Fences and gates

In short

• The key posts are corner, end and gate posts: thicker, deeper and always braced (H-brace or strut).
• A timber post is rammed in layers of gravel and soil; set it in concrete only with drainage beneath and the concrete sloping away.
• Wire and netting are tensioned from braced corner to braced corner, in runs of up to about 100–150 m.
• A gate has a brace running from the bottom corner at the hinges to the top corner at the latch. A brace the other way round doesn't hold.
• Gate posts go in a larger footing (40 × 40 × 90 cm or more), and for a wide gate are tied together by a beam below ground.

What's inside

Chapters

1. Which fence where
2. Posts: depth, setting and durability
3. The corner: H-brace and strut
4. Tensioning wire and netting
5. Timber paling and board fences
6. Wattle and traditional fences
7. A gate that doesn't sag
8. Gate posts
9. Metal and sliding gates
10. Crossings for people and livestock
11. Common mistakes
12. Printable checklist

Worksheets

• Plan of fence runs
• Fence calculator
• Cost sheet
• Gate sizes and shopping
• Inspection log and calendar