Who this guide is for
- Homeowners installing or replacing a fence
- People unsure about boundary lines and ownership
- Anyone comparing fence materials and contractors
- Owners who want a fence that stays straight in wind
Judge how posts are set
Posts carry the whole fence, so how they are set — depth, fixing and spacing — decides whether the fence stays straight in wind. Ask how they set posts for your soil and the fence height.
A strong panel on weak posts will not last.
- Ask how posts are set for your soil
- Discuss post depth and spacing
- Match post setting to the fence height
- Confirm how posts are fixed
Handle boundaries carefully
Fencing sits on or near a boundary, which can be a sensitive and legal matter. Confirm the boundary line and ownership before any panels are ordered, and discuss how the contractor handles a shared boundary.
Boundary disputes are best avoided by checking first.
- Confirm the boundary line and ownership
- Discuss handling of shared boundaries
- Avoid building on uncertain lines
- Keep boundary questions clear up front
Compare material options
Timber, composite, vinyl and metal all behave differently for privacy, upkeep and longevity. Discuss which suits your boundary's job and your maintenance appetite, comparing on performance rather than a single figure.
Match the material to exposure and the look you want.
Plan for ground and access
Sloping ground, soft soil and limited access all affect installation. Ask how the contractor handles slopes and gets materials and equipment to the line, especially for back gardens.
Underground services near the line need care when digging.
- Discuss sloping ground handling
- Confirm access for materials and equipment
- Treat digging near services carefully
- Match the approach to your site
Brief and compare on the same scope
Give each contractor the same brief and confirm what is included — posts, panels, gates, removal of the old fence — so quotes compare. Ask what could change once they start digging.
Confirm insurance and relevant experience.
Hiring checklist
- 1Confirm the boundary line and ownership
- 2Decide your fence material and height
- 3Ask how posts are set for your soil
- 4Discuss post depth and spacing
- 5Compare material options on performance
- 6Discuss sloping ground and access
- 7Treat digging near services carefully
- 8Give each contractor the same brief
- 9Ask what could change once they start
- 10Confirm insurance and relevant experience
Common mistakes to avoid
- Ordering panels before confirming the boundary line
- Underestimating post setting for tall fences in wind
- Choosing a material on looks alone
- Ignoring sloping ground and access constraints
- Comparing quotes that cover different scopes
- Digging near services without care
When to involve a professional
- Confirm boundary ownership before any work, as boundaries can be a legal matter
- Treat digging near underground services as work to plan carefully
- Ask to see comparable fences that have stood up to weather
- Ask to see relevant insurance for the work
- Remember boundary and service requirements vary by location and project
Frequently asked questions
Questions readers ask about this topic
Why are posts so important?
Posts carry the whole fence, so their depth, fixing and spacing decide whether it stays straight in wind. Ask how the contractor sets posts for your soil and fence height, because a strong panel on weak posts will not last.
How are boundaries handled?
Fencing sits on or near a boundary, which can be a sensitive and legal matter, so confirm the line and ownership before ordering panels. Discuss how the contractor handles a shared boundary to avoid disputes.
Which fence material should I choose?
Timber, composite, vinyl and metal all behave differently for privacy, upkeep and longevity. Compare them on performance and how they suit your boundary's job and maintenance appetite rather than a single figure.
What about digging near services?
Digging for posts can hit underground services, so it needs care. Treat any digging near services as work to plan carefully, and remember boundary and service requirements vary by location and project.
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