How to Install Featheredge Fencing – Step-by-Step Guide

How to Install Featheredge Fencing – Step-by-Step Guide

Featheredge or 'Continuous' fencing is one of or firm favourites to install and it's also one of the most popular fencing styles in the UK, and for good reason. It’s strong, secure, and offers great privacy, making it ideal for gardens, boundaries, and backyards. Whether you're a keen DIYer or just looking to understand the process before hiring a professional, this step-by-step guide will show you how to install featheredge fencing the right way.

We’ll walk you through planning, materials, digging post holes, fixing rails, attaching boards, and finishing off, all while helping you avoid the most common mistakes people make when building a fence.

What is Featheredge Fencing?

Featheredge fencing is built using vertical timber boards that taper from thick to thin and overlap one another. These boards are fixed to horizontal rails, which are in turn supported by sturdy fence posts.

It’s typically installed in a closeboard style with either timber or concrete posts and optional gravel boards at the base. The result is a smart, traditional fence that offers long-lasting protection and excellent visual appeal.  We almost always use timber posts to install our featheredge fencing systems.

Benefits of Featheredge Fencing:

  • Great privacy and security
  • Very durable, especially with pressure-treated timber
  • Customisable height and layout
  • Ideal for sloping ground
  • Easy to repair individual boards if damaged

Tools & Materials You’ll Need:

Before you start, make sure you have the right gear. Here’s a checklist:

Materials:

Tools:

  • Tape measure
  • String line and pegs
  • Spirit level
  • Saw or circular saw
  • Hammer or nail gun
  • Cordless drill/driver
  • Spade or post hole digger
  • Wheelbarrow and shovel (if mixing concrete)
  • PPE – gloves, safety glasses, etc.

Step 1: Plan and Measure Your Fence Line

Start by measuring the total length of your fence line. This will help you calculate how many posts, rails, and featheredge boards you’ll need.

Tips for Planning:

  • Fence posts are usually spaced at 1.8m (6ft) centres. Extending this will undoubtably present structural problems over time.
  • Allow a 25mm (1 inch) overlap per featheredge board
  • Don’t forget to include gate gaps or access points

Use a string line and pegs to mark out the run of your fence. This will help ensure a straight and tidy installation.

You can't beat a properly straight fence run.  We would never entertain installing a fence without a string line.  

Step 2: Dig and Set Fence Posts

Dig post holes roughly 600mm deep (or one-third the height of your finished fence). For example, for a 6ft high fence, dig a 2ft hole and use an 8ft post.

Set each post using Postcrete or a strong concrete mix, checking that it’s perfectly upright with a spirit level.

Tip: Add a slight fall away from the post to encourage water runoff and reduce rot.

Allow the concrete to set fully before moving on. This typically takes around 20 to 30 minutes if using Postcrete. You can be working on the next hole whilst your post is setting.

Step 3: Fix Rails

Once your posts are in place and secure, fix three horizontal rails between them: top, middle, and bottom. These support the featheredge boards and help keep your fence rigid and square.

The top rail should be right at the top of your posts.  This provides a secure surface to attach your top cap to.

Top Tip: Use a spirit level to keep your rails level and evenly spaced for a professional finish.

Step 4: Fit Gravel Boards (Optional but Recommended)

Gravel boards run along the bottom of the fence to prevent your featheredge boards from sitting directly on the ground. This helps avoid water damage and prolongs the life of the fence.

You can use 4x1 or 6x1 Timber rails as a gravel board. Make sure they’re level along the full length of the fence.

Step 5: Install Featheredge Boards

Now for the satisfying part – attaching the featheredge boards.

Start at one end of the fence. Fix the first board vertically, ensuring it's plumb. Then continue along the fence, overlapping each subsequent board by around 25mm (1 inch). Use two nails per rail, per board.

Most boards are 150mm (6 inches) wide, so with a 25mm overlap, each board will cover around 125mm of your fence.

Pro Tip: Use a spacer (or offcut of timber) to keep your overlaps consistent all the way along.

Step 6: Trim the Top and Add a Capping Rail (Optional)

Once all boards are in place, trim the tops for a neat, level finish. You can use a chalk line and circular saw, or simply work along the top with a hand saw and eye it in.

You may also want to fit a capping rail along the top. This helps shield the tops of the boards from rain and gives the fence a smarter finish.

Step 7: Apply Treatment or Paint

If your timber wasn’t pressure-treated beforehand, apply a quality wood preservative or fence paint. This helps prevent rot, warping, and fungal growth. Even pre-treated timber can benefit from a protective topcoat.

All of our timber here at timbersupplycentre.co.uk is tanalised for protection from rot and insect infestation.

Bonus Tip: Go for a high-quality micro-porous treatment for deep penetration and better water resistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will a featheredge fence last?

With proper installation and treatment, a featheredge fence can last 15 to 20 years or longer.

Can I install featheredge fencing on a slope?

Yes, featheredge is ideal for sloping gardens. You can either step the panels and posts or rake the boards to follow the gradient.

Do I need planning permission for a featheredge fence?

You typically don’t need permission if the fence is under 2 metres (6ft 6in) high and not adjacent to a highway. Always check with your local authority if you’re unsure.

Wrapping Up

Installing featheredge fencing is a rewarding job that, when done right, adds privacy, style, and security to your property. By following the steps above and taking your time to get it right, you'll end up with a sturdy and professional-looking fence that stands the test of time.

If DIY sounds like more hassle than you bargained for, we’re here to help.

Need Professional Installation in Chester?

At The Fencing Bloke, we supply and install high-quality featheredge fencing across Chester and the surrounding areas. Whether you need a single run replaced or a full garden transformation, our friendly team is just a call away.

📞 Contact us for a free quote – no pressure, no nonsense.

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