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Table of Contents
How do you support a concrete gravel board?
As a rule of thumb, dig holes that are about ⅓ the height of the posts to provide plenty of stability for your fence. Then, secure the posts by filling the holes in with cement. For example, if you have a stretch of ground 48 ft (15 m) long, you could use 8 posts spaced 6 ft (1.8 m) apart.
How do you hold a gravel board in place?
Position them either side of where the board will meet the post. Screw them in place. Then “slot” the gravel board end between the blocks. Screw through the blocks to secure the boards.
How do you secure gravel boards?
The quickest and easiest way of fixing gravel boards to timber fence posts is to use timber “cleats”. These are small pieces of pressure treated batten that are screwed to the fence post and the gravel board is then screwed to the cleat.
How do you use gravel board clips?
These gravel board clips are used to fix timber gravel boards to timber posts. Simply nail the bracket on to the timber post and slot your gravel board in to position. There are also side holes on the clip to further secure the gravel board. Very good product.
How heavy is a 6ft gravel board?
…
Specifications.
| Type | Recessed Concrete Gravel Board |
|---|---|
| Brand | Supreme |
| Dimensions | 50mm x 150mm |
| Length | 1830mm (1.83m) |
| Weight | 26kg (Approx.) |
How to Fit Gravel Boards
How long do gravel boards last?
Wooden gravel boards
Pressure-treated gravel boards should last seven or eight years, which offers good value for money when balanced against the cheaper initial outlay.
How to Fit Gravel Boards
Gravel boards are the unsung heroes of any fence installation, and yet they are rarely mentioned. What are they, what do they do and honestly, do you really need them?
We talk extensively with customers about their fencing project when preparing a quote; We talk about different styles, height and width required, hardwood or softwood fence even if you want wood, concrete or composite fence posts. But the conversation customers are most likely to shrug off is the one about gravel boards.
Gravel boards serve such a useful purpose, but many people don’t know what they are, and those who do often think they’re just an extra expense they can do without. We think this is a short-sighted view.
What are gravel slabs?
Gravel boards are wide boards, typically 140 to 150mm high, that are tucked under your fence panel to prevent it from touching the ground or grass below. Their main purpose is to prevent moisture from the ground from rotting your fence panels, but they also provide protection from insects or termites that could damage the fence.
Properly installed gravel boards will extend the life of your fence and save you the expense of frequent repairs or replacements. While not absolutely necessary, they make a lot of sense in the long run.
And if the gravel boards themselves need to be replaced, you can do so without having to replace the entire fence, which is a much cheaper solution.
Other benefits of gravel boards?
So much for the practical reasons for adding gravel boards to your fencing project. But to be honest we also think they look good. Gravel boards give a more professional, even finish to a fence line, hide small gaps and reduce any glaring and uneven “steps” when your fence panels are on sloping terrain, as shown below.
What are they made of?
Gravel boards are most commonly made from wood, concrete, or galvanized steel composite (we recommend the Durapost fencing system, which we also install). There are pros and cons to each, so here’s a quick summary.
Wooden gravel boards
Wooden gravel boards give a traditional look and are very aesthetic, especially when they match the wood of the fence panel; They are also environmentally friendly when panels come from FSC certified sources and are cheaper to purchase and install than other materials. Pressure treated gravel should last seven or eight years, which is good value when weighed against the lower initial cost.
Concrete gravel slabs
Concrete gravel slabs require very little maintenance, are strong, durable and safe. On the other hand, they are not very pretty to look at and concrete is not a very environmentally friendly product either. Concrete slabs are more expensive, both to purchase and to install (due to their weight, you’ll need more than one worker to install them), but they won’t need to be replaced for many years.
Durapost composite gravel panels
Lightweight, low maintenance and durable, Durapost gravel boards are available in a range of colors to complement the rest of the Durapost fence post system. Made from galvanized composite steel, they will not warp or rot and are pleasing to the eye, especially if you are going for a clean, contemporary look in your garden. They’re not as cheap as wooden gravel boards, but the extra cost is a good long-term investment for such a stylish and durable solution.
