What to Expect During Your Fence Installation

If you have never had a fence installed before, it helps to know what the process looks like. A professional installation follows a clear sequence, and understanding each step means you know what to expect and can plan around it.

Before Installation Day

A good fencer will have already visited your property, measured the fence line, discussed the material and design, and provided a written quote. Before the crew arrives, they should confirm the start date and let you know roughly how long the job will take.

You can help by clearing the fence line of any furniture, pot plants, garden beds, or other items that might be in the way. If there is an old fence being removed, the crew will typically handle that as part of the job.

Step 1: Setting Out the Line

The first thing the crew does on site is mark out exactly where the fence will go. This involves string lines, spray paint, or pegs to establish a straight, accurate line. Post positions are measured and marked at consistent spacing, usually between 2.4 and 2.7 metres apart.

This is also when any adjustments for slopes, corners, or obstacles get finalised. If the ground is uneven, the crew will decide whether to step the fence or rake it to follow the contour.

Step 2: Digging Post Holes

Post holes are dug using a petrol-powered auger or by hand where access is tight. For a standard 1.8-metre fence, holes are typically 600 to 800 millimetres deep. The exact depth depends on the soil type and the height of the fence.

This is the noisiest part of the job and usually the quickest. On most residential jobs in Brisbane, all the post holes can be dug in a few hours.

Step 3: Setting Posts in Concrete

Once the holes are dug, posts go in and are plumbed (checked for vertical alignment) before concrete is poured around them. The concrete needs to set before the rest of the fence goes on, so depending on the job, the crew may wait a day before continuing.

Some installers use rapid-set concrete that firms up within a couple of hours, allowing rails and panels to go on the same day. This depends on the conditions and the fencer's preferred method.

Step 4: Rails and Panels

With the posts set and solid, horizontal rails are attached between them. For Colorbond, these are steel C-channels that the panels slot into. For timber, they are horizontal rails that the palings are nailed or screwed to.

This is when the fence really takes shape. Panel installation is methodical and relatively quick once the posts and rails are in place.

Step 5: Gates, Caps, and Finishing

Gates are hung last, once the fence line is complete and everything is aligned. Gate posts carry more load, so they are usually heavier gauge or set in larger footings.

Post caps, end trims, and any other finishing touches go on at this stage. The crew will also clean up the site, remove any leftover materials, and take away the old fence if that was part of the agreement.

How Long Does It Take?

A standard residential fence in Brisbane, say 30 to 40 metres, typically takes one to two days. Larger jobs, those involving retaining walls, difficult access, or significant slope work, can take longer.

Your fencer should give you a timeline before the job starts so you can plan accordingly.