- Pressure treated fence posts in a choice of brown or green and in a choice of lengths
- A choice of fence post dimensions, either ex 3"x3" sawn timber (75x75mm) or ex 4"x4" smooth planed with rounded edges (finished size 90x90mm)
- A choice of post supports to suit 3"x3" or 4"x4" posts, including drive-in spikes and bolt down brackets
- A choice of post caps, either wooden to suit 3"x3" or stainless steel to suit 4"x4" posts
- A selection of microporous wood preservatives in a wide choice of colours
WOODEN FENCE POSTS: Pressure treated timber fence posts are available in a range of lengths to suit your needs. The 3"x3" posts feature sawn timber and are available in a choice of a pressure treated green or brown finish. The 4"x4" posts feature smooth planed timber with rounded edges and are available in a pressure treated green finish. The posts can be set in the ground, normally in concrete, or you can use galvanized steel post supports. If you plan to set your posts in the ground we recommend posts at least 2' or 24" longer (600mm) than the fence height e.g. 6' high panel requires 8' long posts. Longer posts are recommended at sites with a significant slope. If you plan to use steel post supports we recommend posts at least 1' or 12" longer (300mm) than the fence height e.g. 6' high panel requires 7' long posts.
The most popular post size for fencing is 3"x3" but we also offer 4"x4". That extra inch does not sound much but it is much stronger. We recommend 4"x4" posts at any exposed site, especially for 5' or 6' high panels. It is also worth considering 4"x4" if you are paying for professional installation. The cost of installing fence panels with 3"x3" or 4"x4" posts is exactly the same but the fence with thicker posts should last longer.
GALVANIZED STEEL POST SUPPORTS: We offer a choice of different steel post supports to simplify and improve the installation process. Setting posts in the ground in the traditional way requires the excavation of deep holes. Care is also required when backfilling the holes. You can use wet concrete, dry lean mix concrete or compacted rubble. Concrete should be finished below ground level and chamferred away from the post at the top. At the bottom the post must penetrate below the concrete for drainage purposes. A degree of skill and effort is required and there is always the worry that posts set in the ground are more likely to rot over time. Posts set in our steel post supports should be set above the ground with little or no direct contact with the ground. We offer 2 types of steel fence post supports:
DRIVE-IN SPIKES: Short offcuts of wood are placed in the sockets and the spikes are driven into the ground with a sledgehammer. The offcuts should be about 8" long (200mm). You can use offcuts from the fence posts or any similar wood offcuts. This method can be very quick and easy, especially in softer soils. However, it can be harder in heavy clay or stony ground. It is not always as precise as other methods because a large stone below ground may deflect the spike slightly out of line. Professional fence erectors do not often use drive-in spikes which were developed for the DIY market. This is our most popular type of post support.
BOLT DOWN POST SUPPORTS: Bolt down post supports can save you a lot of work if your fencing passes over an area of existing concrete. Instead of breaking up the concrete or cutting a hole through it you can simply bolt one or two of these post supports directly into the concrete. 2 fixings are required per post support, on opposite sides, so you just need to drill a couple of holes. Although much easier to use these post supports are not as strong as the other options we offer, so we do not recommend fixing long runs of fencing this way. There are 2 slightly different types offered. The box shape socket surrounds the post to provide the strongest fix if this is your preference. The U-shape socket can be fitted with the flanges barely visible if this is you prefer.
A CHOICE OF POST CAPS: Post caps are not only an attractive design feature but also an important way to protect your investment. The post caps cover and protect the exposed end of each post to keep the water out, which ensures greater durability. They are also a great way to enhance the appearance of your fence. We offer two distinct styles. For 3"x3" posts you can choose either square timber posts caps for a more traditional appearance or timber post caps with a decorative round ball which also discharges rainwater. For 4"x4" posts we offer galvanized steel post caps with a decorative round ball. The wooden post caps are larger in area than the posts to ensure an overhang. The ideal fixings are small and narrow lost head nails fixed from above at an angle. The galvanized steel post caps surround the top of the posts and are fixed from the side.
