Fencing Accessories

A complete fence installation requires more than just panels and posts — a range of accessories ensures everything is fitted correctly, securely, and built to last. For a standard panel fence using concrete posts, you will need gravel boards to sit at ground level beneath the panels, post caps to protect the tops of any timber posts, and a bag of fast-setting post mix such as Postcrete for anchoring posts in the ground. If you are using timber posts with feather edge or closeboard boards rather than pre-made panels, arris rails and arris rail brackets will be required to create the horizontal framework that the boards are fixed to. Panel clips or fence brackets are used where panels are screwed to the face of a timber post rather than slotted into a concrete post. Fixings such as galvanised screws or nails are needed throughout, and a spirit level, string line, and post rammer are the key tools for achieving a straight, level run. Planning your accessories before starting will save time on site and help avoid return trips to the merchant mid-installation.

A fence post spike is a galvanised steel anchor driven into the ground using a post rammer or sledgehammer, into which a timber fence post is then inserted and bolted secure. The main advantage of post spikes is speed — no digging or concrete is required, making them ideal for DIY projects where a quick installation is needed. Because the spike holds the post above ground level, it also reduces the risk of rot at the post base by keeping the timber away from direct contact with damp soil. Post spikes are well suited to garden fencing on firm, free-draining ground and work particularly well for lighter fencing such as picket panels, trellis, or short fence runs. However, they are not recommended as the sole fixing method for solid panel fencing in exposed or high-wind locations — for full-height privacy panels, concreted-in posts or concrete slotted posts provide far greater stability and long-term reliability. As a general guideline, no more than three consecutive panels should be supported by spikes alone without an intermediate concreted post to prevent lateral movement accumulating along the fence run.

A bolt-down post shoe is a galvanised steel base plate designed to anchor a fence post onto an existing hard surface such as concrete, stone, or tarmac where digging in is not possible. The shoe is fixed to the surface using anchor bolts or coach screws, and the fence post slots into the steel collar above the base plate and is secured with bolts. This type of support is particularly useful along patio edges, on driveways, at the base of walls, or anywhere that a sub-surface obstruction prevents traditional post installation. Bolt-down shoes come in standard sizes to suit 75mm and 100mm square timber posts and are available in both standard and heavy-duty versions for different load requirements. A key benefit is that they hold the post base clear of the surface, significantly reducing the risk of timber rot compared to posts set directly into the ground. When installing bolt-down shoes on concrete, 8 x 75mm anchor bolts are recommended to provide sufficient pull-out resistance, particularly in exposed positions where wind loading on the fence panels will place significant lateral force on the fixing.

Arris rails are the horizontal triangular-section timber rails used in feather edge and closeboard fencing to span between fence posts and provide the framework onto which individual boards are nailed. The triangular profile is designed to shed rainwater away from the boards rather than allowing it to pool on a flat surface, which helps extend the life of the fence. Traditional arris rails had pointed ends cut to fit into mortise slots in the fence post, but on modern installations — and for repairs to existing fences — galvanised arris rail brackets are used instead. These brackets allow a standard, flat-ended arris rail to be attached to a timber or concrete post without any cutting or mortising. For timber posts, the bracket is screwed directly to the post face; for concrete slotted posts, a concrete adaptor arris bracket is hammered into the mortise hole and the rail is then fixed to it. Arris rails are typically supplied in 3 metre lengths and are available pressure-treated as standard. For a 1.8 metre high closeboard fence, three arris rails per bay are recommended — positioned near the top, middle, and base of the panel — to provide adequate support for the boards.

A fence post repair spur is a galvanised steel spike used to salvage a fence post that has rotted at or below ground level without requiring the full post to be removed and replaced. The repair spur is driven into the ground alongside the damaged post using a sledgehammer, positioned so that its steel collar sits flush against the sound section of the existing post above the rot. The post is then bolted through to the spur collar using coach bolts, effectively transferring the structural load from the rotten base to the new steel anchor in the ground. Repair spurs are available in sizes to suit 75mm and 100mm posts and provide a cost-effective and relatively quick solution that avoids the significant disruption of breaking out an existing concrete footing. They are particularly useful where the post has rotted at ground level but the above-ground section remains structurally sound. A repair spur is best considered a practical medium-term fix rather than a permanent solution — if the fence is otherwise in good condition, it can buy several additional years of service life before a full post replacement becomes necessary.

