Not sure what to order?

We hope the information below will be helpful to ensure you purchase all the materials and tools you will need to complete your garden project:

Fencing:

Fence panels come in 2 standard forms

	close board (vertical slats)

	overlap (horizontal slats)

As well as the standard flat top, they also come in a variety of decorative curved and bowed top panels. All panels are a standard 6ft width and vary from 3ft high up to 6ft high. These can be screwed or nailed directly onto the wooden post or placed between slotted concrete posts. An easy way to estimate the amount you will need is to measure the length of run required, let’s say 10.8mtrs, next divide the fence panel width (1.8m) into the run required (10.8mtrs) 10.8/1.8=6. This would mean you will need six panels. Once you have decided you need 6 bays you will then need 7 posts. Always add one more post to the number of bays required. Next consideration is finish height of the fence, a simple rule of thumb is to allow 2ft of post material into the ground to be concreted. Therefore for a 6ft finish height an 8ft post will be required. The other method is to use drive-in post supports (ground dependant) these drive in the ground 18” and sit proud of the ground by 6” the post is then clamped into the support. With this method a 6” post is used for a 6ft finish height. The last thing to consider is the use of a wooden gravel board at the bottom of the panel. This protects the fence panel from moisture from the ground and therefore the panel is protected from rotting. The gravel board would be replaced before the more expensive panel needs replacing. Last but not least are fence caps, these can be just squared and chamfered or decorative acorns or round spheres.

Gates

At HFS we can manufacture gates to your own design and specification or we have a range of named Wooden Gates which over the years have proved to be very popular and hardwearing. Things to consider when ordering gates are type of Gate, for instance a garden or side gate or an entrance gate. Once you have decided on a gate it’s time to think about design and the function. If the gate is for security purposes then maybe a fully framed fully boarded gate (Weston, Chacombe, Stowe). If it’s a more traditional type gate then maybe the Althorpe style would be more to your liking and taste. Material is also another option, we can supply all species of timber including kiln dried Scandinavian softwood, Oak, West African Mahogany, Iroko, Sapele etc. Once you have decided on your gates then you will need to consider your post requirements, this is best left to us for advice as it is dependant on your type of gate and ground type. Next is the finishing options, we will as standard pre treat all the timber with a clear spirit treatment, we then pre-paint all joints in a suitable base coat to ensure no moisture ingress. We can then apply a further two coats of stain to give the finished article its impressive finish. To complete the gate, hinges, bolts and latches can be supplied in black ironwork or galvanised finish.

The last fact to think about is if you require fully automated gates or manual operation, dependant on amount of usage and budget. (All our timber is sourced from sustkainable forests.)

Decking

Decking continues to be one of our most popular product lines, the use of a deck can turn the worst part of your garden into a fantastic useable area to entertain friends and family or relax and enjoy the summer sunshine. Things to consider are: position, sun, shade, size/functionality, single or split levels, handrails and decking material (hard/softwood).

HFS recommends a series of local landscapers and designers who can suggest the most appropriate use of space and supply a quotation for materials and fitting if required.