Installing Stepped Fencing on a Driveway

Posted by Jacksons Fencing on 28th May 2021 -

Approved Installer Fox Fencing and Landscaping were approached by a client to install several Horizontal Hit and Miss fence panels across a driveway to act as a distinctive boundary to separate their front garden from their neighbours.

With only a small trail of gravel between the two driveways, there did not appear to be any obvious line of demarcation prior to the installation. With a desire to increase privacy between both neighbours, they opted to install Horizontal Hit and Miss fencing as a cost-effective contemporary solution and were attracted to the product by the 25 year guarantee.

How did Fox Fencing & Landscaping install the driveway fencing?

There are two different methods that can be used when installing fencing onto a slightly sloped driveway. Option one - our traditional fencing systems can be installed to follow the contours of the ground level in a gradual slope (known as raking), and option two - if using panel form fencing with slotted Jakposts, the panels are stepped up or down depending on the slope (known as stepping).

The images below show the difference between the two install types

 

 

 

 

Find out more about the two different installations in our blog 

INSTALLING FENCING ON A SLOPE

After the clients chose our Hit and Miss fence panels, Fox Fencing & Landscaping opted for the stepped method of installation, which works well with panel form fencing. We would advise where the slope is steeper, it is better to dig down at the higher end of the slope to create level ground. Then lay the gravel board at ground level, rather than leave gaps at the base of the gravel. We feel this technique delivers the best-looking installation.

 

 

When using this method of installation please be aware our fence panels are not made to go underground and in these situations we highly recommend a gravel board is fitted between the panel and the ground. Our gravel boards are treated with a more concentrated solution of our Jakcure timber treatment and can therefore withstand being in-ground. 

In order to qualify for our 25 year, guarantee a gravel board must be installed with any fence panel.

Did you know?

A gravel board is a wooden or concrete board usually around 140mm in height that slots under your fence panels and sits on top of the ground to help protect the fence from wet ground, insect attack and debris.

Keeping panels level

It may seem obvious, but fence panels should always be kept level, especially when being stepped. The ground level should be adapted to fully support the fence panel, and gravel board which the fence panel sits on, instead of installing the panel on a slant. If you were to install panels so that they were uneven or slanted, the posts would need be adjusted accordingly which would not only look like a poor install, but also negatively affect the integrity of the fence. To check how level the top of the panel is, use a spirit level on top of the panel before screwing into the post. Our gravel boards are pressure treated with a higher concentration of our Jakcure timber treatment as they are intended to be in contact with the ground. This provides them with best protection against rot and insect attack. When fencing is installed on a slope, gravel boards can be dug into the ground on one end, to create a level fence.

Using infill pieces for in slotted fence posts

 

When stepping fence panels, the height of the post will be higher than the fence panel which leaves part of the slot where the fence panel would usually sit and cover visible. To elevate the finish of your installation we supply timber components to slot into the gap and make it look like every post was designed for every fence panel, these components are called infill pieces.

Infill pieces are the exact width of the gap in our slotted posts, meaning they fit flush into the post to hide the gap. Measure each gap to be filled above the panel, and cut the infill piece of timber to size, treat the end of the timber with our end grain preservative and then screw or nail into place.

Contemporary fencing in the back garden

While Fox Fencing and Landscaping were installing the driveway fencing, the client also discussed the idea for different fencing options to improve the rear garden fencing as they were really pleased with the quality and look of the Hit and Miss panels installed at the front of the property, and the faultless work of the installers.

The client wanted to increase the level of privacy in their back garden while still allowing an amount of sunlight into the garden, to enjoy when relaxing and dining. Our Horizontal Hit & Miss fence panels are ideal for this, with 95mm thick boards spaced 8mm apart, and a premium planed finish, allowing light and air through into the outdoor space, but still maintaining privacy. If you would like to find out more about privacy fencing and its benefits please browse our blog: Privacy Fence Panels.