We hope you’re just as much a fan of gravel boards as we are by now, so don’t neglect them when planning your new fence. Talk to our trusted installation team about the options.
Call us on 01865 863428 or 07900 938061 or email [email protected].
What is a gravel board cleat?
Timber Cleat for Gravel Boards
Timber Cleats are small timber blocks that are used for the installation of gravel boards in Closeboard Fencing bays.
How to Fit Gravel Boards
Timber cleats are small blocks of wood used for installing gravel boards in closeboard fencing bays.
These blocks are first nailed to the inside of the wooden fence post and set back about 22mm from the face so that the gravel sheet is flush with the face of the post.
The wooden cleat prevents the gravel slab from falling between the posts. The gravel slab is then diagonally fastened to the post with 75mm nails, missing the cleat to keep it from splintering.
Two closeboard cleats are available
– TSCL150 – For wooden posts and wooden gravel boards (size 150 x 25 x 50 mm)
– TSCL150A – For concrete posts and wooden gravel boards (size 150 x 28 x 63 mm)
These cleats are designed to work with single gravel boards that are 150mm (6″) high. Tanalised softwood material.
Can you use concrete gravel boards as a retaining wall?
You do not have to use brick or sleepers for retaining walls. Concrete gravel board walls are not the prettiest type of retaining wall but if the wall is not too high and you want something that is going to last then this will certainly do the job.
How to Fit Gravel Boards
Gravel board retaining walls, Shropshire
Concrete Gravel Panel Retaining Walls – Telford, Shropshire
You don’t have to use bricks or sleepers for retaining walls. Concrete gravel slab walls aren’t the prettiest type of retaining wall, but if the wall isn’t too tall and you want something that will last, then this will certainly do the job. Note that the concrete posts are concreted at least 2′ into the ground.
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We can build retaining or decorative walls near you.
We are based in Telford and serve the Telford area including Admaston, Apley, Aquaduct, Arleston, Brookside, Church Aston, Dawley, Dawley Bank, Donnington, Donnington Wood, Doseley, Edgmond, Edgmond Marsh, Hadley, Homer Lake, Horsehay, Ketley, Ketley Bank, Lawley, Lawley Bank, Leegomery, Lightmoor, Lilleshall, Little Dawley, Madeley, Muxton, Newdale, Newport, Oakengates, Old Park, Overdale, Priorslee, Randley, Shifnal, St Georges, Spring Village, Stirchley, Sutton Hill , Ditch, Wellington, Wombridge, Woodside, Wrockwardine, Wrockwardine Wood
For a free no-obligation consultation and quote, click here to email us.
How do you lay a concrete gravel board on a slope?
- Start at the top of the slope and work downhill. …
- Dig a hole for each post to a minimum of 600mm deep. …
- Use either a ballast and cement mixture or post mix concrete to install cement fence posts.
- Slot concrete gravel boards into each concrete post.
How to Fit Gravel Boards
Advantages of Cement Fence Posts
Installing concrete posts on a slope has a few advantages over wooden posts:
Concrete is an extremely durable material that will last for many years without maintenance. It does not decompose like wood and is not affected by rot or insects.
Concrete is resistant to moisture, mold, and decay, and is not as easily subject to the elements as wood. Concrete requires little maintenance, such as B. regular cleaning of the surface.
Concrete posts can withstand extreme winds and severe storms. Close to the coast, they can even withstand the splashing of sea water. Untreated wood under similar conditions deteriorates quickly.
As prefabricated concrete piles, they are perfect for DIY enthusiasts in terms of reliability and aesthetics.
If panels become damaged, they are much easier to replace by hand when used with concrete fence posts.
