Installing Fence Panels Over a Step

[Cellophaneskies]

Hi all

For various reasons not worth going over in too much detail I need to install new fence panels along the edge of my garden. There is a step/sharp change in elevation along the way - think two normal bricks tall.

My instinct was to install a fence panel that ends at the step, post at the step, and then fence panel as normal beyond that, but the step is not 'standard fence panel' width away from the side of the house - unless I were to cut a panel to make it less wide which I imagine isn't as simple as it sounds.

My other thought was to cut the corner out of a fence panel. So Post 1 would be before the step, post 2 after it. Panel slots in between them. to allow the panel to hit the floor both sides of the step, I'd cut the corner out of the panel - this would be something like a 50cm x 20cm or so. So imagine a fence panel with a square cut out of the lower left side.

Does this sound sensible or should I approach this in a different way. I've drawn something beautiful in paint to illustrate.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

I would cut a bit out of the panel and then refix the perimeter battens around the cut edge. You'll need a bit of extra batten for the vertical bit.

 

[Cellophaneskies]

I would cut a bit out of the panel and then refix the perimeter battens around the cut edge. You'll need a bit of extra batten for the vertical bit.

thanks. yes depending on how the panel is constructed I'll need to pay mind to the battens in that position!

 

[big-all]

gravel board then fence level with and along the tread??
gravel boards 150mm fence panels come in 4ft and 5ft as well

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

thanks. yes depending on how the panel is constructed I'll need to pay mind to the battens in that position!

If they're just the standard panels then it's just a batten nailed to each side, just nee to saw your hole size, remove the offending battens from the off cut and re-nail them on to the fence, with a bit more batten on the vertical as mentioned.

 

[Odds]

As above^, although i'd consider the gap size along the fence where it meets up against the step - allow half an inch or so to allow rain to run off and avoid damp setting into the fence.

 

[Odds]

A chain link fence is a different type to the op's requirements, really. Hard to see how that helps in this case.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Drop the panel in place, then fill the gap, with gravel-board/bricks or what ever, to bring it up to the step level.

 

[morqthana]

If the panels are of good quality they should fine to cut.

But I wouldn't dream of doing it without fixing the perimeter battens in place first.

I assume that arris rails and feather-edge boards are not wanted?

 

[morqthana]

It sounds like you're dealing with a tricky elevation change. Cutting a panel to fit the step could work, but it might weaken the structure, especially if the cutout removes part of the framing. If possible, using separate panels with a post at the step is usually the more stable option.

Another approach worth considering is using a fencing style that adapts better to uneven ground. This article explains how to install a chain link fence on a slope, which might give you some useful ideas: https://www.wirefence.co.uk/install-chain-link-fence-on-a-slope/

Hope that helps!

That's the second post you've made on the day of joining to promote a fencing company.

Are you a blotchy pink colour with a slightly greasy complexion? 'cos you smell like spam.

 

[Cellophaneskies]

All good advice here. I’ll certainly consider the battens on the rear of the fence. Perhaps add an additional one above my cut out to supplement any others.

Arris rails look like the battens on the rear? I don’t really mind what’s in the rear of the fence. My assumption was it would be a feather board style with 2 or three battens running along the back for the boards to adhere to

 

[morqthana]

All good advice here. I’ll certainly consider the battens on the rear of the fence. Perhaps add an additional one above my cut out to supplement any others.

What people were saying is that when you cut the corner out you'll need to replace the supporting edge timbers along the cut edges. My advice is to get some treated battens and fix those to the panel before you cut the corner out.

Arris rails look like the battens on the rear? I don’t really mind what’s in the rear of the fence. My assumption was it would be a feather board style with 2 or three battens running along the back for the boards to adhere to

What I meant was I assume you want to use prefabricated panels rather than put up posts and rails and then fix F/E boards to the rails?

Because if you do the latter it's trivial to cut some boards to a different length...

 

[Cellophaneskies]

What people were saying is that when you cut the corner out you'll need to replace the supporting edge timbers along the cut edges. My advice is to get some treated battens and fix those to the panel before you cut the corner out.



What I meant was I assume you want to use prefabricated panels rather than put up posts and rails and then fix F/E boards to the rails?

View attachment 374199

Because if you do the latter it's trivial to cut some boards to a different length...

Yes, it would be prefab panels. I want them to go between concrete posts so slot into place.