Avoid These Common Mistakes When Installing Feather Edge Fencing

ByFast Fix Fencing Impington

Feather edge fencing remains one of the most popular choices for homeowners across the UK due to its strength, privacy, and traditional appearance. However, as straightforward as it might seem, installing feather edge fencing properly requires precision, planning, and the right approach. At Fast Fix Fencing Impington, we’ve seen countless examples where poor installation has led to costly repairs and unsightly results. In this post, we’ll highlight some of the most common mistakes people make when installing feather edge fencing – and how to avoid them.

Poor Planning and Measurement

One of the most frequent mistakes is failing to measure the site properly before installation. Uneven ground levels, unexpected obstacles, or incorrect spacing can all affect the final appearance and performance of the fence.

Avoid it by:

  • Accurately measuring your boundary lines
  • Marking out post positions with string lines
  • Taking ground gradients into account

This initial step lays the foundation for a straight, level, and long-lasting fence.

Using Inadequate or Low-Quality Materials

Trying to save money by choosing budget materials can backfire. Feather edge fencing requires pressure-treated timber to resist rot, fungal decay, and insect damage. Undersized posts or thin rails can weaken the entire structure.

What to use instead:

  • Heavy-duty timber posts (ideally 100mm x 100mm)
  • Treated feather edge boards with a minimum thickness of 22mm
  • Corrosion-resistant galvanised nails or screws

At Fast Fix Fencing Impington, we only use materials built to withstand the British weather for years to come.

Incorrect Post Installation

Posts that aren’t installed deep enough or are simply dropped into soil without proper fixing will cause a fence to lean or collapse over time. It’s a mistake we see all too often.

Best practice includes:

  • Digging post holes at least 600mm deep
  • Using concrete or a strong post mix for secure setting
  • Allowing curing time before attaching rails or boards

Secure posts are the backbone of any quality feather edge fence.

Overlooking Drainage and Airflow

Fencing needs to be installed with consideration for the surrounding environment. When feather edge boards are fitted too tightly, they can trap moisture and prevent air from circulating. This speeds up timber decay.

Avoid this by:

  • Leaving a slight gap between boards to allow for timber movement and ventilation
  • Ensuring there’s at least 50mm of clearance from the ground to the bottom of the fence
  • Avoiding installation in soggy or waterlogged ground without proper drainage

Ignoring airflow and drainage can cut your fence’s lifespan short.

Poor Alignment and Spacing

Uneven spacing of boards, misaligned rails, or crooked posts are clear signs of a rushed or unprofessional job. These not only look unattractive but can reduce structural integrity.

Tips to stay aligned:

  • Use a string line across the top of the posts for height consistency
  • Space feather edge boards evenly, overlapping by at least 25mm
  • Double-check levels and angles before fixing boards in place

These finishing details make a world of difference to the final look.

Lack of Professional Installation

While DIY might seem like a cost-effective option, fencing mistakes can be expensive to fix later. Hiring professionals ensures that the installation is completed safely, efficiently, and to a high standard.

At Fast Fix Fencing Impington, we bring years of experience and expertise to every fencing project. From initial groundwork to the final board, we take care of it all, leaving you with a fence that’s built to last.

Conclusion

Feather edge fencing is a superb choice for privacy and durability, but only when installed correctly. Avoiding common pitfalls such as poor planning, using substandard materials, and skipping essential groundwork will ensure your fence stands strong and looks great for years to come.

If you’re considering new fencing in Impington or the wider Cambridge area, don’t leave it to chance. Contact Fast Fix Fencing Impington today for a free, no-obligation quote and expert advice tailored to your property. Let us handle your installation the right way – from the ground up.

Call us on: 01223 912 290
Click here to find out more about Fast Fix Fencing Impington
Click here to complete our contact form and see how we can help with your fencing needs.

This is a photo of feather edge fencing installed in a residential property by Fast Fix Fencing Impington

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