Steps to install concrete posts on a slope
Start at the top of the slope and work your way down. This will help you more accurately calculate the height of your fence. Dig a hole at least 600mm deep for each post. With a fence height of 1.8 m, the recommended depth is 760 mm. Use either a ballast cement mix or a grout to install cement fence posts. Insert concrete gravel boards into each concrete post. This will help keep the posts firmly in place and level. Once installed, the gravel slab supports the center of the post and provides rigidity to the entire structure. Fence panels are slotted between the posts. When installing a fence on a slope, you need to grade each panel along the entire length according to the angle of the slope. Each tiered fence panel leaves a triangular gap underneath. To fill this gap, you can use gravel slabs to fill the space.
Clarke fencing
If you are planning to install concrete posts on a slope, the Clarke Fencing team can help. We have a range of great products including gravel boards and concrete posts in various heights to help you complete your project. We also supply a range of fence panels perfect for any type of fence you require. To find out more about our range of concrete fence posts and gravel boards visit our online shop or visit us in person at our depot in Suffolk. For more information, contact our friendly team online or by phone today.
Are concrete gravel boards reinforced?
CONCRETE GRAVEL BOARD
– Gravel Board also known as a Base Board. – Ideal for slotted concrete posts and to sit below the fence panel to prevent rotting. – Posts are ideal for the modern type fencing of a gravel board and fence panel. – All gravel boards are reinforced with steel rods for added strength.
How to Fit Gravel Boards
– Gravel Board also known as Base Board.
– Ideal for slotted concrete posts and to sit under the fence panel to prevent rot.
– Posts are ideal for modern gravel board and panel fencing.
– All gravel boards are reinforced with steel bars for extra strength.
– All gravel boards are wet poured concrete for a better, cleaner look.
Can you use concrete gravel boards with DuraPost?
Description. The DuraPost system is the quick and efficient way to install fencing. It won’t rot, warp or crack like wood or concrete. Gravel boards protect the base of a fence from the ground.
How to Fit Gravel Boards
Gravel boards protect the base of a fence from the ground. Made from composite plastic, these boards are strong and lightweight and can be easily cut to length if required. The DuraPost system is completed with the use of color-matched galvanized steel fence posts and metal post caps.
Available in the colors anthracite grey, olive gray or sepia brown.
Main advantages:
Which way round do gravel boards go?
gravel boards somtimes I do put the rough side facing the other way if it is not going to show i.e if it is below ground level on the one side.
How to Fit Gravel Boards
Gravel Boards Sometimes I put the rough side the other way when it’s not visible, ie when it’s buried on one side. However, the concrete post should only be rough on one side where the fence panel will snap in. I’ve seen posts that are rough on one side and I don’t use them for that reason. It is also worth looking at different concrete posts as they are not all of the same quality, some have a much better finish than others about the same despite the cost. I’ve never heard so much babble about which direction a gravel board goes. It doesn’t matter which way it goes. It’s very easy to swap out if there’s a problem, and as for the front of the fence panel, it normally goes back the same way it came out. That’s usually a clue as to whose fence it was in the first place.
Are concrete gravel boards reinforced?
CONCRETE GRAVEL BOARD
– Gravel Board also known as a Base Board. – Ideal for slotted concrete posts and to sit below the fence panel to prevent rotting. – Posts are ideal for the modern type fencing of a gravel board and fence panel. – All gravel boards are reinforced with steel rods for added strength.
How to Fit Gravel Boards
– Gravel Board also known as Base Board.
– Ideal for slotted concrete posts and to sit under the fence panel to prevent rot.
– Posts are ideal for modern gravel board and panel fencing.
– All gravel boards are reinforced with steel bars for extra strength.
– All gravel boards are wet poured concrete for a better, cleaner look.
Can concrete gravel boards be used as retaining wall?
You do not have to use brick or sleepers for retaining walls. Concrete gravel board walls are not the prettiest type of retaining wall but if the wall is not too high and you want something that is going to last then this will certainly do the job.
How to Fit Gravel Boards
Gravel board retaining walls, Shropshire
Concrete Gravel Panel Retaining Walls – Telford, Shropshire
You don’t have to use bricks or sleepers for retaining walls. Concrete gravel slab walls aren’t the prettiest type of retaining wall, but if the wall isn’t too tall and you want something that will last, then this will certainly do the job. Note that the concrete posts are concreted at least 2′ into the ground.
