If you want to have beautiful garden fences, protecting them is essential. The best way to do this is by fitting concrete or timber gravel boards. But what exactly are gravel boards, and what is the best way to go about fitting them? Read on to find out.
What is a gravel board?
A gravel board is a board placed underneath your garden fence, for the purpose of protecting it from moisture damage from the ground. Gravel boards also protect your fence from damage from garden equipment like lawn mowers and hedge trimmers, and wear and tear from ball games if there’s anyone if your household who loves kicking a ball around the garden.
If you want to maximise the durability and lifespan of your fence, fitting gravel boards is a great idea. You can opt for timber gravel boards that better match a wooden fence, or concrete gravel boards that last longer and resist rot and decay.
How to fit gravel boards
There are a few different methods for fitting gravel boards. These methods work with both concrete and wooden gravel boards.
1. Using slot-in fence posts
Securely fit your slot-in fence posts at either end of your fence panel, then measure the distance between them and cut your gravel board to match. Simply slot in your gravel board, then slot your fence panel above.
2. Using wooden blocks
Purchase or make some wooden blocks that are the same width and thickness as your gravel boards. Place these blocks at either side of your gravel board where it will meet your fence post, and screw your blocks in place. Then slot your gravel board between the wooden blocks, and secure the board by screwing it to the blocks.
3. By purchasing extra long gravel boards
This method is mainly used with continual feather edged fences, or any type of fencing that is fixed to the face of fence posts. In this case, gravel boards are purchased in longer lengths and, like the fence panels, fixed to the front of the fence posts rather than in between them.
Top tips for fitting gravel boards
Always use a spirit level to ensure everything is even and level when fitting a gravel board. Judging things by eye or your best guess is risky, and can lead to uneven fences.
Before starting, decide whether you want your gravel boards to be directly on the ground or suspended above it. Gravel boards fitted directly to the ground look aesthetically pleasing and will ensure your fences are secure below. It’s a good idea to bed your gravel boards in a layer of sand if you’re going for this method.
If you fit your gravel boards directly to the ground, consider adding holes in the fence to allow access for hedgehogs, who are becoming scarcer due to people tightening the perimeters around their gardens.
Alternatively, suspending your gravel boards slightly off the ground does offer some advantages, as this will allow water to flow beneath your fence during heavy rainfall, reducing the risk of deep puddles and flooding.
Get in touch with Somerlap for gravel boards, fencing, and more
From fitting gravel boards to choosing a fence style, at Somerlap we’re here for you through every stage of your fencing journey. Explore our extensive range of fences and fence accessories for more information on how to transform your outdoor space into the perfect private garden sanctuary, and contact us for any and all fencing advice.
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