Quick answer: For a new run of fence panels, check the actual panel width first, set the posts plumb and square, fit the gravel board, then sit and secure the panel. Allow a little fitting clearance rather than wedging everything tightly between the posts.
This guide covers framed timber fence panels between timber posts. If you are replacing a single panel between posts that are already fixed, read our Fence Panel Sizes guide first.
A “6ft” fence panel may be 1800mm or 1830mm wide. Check the exact Fence Panel before setting out the posts.
What you need to install fence panels between timber posts
- Fence panels
- Treated timber fence posts
- Postmix or another suitable method of securing the posts
- Gravel boards
- Galvanised fence panel clips and suitable exterior fixings
- String line and pegs
- Tape measure and spirit level
- Spade or suitable post-hole digging tools
- Temporary packers or supports
Check the actual panel width before setting the posts
Do not set the post positions from the words “6ft panel” alone. Depending on the style, the panel may be 1800mm, 1830mm or another stated size.
If you are using a gravel board, include it when calculating the finished fence height and post length. The complete bay height is the panel plus the gravel board.
For the separate planning questions, see How Deep Should Fence Posts Be? and How Many Fence Posts Do I Need?.
Confirm the fence line and check for buried services before digging the post holes.
1. Mark the fence line before you start digging
Use a string line to establish the face of the fence and mark the start, end, corners and any gate openings.
If you are confident measuring and setting out, mark the post positions before moving the fence panels into the work area. If you are less confident, use an actual panel to check each opening before setting the next post. Either method works; keep finished panels away from wet Postmix and the digging area where possible.
2. Set every timber post plumb and square
Dig the post holes to suit the fence and ground conditions. We normally put a fine layer of gravel or hardcore in the bottom for drainage before inserting the post.
Square and level each post before securing it. If using Postmix, follow the product instructions for the mix and water sequence. Make sure the post is correctly positioned, plumb and supported before moving on.
3. Fit the gravel board before the fence panel
Fit the gravel board between the posts and allow roughly 3–5mm fitting clearance so the timber has a little room for normal movement and expansion.
Keep timber fence panels off the soil. Direct ground contact exposes the bottom of the panel to splashback and repeated wetting, increasing the risk of premature decay. A gravel board creates a barrier between the panel and the ground.
Once the gravel board is fitted and level, sit the fence panel on top of it.
4. Allow around 5–10mm total clearance for the panel
Offer the panel into the bay and sit it on the gravel board. Temporary supports can help hold it in position while it is fixed.
Where posts are already installed, we normally allow roughly 5–10mm total clearance across the width of the bay. Aim for enough room for fitting and movement without leaving unnecessarily large side gaps.
5. Use panel clips to reduce the risk of splitting the frame
Panel clips are our preferred way to secure framed fence panels to timber posts. They make fitting easier and reduce the risk of damaging the panel by driving a fixing diagonally through its frame.
Use galvanised fence panel clips with suitable exterior fixings, positioning them against sound parts of the panel frame.
You can screw or toenail a panel into the post at an angle, but take care as this can split or damage the frame if done badly.
6. Check each bay before setting the next one
Check that the posts are still plumb, the gravel board and panel are level, the panel follows the fence line and the fitting gaps are sensible.
If you marked the run in advance, continue to those positions while checking each bay. If you are using the panels to establish the layout, use the next panel to confirm the following post position before setting it.
Shop the complete fence panel system
Start with our Fence Panels, then choose the Treated Timber Fence Posts, Fence Panel Clips, Postmix and Gravel Boards required for the job.
