There is nothing quite like a "Before and After" to demonstrate the value of quality craftsmanship. At Joe's Fencing, we take immense pride in turning tired, broken boundaries into secure, stylish assets for Bristol homeowners.
In this case study, we are highlighting a recent project in Horfield that perfectly illustrates the challenges of the local landscape and why Featheredge (Closeboard) fencing is often the ultimate solution.
The Project Brief: The "Before"
We were contacted by a homeowner who had finally lost the battle against the British weather. Their existing boundary was a standard "overlap" panel fence installed about eight years ago.
The issues were immediately apparent during our initial site survey:
- Storm Damage: The prevailing winds had battered the panels, causing several to bow and split. Two panels had blown out completely during the storms earlier in the year.
- Rotten Posts: The original 3-inch timber posts had been set in insufficient concrete. Ground rot had set in, meaning the fence was swaying dangerously with every gust of wind.
- Privacy Issues: As the fence leaned, gaps appeared, leaving the garden overlooked by the neighbouring property and the street behind.
- Sloping Ground: The garden had a gradual slope that the previous "stepped" panel installation handled poorly, leaving large gaps at the bottom where the family dog could potentially escape.
The client wanted a replacement that was stronger, taller, and more private. They wanted a "fit and forget" solution that wouldn't need replacing in another few years.
The Solution: Heavy-Duty Featheredge
Given the wind exposure and the need for security, we recommended a custom-built Featheredge (Closeboard) Fence.
Unlike pre-made panels, Featheredge is constructed from scratch on-site. This offers three key advantages for this specific project:
- Strength: It creates a continuous, solid barrier with no weak points between panels.
- Flexibility: We could build the fence to follow the slope of the garden seamlessly, keeping the top rail level while the bottom followed the ground contours—eliminating the "dog gaps."
- Durability: We opted for 4-inch pressure-treated timber posts and three heavy-duty arris rails to provide maximum resistance against wind load.
The Installation Process
Day 1: Demolition and Groundworks
The first task was clearing the site. We dismantled the old panels and pulled out the rotten posts. As is typical in Bristol, the ground was a mix of heavy clay and rocky subsoil.
To ensure this new fence would stand for decades, we dug new post holes to a depth of 600mm (2ft). We spaced the posts at 1.8m intervals—closer than the standard 2.4m you might see with cheaper installations—to provide extra rigidity.
Day 2: The Framework
With the posts concreted in and set using rapid-hardening Postcrete, we installed the framework. We attached three triangular "arris rails" horizontally between the posts. We also installed a gravel board at the base.
Pro Tip: The gravel board is crucial. It sits on the ground so the vertical featheredge boards don't have to. If the gravel board eventually rots in 10-15 years, it is cheap and easy to replace, whereas the main fence remains untouched.
Day 3: Cladding and Finishing
This is where the fence takes shape. We nailed individual vertical boards (featheredge) to the rails, overlapping each one by 25mm. This overlap is what gives the fence its name and its privacy; there are absolutely no gaps for prying eyes.
Finally, we added a capping rail to the top. This isn't just decorative; it acts as a roof for the fence, stopping rain from soaking into the end grain of the vertical boards.
The Result: The "After"
The transformation was instant. The garden went from feeling exposed and neglected to feeling like a private, secure sanctuary.
- Security: The 6ft height and solid construction provide a formidable barrier.
- Aesthetics: The seamless run of timber looks smart and makes the garden feel larger and more organised.
- Stability: The "wobble test" confirmed that this fence isn't going anywhere. It is rock solid.
The customer was delighted: "It feels like a completely different garden. The noise from the road has dampened, and we finally feel like we have our privacy back. It looks incredibly sturdy compared to the old panels."
Is Your Fence Ready for an Upgrade?
You don't have to wait for your fence to fall down to upgrade it. If your current boundary is looking tired, leaning, or rotting, a new installation can add value to your home and peace of mind to your life.
Check out our gallery for more examples of our work, or get in touch for a consultation.
Featured Image Image [A split image: Left side shows a leaning, broken panel fence with gaps. Right side shows a brand new, straight, golden-brown featheredge fence with a capping rail.] Image Alt Text [Before and after featheredge fencing installation in Bristol] Tags Select Tags Case Study Featheredge Fencing Installation Bristol Garden Makeover SEO Settings Meta Title Before and After: Featheredge Fence Installation | Joe's Meta Description See the transformation of a Bristol garden with our Featheredge fencing case study. We replaced rotten panels with a strong, wind-proof custom boundary.