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We can build retaining or decorative walls near you.
We are based in Telford and serve the Telford area including Admaston, Apley, Aquaduct, Arleston, Brookside, Church Aston, Dawley, Dawley Bank, Donnington, Donnington Wood, Doseley, Edgmond, Edgmond Marsh, Hadley, Homer Lake, Horsehay, Ketley, Ketley Bank, Lawley, Lawley Bank, Leegomery, Lightmoor, Lilleshall, Little Dawley, Madeley, Muxton, Newdale, Newport, Oakengates, Old Park, Overdale, Priorslee, Randley, Shifnal, St Georges, Spring Village, Stirchley, Sutton Hill , Ditch, Wellington, Wombridge, Woodside, Wrockwardine, Wrockwardine Wood
For a free no-obligation consultation and quote, click here to email us.
Can you use gravel boards for raised beds?
Wood and tools needed:
Gravel boards (they form the base of some fences) will do the job well.
How to Fit Gravel Boards
A word first about wood / lumber / lumber. If wood is to last long outdoors, it should be treated. While all wood will eventually rot, treated wood will last many years longer. There are concerns about using treated wood for raised beds. I suggest you search the internet and come to your own conclusions.
For our beds we use new tanalised wood which we believe to be safe. However, the tanning process no longer uses arsenic and chromium. Nowadays it is based on copper, which is much safer. In fact, copper-based fungicide is often sprayed directly onto plant foliage.
Our raised bed will be 1.8m (6ft) square. Yours can be longer if you want, but don’t make them much wider. With a width of 1.8 m (6 feet), you can reach the middle of the bed without too much trouble.
Read our note (Construction) at the end of this article why we recommend partially building the frame in the raised bed area. We also highly recommend that you read this entire article before you start building.
Wood and tools required:
Four 1.8m x 15cm (6ft x 6in) treated wood. Gravel boards (they form the base of some fences) will do the job just fine. See point 1 at the end of this article if you want a higher raised bed.
2. A fence post or similar wood measuring 1.8 m x 10 cm x 10 cm (6 ft x 4 in x 4 in). See point 1 at the end of this article if you want a higher raised bed.
3. Sixteen outer nails, about 7 cm long
4. Four sticks and some string to mark the bed
spirit level (not mandatory)
saw and hammer
spade
tape measure
5. Compost and soil to fill up the raised bed.
How to build the raised bed:
Mark the area of the raised bed with the sticks and string. Check that the marked area is perfectly square by measuring the distance between the two opposite diagonals. The two distances should be equal. In the diagram, line AA should be the same length as line BB. This applies to both rectangular and square beds.
Clear the area of weeds and dig spade-deep at the same time. This increases the volume of soil that should be filled in the center of the area.
Make sure there is an area free of soil to a depth of 30 cm at each corner. This is where the corner posts go.
Saw the wood If the gravel slabs are not the right length, saw them to the right length. For our 1.8m (6ft) square raised bed, each sheet of gravel should be cut to 1.8m (6ft) lengths.
Saw the fence post into four lengths, each 45 cm long.
3. You will need an open, reasonably level lawn or other flat surface to build the frame.
Nail posts at either end of a sheet of gravel (one of the shorter ones if the raised bed isn’t square). Do the same with the other length of gravel slab.
4. Position and complete
Position both assembled ends of the frame in the raised bed area. Make sure the four corners form a square by measuring the diagonal distances as shown in step 1 above. The “legs” go into the previously dug holes at each of the four corners. Pat or add soil to ensure both ends are level and that the base of the gravel sheets is about 1½ cm (¾ inch) below the soil.
Nail the remaining two boards to each end of the frame. Again, make sure they are level and the base of the gravel boards is about 1½ cm (¾ inch) below the ground.
Fill the post holes with soil and gently firm the surrounding soil with your boots.
