We have all been there. You watch a 5-minute video online, buy a few tools, and think, "How hard can it be?"
With fencing, the answer is often: harder than you think. While we will never tell you not to have a go (we respect the effort!), we have also been called out to fix plenty of half-finished DIY jobs where the posts are wonky or the digging got too tough.
So, before you order that timber, here is our honest "Reality Check" on DIY fencing versus hiring a pro.
The DIY Reality: It’s Heavy Work
The biggest shock for most homeowners is the sheer physical weight of the materials.
- Concrete Posts: A standard concrete fence post weighs between 40kg and 50kg. Carrying one is hard; lifting ten of them into vertical holes while keeping them spirit-level straight is a serious workout.
- The Digging: Bristol soil is notorious. In some areas, it’s soft clay; in others, you hit bedrock or old construction rubble six inches down. Digging a 2ft deep hole by hand is exhausting work without industrial augers or breakers.
When You SHOULD Try DIY
We are honest tradesmen—we aren't trying to grab every penny. There are times when doing it yourself makes total sense:
- Like-for-Like Panel Swaps: If your concrete posts are solid and you just need to slide out an old rotten panel and drop in a new one? Go for it. You just need a second pair of hands to help lift.
- Painting & Staining: You definitely don't need a pro to paint a fence. Grab a brush or a sprayer and save yourself the labour cost.
- Small Picket Fences: If you are putting up a little 3ft decorative fence in soft soil, it’s a manageable weekend project.
When You Should Call a Professional
There are specific scenarios where the DIY route usually ends in frustration (or back pain):
1. You Have Sloped Ground
Bristol is hilly—just look at Totterdown or Brislington! Stepping a fence down a hill (so it looks level and professional) requires precise maths and custom-cut panels. If you get this wrong, you end up with ugly gaps under the fence where foxes and pets can escape.
2. You Want Concrete Posts
As mentioned, the weight is an issue. But also, once concrete sets, it sets. If your post is 2 degrees off-centre, you can't just "tweak" it later. We use rapid-set postcrete and specialized levels to ensure perfection before it hardens.
3. Security is Key
A fence is your home's first line of defence. A wobbly fence is an easy target for intruders or strong winds. Professionals ensure the posts are cemented deep enough (usually 2ft) to withstand leverage.
The Cost Comparison
DIY: Cheaper upfront. You pay for materials + tool hire (post hole digger, breaker) + waste disposal fees.
Professional: Higher upfront cost. But you pay for:
- Speed: We can do in 2 days what might take you 3 weekends.
- Guarantee: If a post wobbles, we come back.
- Waste: We take the old rotten wood away.
The Verdict
If you are fit, have the tools, and just need to replace a few panels on flat ground, give it a go! But if you need a full boundary replacement, concrete posts, or have a tricky garden slope, save your back and your weekends.
Not sure if it's too big of a job? Send us a photo on WhatsApp, and we'll give you our honest opinion.
Featured Image Image [A side-by-side comparison: One person struggling with a manual post digger vs a professional team using proper equipment.] Image Alt Text [DIY fencing vs professional installation pros and cons] Tags Select Tags DIY Tips Fencing Safety Garden Maintenance Bristol Landscaping Home Improvement SEO Settings Meta Title DIY vs Pro Fence Installation: What to Know Meta Description Thinking about DIY fencing? We weigh the pros and cons of installing it yourself versus hiring a Bristol professional to do the heavy lifting.