MICROPOROUS PRESERVATIVE - DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR: Our quality microporous preservatives are impervious to water but not to water vapour. This allows the wood to breathe. You can order up to 3 separate colours if required. At least two coats are normally required with a further coat at periodic intervals.
Our 3 star preservative is practical and affordable with a choice of 4 colours. It covers around 10 square metres per litre and normally lasts 1-2 years before a further coat is required.
Our 4 star preservative is a high quality preservative which covers around 9 square metres per litre and normally lasts 2-5 years before a further coat is required. It is available with a choice of 12 colours.
Our 5 star preservative is a deluxe high build preservative which can be used to achieve a stunning finish. Each extra coat increases the colour and sheen. It covers around 8 square metres per litre and normally lasts 2-5 years before a further coat is required. It is available with a choice of 12 colours.
Based on average coverage five litres of our 4 star preservative is enough for two coats on an 8'x10' shed or an 8'x8' log cabin. Ten litres is enough for three coats on a 10'x16' shed or a 12'x10' log cabin. Coverage varies according to the smoothness of the surface and the porosity of the timber. We recommend that you order more than you need to be sure that you have easily enough. All of these preservatives are safe for use with children and pets. These microporous preservatives are only available when you purchase a Summer garden building or if you purchased a Summer building in the past. Prices include free mainland delivery to England, Wales and southern Scotland. Colours are only as accurate as reproductive techniques allow.
WATERPROOF COLOUR SEAL - DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR: This advanced water-based microprous timber treatment uses the latest high-tech nanotechnology to create a long-lasting waterproof wood coating that is environmentally friendly. It is suitable for use on all softwood and hardwood products and is especially recommended for use on pressure treated timber, including sheds, summerhouses, gazebos, fencing and garden furniture. This timber treatment will colour, protect and enhance your exterior wood. It contains a mould inhibitor to protect the coating and can be used on all outside and inside timber. It gives a traditional matt wood stain finish in a range of natural colours. It can easily be applied by sprayer, brush or roller. It is recommended that the second coat is applied as soon as the first coat is touch dry. We advise for ultimate performance the timber has a wood preservative pre-treatment. For the first treatment, two coats are recommended and will give a traditional wood stain finish that is long lasting. A further coat is recommended every 2-5 years. One litre covers approximately 10-12 square metres. Coverage varies according to the smoothness of the surface and the porosity of the timber. On average five litres covers a 12x8 shed with two coats and ten litres covers a 10x20 with three coats. It is recommended that 2 coats be applied. We recommend that you order more than you need to be sure that you have easily enough. The appearance of colours and shades may vary between different screens or devices. Prices include free mainland delivery to England, Wales and southern Scotland.
WATERPROOF CLEAR SEAL - DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR: Our hardwearing clear seal is ideal as a clear varnish for bare timber or as a waterproof top coat for painted wood and pressure treated timber. It is also ideal as a waterproof floor varnish, especially the polyurethane clear seal. The smooth and shiny finished surface is waterproof and easy to clean. Available in a choice of acrylic or polyurethane, these colourless water based coatings are almost odourless and recommended for smooth planed timber only. One coat is normally required as a sealing top coat on painted or treated timber. A minimum of two coats are normally required on untreated wood. Up to three coats may be required for floors. An unsealed timber floor quickly shows muddy boot marks and other dirt. For best results a floor should be treated at the earliest opportunity while the timber is new and clean. On average five litres of our 5 star clear seal is enough for three coats on a 12'x12' floor, two coats on the walls of an 8'x8' log cabin or one coat on the walls of a 12'x16' log cabin. We recommend that you order more than you need to be sure that you have easily enough. The price includes free mainland delivery to England, Wales and southern Scotland.