Add some multipurpose compost to the soil in the raised bed and mix it in well. Level the surface with a rake. We estimate that if the gravel slabs are 4 cm (6 inches) high, you will need about 200 liters of additional compost. Make a border of about 45 cm (18 inches) around the edge of the raised bed with chipped bark or something similar.
This makes it easier to walk and kneel around the bed. It will also suppress weeds.
HINTS ON BUILDING RAISE BEDS
1. Height of raised bed sides
If you want your raised bed to be taller, simply add more rows of gravel boards. The image at right shows two rows of gravel boards, adding an additional 10 cm (4 inches) to the height.
However, remember that the side posts must be 10 cm (4 inches) longer for each additional row of gravel boards.
2. Construction
Looking through various books and websites we noticed that some recommend building the whole frame first and then lifting it into the raised bed area. We’ve tried that and our advice is don’t do it!
There is no doubt that the frame will break if a single person tries to lift it into place. It really takes four people to lift it into place, with no clear advantage over the method suggested above.
Construct the entire frame first. Not a good idea!
3. Top cover
If you plan to grow short height crops (e.g. strawberries) or if you want some frost protection early in the season, covering the top with some type of clear plastic or garden fleece is an easy option. You will need at least two levels of gravel slabs, but only fill them up to the first level with soil.
Then cover the top with clear plastic or garden fleece. We used corrugated cardboard. It can be easily attached to the corner posts.
AVOID CATS ON RAISED BEDS
Cats can be a real problem for the raised bed gardener. Not only will they dig big holes in your newly dug raised bed, they will defecate and pee in them, making your produce an unsavory choice!
A common prevention method is to place horticultural fleece over the top of your plants – see ‘Covering the top’ above.
A much cheaper option, free of charge, that works well for us, is to stick branches into the soil around the edge of the raised bed. Click on the image above to see a larger version of it. It seems that this is just enough to keep the cats from getting into the raised bed.
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How It’s Made – Concrete Gravel Boards
See some more details on the topic concrete gravel board clips here:
Gravel Board Fence Clip – 50 x 150mm – Galvanised
Gravel Board Fence Clip – 50 x 150mm – Galvanised available at great trade prices with easy and free returns. Order Fence Clips & Brackets before 8pm for …
Source: www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk
Date Published: 7/15/2021
View: 4542
3 Ways to Fit Concrete Gravel Boards
If you’re worried about your fence getting wet and dirty, install some concrete gravel pads underneath. Installation is fairly beginner-friendly and can be done even if you don’t have much DIY experience. Always remove any installed panels and first cut the panel to size with an angle grinder. If you have slotted metal fence posts, slide the boards into the post slots for quick installation. If you have solid wood or metal posts, you can use a cordless screwdriver to attach gravel board brackets to the posts instead. Your fence will then last longer as the gravel boards will keep the panels dry and prevent rotting.
How to fit gravel boards
A fence panel is not complete without a sturdy gravel board. Gravel boards protect the slab from moisture rising from the ground and help keep aggregate in the garden. You should not forget about them when installing a fence.
Gravel boards – why bother?
You can build a fence without gravel boards. You may of course wish to replace that fence sooner than you otherwise would! Even though a wooden fence is guaranteed against rot, it can be physically damaged by either rocks and stray mowers, and will quickly rot if it comes into direct contact with the soil. A solid gravel board always makes a fence look better.
Types of gravel slabs
Wooden gravel boards look great and are easy to cut to size. Always add them to every fencing order. Make sure each board has been pressure treated with a preservative to ensure longevity.
Many people choose concrete gravel pads, especially when fence panels are attached between concrete posts. They simply slide into the grooves of the concrete post. However, when they need to be trimmed, they require a bit more work and create clouds of dust. The upside is that they last for decades and are relatively maintenance free. A wash cleans things up and gets rid of algae build-up.
