Using galvanised nails is certainly the right way to go as they are much more resistant to corrosion so will last longer. The main reason for not nailing through the thinner section of the board is that it is likely to split. If using these nails then you should drill pilot holes to prevent this, particularly if they are used to fix the thin edge of the board as we have shown. Gravel Boards: The gravel board is fixed at the base of the fence along the ground horizontally from post to post. They help to allow the fence line to follow and traverse a slope on uneven ground, as they fill any gaps and can be dug into teh ground also. They will need to be treated as they are the most at risk area for rotting. If using gravel boards you should try and leave a 150mm gap below the fence boards that the gravel board will cover. This will also mean that the fence boards are less likely to get damp Notice how the Arris rails and Gravel boards are flush at either end of the fencing run. 7. Now fit Feather Edge boards. If your posts are not pre-notched, then you will need to notch them now, if you are using triangular Arris rail. This can be done using a circular saw set at 45degs. First you will need to clear away any obstructions from the line of your new fence and try to get a level path.

As you get towards the last post (between 6 to 10 boards distance) measure the distance and then adjust the spacing so that you finish at the outside edge of the post. This will mean that you have a nice neat finish. Options for attaching Feather Boards to Fence Rails For constructing a typical Feather edge fence, your shopping list for materials will likely include the following items: Essential items: Using galvanised nails is great as they do not rust but they leave the head of the nail proud of the timber and unless they are all perfectly aligned, this looks horrible, especially in sunshine. In reality, it takes 7 years for a lost head or oval nail to rust and routine maintenance will identify any weak points during and at that time. You are likely to get different advice from different sources on how to fit your Feather edge boards and exactly how you should go about constructing your fence.One of the features of using feather boards is that it is not necessary to step the fence if this is prefered, as you would have to with any panelled fence (Find out more about fencing with fence panels here). It is possible to fix the rails parallel to the slope of the ground, keeping the post and the feather boards vertical. If this is the approach that you have opted for you should fix the gravel board parallel to the ground also, rather than stepping it. You will first need to measure your length of fencing. Our timber supplier, like many others, supply their Arris rails and Gravel boards in 3m lengths, and if this is the case for you, your posts will need to be spaced at 3m centres. 3m is about as far as you want to go between post centres as any further can leave a fence inadequately supported against wind and can lead to the fence sagging between posts.

If you think they would be a good fit for your business, please get in touch with Jon at [email protected] problem with these is that they generally tend to end up between your teeth when you next reach for a hammer, nail or nail gun, the next board or your spirit level.

Here is the general method that we use which always ends in a professional looking and a robust long-lasting fence. We’ve built our very own simple to use Materials Calculator which will give you an instant material list for your project. So you have your fence structure in place, Posts, Arris rails and gravel boards and you may now be wondering just what overlap should I give the Feather Edge boards?

Capping Strip: Once all the feather boards have been attached and cut to the appropriate slope if necessary (see below for close board fencing on a slope), the exposed top or end grain should be treated with a wood preservative to make it last. Over the top of this and running the length of the top of the fence, you should fix a strip of wood called a capping strip to further protect the feather boards from the weather Close board fencing is fencing which is made up of posts and rails, with feather edge boards fixed vertically to the rails. Here is a little more information on the parts of a feather board or close board fence: Counter rails – 25mm x 50mm. If you are going to finish your fence with a capping rail you will need these If you have a sloping garden, Feather edge fencing is an ideal solution for this due to the very nature of its construction which lends itself to custom designs. 3. Notch your fence posts (if not supplied notched) Well there is a British Standard for this believe it or not, which recommends a minimum of 18mm overlap between each board, however most fencing contractors and timber suppliers will recommend 25mm of overlap whether you are using 100mm, 125mm or 150mm feather edge boards, we agree with this and this is our recommendation for Feather edge fencing.