of the ground.

Fitting Panels to Wooden Posts

Timber posts do not have a channel, so the panel is fixed directly to the face of the post.

Mark the panel height on the post, allowing for the 50mm clearance above the ground or gravel board.

Hold the panel in place and check it is level using a spirit level.

Fix through the panel frame into the post using galvanised screws or nails, or with the aid of specialist panel clips, available from our fittings and accessories range. Screws generally hold better than nails over time and make future repairs easier.

Fix top and bottom rails first, then add fixings along the frame at roughly 300mm intervals for a secure, rattle-free fit.

Move to the next post and repeat, checking each panel for level before fixing.

How to Stop Fence Panels Rattling in the Wind

This is one of the most common questions we get asked, particularly from gardens on the higher, more exposed ground around Cheltenham, where wind coming off the Cotswold escarpment can work a poorly fixed panel loose over time. A rattling panel is usually a sign that the fixings have worked loose or that there were too few of them to begin with.

Add more fixings

The most common fix is simply adding more screws along the frame, particularly at the top and bottom rails, which take the most movement in a gust.

Fit galvanised brackets or clips

Specialist panel clips hold the panel firmly against the post face and reduce the flex that causes rattling, and are a quick retrofit to an existing fence without removing the panel entirely.

Check the posts themselves

If the panel is fixed correctly but still moves, the post itself may have started to lean or loosen in the ground. Our guide on how to fix a broken fence post covers how to firm up or replace a post that has come loose.

Consider a sturdier panel for very exposed sites

If rattling is a recurring problem on a particularly windy boundary, a closeboard panel on concrete posts is inherently more rigid than a lap panel on timber, and is worth considering when you next replace the fence.

Are Fence Panels Covered by Home Insurance? 

Most standard home insurance policies do not automatically cover garden fences against everyday wear, general rot or accidental damage, though many will cover storm damage as part of buildings cover, sometimes with a higher excess than the rest of the policy. Always check the wording of your own policy, since cover varies significantly between insurers. If a fence has been damaged in a storm, our storm repair guide covers what to check and how to make a safe temporary repair while you look into a claim.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Should I use screws or nails to fit a fence panel? 

Screws generally give a stronger, longer-lasting fix than nails and are easier to remove if you ever need to replace a single panel. Galvanised fixings from our screws and landscaping range are treated to resist rust.

How far apart should fence posts be? 

For a standard 6ft wide panel, posts should be set 1.83m apart, centre to centre, so the panel fits snugly between them.

Can I fit a fence panel on my own? 

Yes, though it is considerably easier with two people, particularly when holding a panel level while it is fixed. If you would rather not tackle it yourself, our local installer network covers Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and the surrounding area.

Why has my fence started to lean since I fitted it? 

This is usually either a post that was not set deep enough or firmly enough, or ground movement after heavy rain, which is more common on the damper sites found in parts of Tewkesbury. Our guide on fixing a broken or leaning fence post covers how to put it right.