When should gravel boards be installed:
Do this each time you install a new fence panel (unless the existing one is still in good condition – a poking around with a screwdriver will find rotten spots) and once the panels are pulled up and secure, secure them in place. That’s because fence panels can vary very slightly from one to another and if they need to fit into a fixed space you’ll need to cut them to size (shaving an inch off the end of a framed panel is a real pain). It’s so much easier to saw through a slab of gravel. When you get the saw out, treat any cut ends with wood preservative to reduce the risk of rot.
How to assemble gravel boards:
It is easy to attach a gravel slab. There are three methods you can use:
1. For snap-in fence posts: Make sure the posts are secured for the correct spacing from your panels. Measure and cut the gravel sheet according to the clearance. Insert the gravel slab before inserting the panels. Easy! (this method is used for both concrete gravel slabs and wood gravel slabs)
2. With Clips: Install the clips in the middle of the width of your fence post at the desired height. We recommend creating pilot holes to prevent the wood from splitting.
3. With Wooden Blocks: Make some wooden blocks out of pine or cedar. These can be the same width and thickness as the gravel slabs. Position them on either side of where the board meets the post. Screw them tight. Then “slide” the end of the gravel slab between the blocks. Screw through the blocks to secure the boards. Repeat on both ends of course.
Use zinc-plated screws throughout installation for easy replacement and to reduce rusting.
Methods 2 and 3 make replacing gravel slabs easier. They’re the most likely part of your entire fence to rot first – that’s their job! Replacing a gravel slab is far cheaper than replacing an entire slab, or worse, a series of a few rotten slabs.
spirit levels
Don’t think for a second about installing a gravel slab without a spirit level. By the way, this applies to all your panels. “I judge it by eye” will only highlight one major flaw – that your eye can’t judge levels!
If the ground is sloping, step on the planks and fences.
Take your time, draw everything on paper before breaking up the ground with a spade, and use that level until the bubble pops (they don’t – but you get the feeling).
Top Tips and Techniques:
Direct or suspended?
Some lay the gravel slabs directly on the ground. Others raise them a little off the ground surface. The reasoning is that being right on the ground will keep all the aggregates in the garden.
However, raising them a little allows the water to flow through, eliminating any chance of local flooding or puddles. I like a small gap between the bottom of the gravel slab and the soil surface. I like the idea of airflow, water entry and exit points, and a board that lasts longer.
When you are “on the surface” make sure the ground is level and firm, even adding a layer of sand to embed the board.
hedgehog clock
Everyone loves hedgehogs in the garden because of their insatiable appetite for snails. However, they are becoming increasingly scarce, also because the gardens are becoming safer. All a hedgehog needs is a hole in a fence or a hedge the size of a small football and bingo, he can roam freely over a larger area while eating more mollusks.
Now obviously a solid gravel wall stops this freedom of movement. Before you erect a row of fences, using gravel boards of course, you could create hedgehog-friendly gaps in the fencing. Maybe cut the gravel board to help the pigs in our hedges. Your garden will be better for it.
If you would like to learn a little more about the other fencing accessories we offer, why not watch the video below. It is packed with extremely useful information.
I hope you enjoyed this guide! If you found it useful in any way, please share it with your family and friends on social media or leave a comment below. The entire team here at Buy Fencing Direct would really appreciate it. If you’re interested in other gardening tips and tricks, click here to read a few more of our helpful blog posts. See you soon for the next edition of the Buy Fencing Direct blog!
How to Fit Gravel Boards
A gravel pad can be made of either wood or concrete and sits between a fence panel and the ground. Its main purpose is to prevent the fence panel from lying on damp and damp ground and rotting.
In most cases, a gravel slab is made of either concrete or wood, with the wood version being pressure treated to prevent it from rotting either.
Attaching a gravel board to a fence isn’t strictly necessary as the fence will still function as intended, but it’s a good idea simply due to the fact that all fence panels last a lot longer.
What is a gravel board?
As we mentioned at the top of this project page, placing gravel boards between fence posts and under fence panels prevents gravel, dirt or whatever is at ground level from damaging the actual fence itself by preventing it from sitting on moisture and wetness Floor.
