Federation Fences

This page describes the basic steps involved in the construction of Federation style fences which combines palings, lattice panels. and decorative finials. The fence is usually built as either 2.4 or 2.7 metres high. Halford supply all the necessary timber components which are dried after treatment for maximum stability. All timber is CCA treated for protection against termites and decay and and Halfords supply nails, bolts and fittings. These step by step assembly instructions allow anyone with basic carpentry skills to build a good looking and properly constructed fence.

Before starting to build your fence be sure you are informed about the safe use of treated timber and the correct construction methods.

A wide range of fence design books is available from the Sydney Building Information Centre at 525, Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills and TABMA Leaflet No. 8 on Ranch Fences (available from Halfords) provides useful additional information.

Make sure you have council approval for your project and that post holes are clear of power, gas, or telephone services.

Step1 - Setting out the fence Both corner posts and line posts are 100x100mm Posts are spaced at between 1.8 and 2.4 metres, usually 2.4m. If the fence length is not exactly divisible by the selected spacing, make the final panel shorter. Altermatively, equalise the difference over the last two or three panels. Mark out the line of the fence by driving pegs at the positions for corner posts and finishing posts. Run tight string lines from the set pegs making sure they are free of any obstruction. It is important at this point to check that the fence will stand completely within the surveyed boundary of the property.

The sketch at right shows the rail positions in relation to post height above ground.

Step 2 - Standing the posts
Stand corner posts and end posts and secure with temporary bracing. Position some of the intermediate posts in the same way. (The remaining posts can be lined up and set after the alignment is established ) Make sure the posts are vertical by checking with a builder’s level on front and side of every post. With the posts braced in position adjust until vertical in both planes by checking with a builders level on two sides. Dig post holes and embed posts as described in Sketches above and in this page.

Step 3 - Rail setting Set the top of the post either 1.5 or 1.8metres above ground (see Rail Positions sketch above) Rail positions will be determined by the pre-cut mortises. If non mortised rails are used, set rails at the distances shown in sketch. As An aid to correct location of rails use a block , cut from off-cuts, temporarily nailed to the inside of the post at a point which will support the bottom of the rail in the correct position. Remove the blocks when the rail is nailed into position. Angle cut the rails and butt up close in the mortise before nailing as shown in the Rail Positions sketch above and at right.

Step 4 - Fit the Palings
Plain palings are set side by side with tops in line with the upper surface of the top rail. For lapped palings fix the 150 x 15mm first, leaving 50mm gaps between. Then cover the gaps by nailing the 100x15mm palings over the gaps with equal overlap on each side.

Step 5 -Assembling the Lattice
The dimensions shown in the Sketch below are the correct sizes when posts are set at exact 2400 mm centres and vertical. Check the exact width between the inside faces of the posts before cutting and make any necessary adjustments to the dimensions to allow for variations. The lattice panel will be cut 50 mm shorter in width than the distance between the two faces.and the lattice surround or frame exactly the same measurement as the gap when measured from point to point. Cut the ends at 45 degree angles.

With the lattice panel set in the frame rebate, double nail at every corner with 65mm screws Pre-drill with a 6mm drill bit. Fix the assembled panel in place by screwing into place at the points shown as “x” in the sketch below.

Step 6 -Fixing the Post Capitals
Centre finials on post tops. Mark centres and drill and fit the lag screws or dowel provided.