Fencing & Gates — Straight Lines, Secure Posts & Clean Finishes
Good fencing should be straight, sturdy and tidy, with posts that don’t lean and boards that sit level for years. We handle the full job: confirm boundaries, agree heights, set lines and levels, then install posts, rails and boards with clean returns and neat junctions to sheds, paths and steps. Where access is tight, we work carefully to protect planting and surfaces, and we remove waste as we go. Gates are made to fit, ironmongery is sized for weight and use, and finishing is sensible for long life. The result is a fence run that looks measured, not improvised. Many Alton homeowners ask us to replace tired fencing with strong, straight lines that last.
Survey, Boundaries & Layout
We start with a walk-through: confirm whose side faces which way, check any existing posts, note services, trees and level changes, and agree where returns, corners and gates will land. Lines are set with string and lasers so panels/boards track level even on sloping ground. We’ll discuss privacy vs light, wind exposure and how the fence meets paths or patios, then mark out post centres to suit the chosen system for minimal cutting and a consistent rhythm along the run.
Heights, Levels & Neighbour Interfaces
Heights are agreed to suit privacy, local guidance and existing features. On slopes we choose stepped or raked runs to keep tops neat. Where the fence borders a neighbour, we confirm faces, post positions and access before work begins and keep communication friendly. At awkward junctions—sheds, trees, masonry—we template for a close fit and add trims so gaps don’t appear after the first storm.
Posts & Footings
Posts do the heavy lifting. We set them plumb, at consistent centres and to a depth/footing suited to height and exposure. Concrete footings are bell-shaped for grip, with the top weathered to shed water away from timber. For longevity we favour concrete posts with gravel boards or timber posts on repairable spurs; in minimal settings we can use metal post bases. Every post is braced during set-up so the line stays true while the concrete cures. This disciplined approach is why Alton fencing installations we build stay upright and secure through years of weather.
Concrete Spurs, In-ground Posts & Metposts
Concrete spurs let you retain/repair timber posts in future without digging out the footing—great on windy plots. Full concrete posts give maximum durability and accept slotted panels or closeboard rails. Where digging is limited, Metpost anchors can work for lower fences on firm ground. We’ll propose the right mix for your site, balancing appearance, lifespan and budget.
Rails, Boards & Panels
Closeboard (site-built) is strongest and most adaptable; panel systems are quick and consistent. We use straight, treated rails, stainless or galvanised fixings, and set clearances off the ground to reduce rot. Lines are checked as we go so boards stay level and gaps don’t creep. Posts and rails are sized for wind load and span—no flimsy uprights or under-spec timber.
Closeboard/Featheredge
Built on site with arris rails and counter/bearing rails, closeboard follows ground well and resists racking. We stagger featheredge boards, keep reveals consistent and cap with a neat top rail. Gravel boards protect the run from soil and strimmers, and we finish with tidy returns at ends and gates.
Decorative/Noise-reducing Panels
Where looks or sound matter, we can fit decorative slatted screens, trellis toppers or acoustic panels. Slatted runs are spaced consistently and backed where privacy is needed near seating. Acoustic panels are installed to manufacturer detail with sealed gaps and heavier posts. All panels are trimmed cleanly around obstacles and supported to avoid sag. Decorative panels are especially popular in Alton gardens where design and privacy matter in equal measure.
Gates & Ironmongery
Gates are made to size so they close without scuffing the ground or leaving large gaps. Frames are braced, hung on hinges rated for weight and frequency of use, and latched/locked to suit location. We allow for seasonal movement and set stops so latches meet cleanly. Where security matters, we add bolts, safety chains and robust keeps into solid structure—not just thin boarding.
Made-to-Measure Frames, Latches & Hinges
From simple pedestrian gates to wider double gates, we build straight, rigid frames with diagonal bracing in the right direction. Hinges are sized and fixed through bolted plates where possible; latches are positioned for comfort and reach. If you’d like soft-close or self-closing action, we’ll specify suitable hardware and posts to take the load.
Gravel Boards, Retaining & Steps
Gravel boards separate timber from soil splash and strimmers, extending life. On level changes we integrate short retaining details—concrete or sleeper—so soil doesn’t creep under the fence. Where a path meets a higher garden, we can add simple steps with safe risers and non-slip treads, tying finishes neatly into the fence line.
Finishing & Treatments
We use pressure-treated (class-appropriate) timber and recommend additional end-grain treatment on cuts. If you want colour, we’ll apply quality fence stains or paints once timber moisture is right, or leave for you to decorate later. Caps and weathered rails shed water, stainless/galv fixings avoid streaks, and we leave clear care notes so the fence stays smart. Many Alton clients appreciate our guidance on treatments that best suit local conditions and exposure.
Why Choose DM Jones Contractors
- ✓ Clear set-out with strings/lasers for level tops and straight lines.
- ✓ Posts sized, spaced and concreted properly for wind and height.
- ✓ Strong closeboard or quality panels with galvanised/stainless fixings.
- ✓ Concrete posts/spurs and gravel boards for long service life.
- ✓ Gates made to fit with hinges and latches sized for daily use.
- ✓ Neat details at steps, returns, sheds and masonry—no awkward gaps.
- ✓ Tidy sites, polite team, clear pricing and Alton references available.
Book a Site Measure
Send a couple of photos, rough lengths and the style you like. We’ll visit to confirm boundaries and levels, recommend the best post/panel option for your garden and provide a clear, itemised quotation with an install date that suits you.