Gravel board clips are small galvanised metal brackets used to fix a gravel board to the base of a fence post, holding it securely in position at ground level between posts. They are available in different versions for timber posts and for concrete slotted posts, as the fixing method differs between the two. For timber posts, the clips are screwed directly to the post face; for concrete posts, clips are designed to grip the post profile without the need for drilling. Gravel boards sit between the bottom of the fence panel and the ground, keeping the timber panel clear of damp soil and standing water — the primary cause of rot in timber panel fencing. Without clips to hold them in place, gravel boards can shift, bow outward, or work loose over time, reducing their effectiveness and leaving the panel base exposed. Using the correct clips for your post type ensures the gravel board stays level and in contact with the ground along its full length, which is particularly important on uneven terrain. Fitting gravel board clips is a straightforward task that takes only a few minutes per post and makes a meaningful contribution to the long-term durability of the fence.

A fence post extender is a galvanised steel connector used to join two timber posts end to end, effectively increasing the height of an existing post without the need to remove it from the ground and replace it with a longer one. The extender fits over the top of the in-ground post and the new extension post slides into the collar above, with both sections bolted firmly through the connector. This is a particularly useful accessory when a homeowner wants to add trellis panels on top of an existing fence to increase privacy or height, where the existing posts are not tall enough to support the additional section. Post extenders are available for 75mm and 100mm square posts and are made from galvanised steel for long-term outdoor use. They represent a straightforward and cost-effective alternative to a full post replacement, which would involve breaking out the concrete footing — a significantly more disruptive and time-consuming task. When adding height to an existing fence using extenders, always check that the total fence height will not exceed permitted development limits for your property before carrying out the work.

Choosing the right fixings is important for a fence that stays secure and does not deteriorate prematurely due to corrosion. All fixings used in outdoor fencing should be galvanised or stainless steel as a minimum — standard zinc-plated screws or bright steel nails will rust quickly in outdoor conditions, leaving unsightly staining on the timber and weakening the fixing over time. For attaching fence panels to timber posts, 65mm to 75mm galvanised ring-shank nails or 50mm to 65mm galvanised screws are the most widely used options. Torx-head exterior screws are preferred by many installers as the head design resists cam-out better than Phillips or slotted heads, which is particularly helpful in wet conditions. For fixing arris rails to posts or attaching gravel board clips, 50mm galvanised screws provide adequate holding strength. Gate hinges, latches, and any ironmongery used on fence gates should be heavy-duty galvanised or stainless steel to handle the repeated loading of gate movement. Never mix stainless steel and galvanised fixings in close contact, as the difference in metal types can cause galvanic corrosion over time — stick to one standard throughout each section of the installation.

Postcrete is a pre-mixed fast-setting concrete product specifically formulated for anchoring fence posts, gate posts, and other timber uprights in the ground. Unlike standard concrete which requires mixing and takes several hours to set, Postcrete begins setting within minutes of water being added and reaches working strength within around 10 minutes, allowing the fence installation to continue rapidly without long delays between posts. To use it, dig a hole to the correct depth — a minimum of 600mm for a 1.8 metre fence — pour a small amount of water into the bottom of the hole, position and level your post, then pour Postcrete dry from the bag around the post and add water on top. Agitate gently with a rod to ensure the mix distributes evenly and check the post is plumb with a spirit level as it begins to set. Two to three bags of Postcrete per post is standard for most garden fence installations, with three bags recommended for soft ground, exposed locations, or taller posts supporting gates. Always leave the Postcrete to cure for at least 24 hours before attaching fence panels, as fitting panels too early can knock posts out of alignment before the concrete has fully hardened.

Adding trellis on top of an existing fence is a popular way to increase privacy, support climbing plants, or simply improve the appearance of a boundary without replacing the fence entirely. The most straightforward method is to use fence post extenders to raise the height of each existing post, then fit the trellis panels between the extended posts using panel clips or screws. Where the existing posts are already at or near their maximum usable height, trellis mounting brackets can be used to attach a trellis frame directly to the top of the fence panel itself, though this method provides less structural support and is better suited to lightweight trellis in sheltered positions. If the intention is purely decorative and the trellis will carry climbing plants, purpose-made trellis panel clips offer a quick and clean fixing method that avoids the need for drilling into the fence post. Before adding height to any boundary fence, always check that the total height — including the trellis — will not exceed 2 metres for rear and side boundaries or 1 metre where the fence adjoins a highway or public footpath, as exceeding these limits under UK permitted development rules requires planning permission.