Adding a gravel sheet can also add a little more structural rigidity to your fence, particularly in the case of wooden gravel sheets, as they can be bolted to any fence post and effectively tie a set of fences together.
The image below shows a gravel slab that attaches to a wooden post in the simplest way, by attaching a vertical batten to each post and simply screwing the gravel slab to the batten.
Wooden gravel board
Galvanized clips or “gravel board cleats” can be used to attach the gravel boards as they offer some adjustment once installed.
The gravel boards can be placed at the front of the posts, at the back of the posts, or between them, but in most cases this will be determined by the materials your fence posts are made of.
Speaking of material: A gravel slab is made of either wood or precast concrete. With wooden gravel boards you need to make sure they have been pressure treated to prevent rotting. Theses essentially accept no difference between the two of what they are made of.
Wood gravel boards are most commonly used with wooden fence posts, but they can also be used with concrete fence posts, but concrete gravel boards are mostly only used with concrete fence posts as they slide well into the recesses in each post.
Wooden gravel board attached to a set of fences – Image courtesy of jackson-fencing.co.uk
Concrete gravel slab fixed in a fence
They can be any size you want. As long as they fit snugly and prevent the fence panels from touching the ground, that’s perfectly fine.
In most cases, a gravel slab, whether wood or concrete, is about 150mm high, 22mm thick and 1.83m long. This is so that when used in conjunction with a 1.83m (6ft) high fence panel the total height of the fence and gravel board is 1.98m which is below the 2m height limit for fencing.
There’s no reason why two sheets of gravel can’t be stacked on top of each other to provide 300mm of protection.
Is a concrete or wooden gravel board best?
When comparing a wooden gravel slab to a concrete gravel slab, each has its own pros and cons:
Pros and cons of wood and concrete gravel boards Wood gravel boards Concrete gravel boards Pro’s cons Pro’s cons Cheap and readily available May rot easily Should last a lifetime Can be quite expensive Good lifespan as long as treated Can be easily damaged Does not rot Not to everyone’s tastes Natural look and fit with wooden fence panels Needs treatment Sturdy and resistant to damage Very heavy Easy to assemble Can be painted Can only really be used with concrete posts Available in a range of colors Available in a range of styles Not easily cut to size Cheap in exchange Can be retrofitted
As you can see, each type has its own distinct advantages and disadvantages, but both certainly do the job they are designed for.
Ultimately, when it comes to installing a gravelboard, the decision is a personal one and depends on either what type you like the look of or what you can afford.
Do fence elements need gravel boards?
Basically no, you don’t need to attach gravel boards to fences if you don’t want to. You might leave just an inch or so between each panel and the ground to ensure they are protected from moisture and moisture. There are a few good reasons for this.
Fence course without attached gravel boards
Not only do gravel boards help your wooden fence resist moisture and rot and last much longer, they also provide a good solid base for your fence panels to rest on and take the stress out of any fixings.
A gravel board also allows you to start with a level base and ensure all of your slabs are in a perfectly straight line.
If you’re a little further away, you can also cut gravel boards to accommodate any slopes and bumps in the ground, so not only do you get a nice straight run of the fence, but you can also fill in any gaps.
After all, the work as a whole always looks a lot neater and more professional when some nice gravel boards are mounted!
How long does a gravel board last?
How long a gravel board lasts really depends on what it’s made of.
If it’s made of untreated wood, the best you can expect is a few years and it will need to be replaced.
If they are built from quality pressure treated wood you can reasonably expect up to 7 or 8 years to last.
If we’re dealing with concrete gravel slabs instead, it’s a whole different ballgame. Since concrete is fairly impervious to moisture and moisture, concrete gravel slabs can last a lifetime as long as they are not damaged.
How to attach gravel boards to fence posts
To attach a gravel board you will first need some fence posts to work with.
If you’re starting from scratch and want to use wooden posts, check out our concrete wooden fence post project here.
If you are looking to install concrete fence posts, check out our concrete fence post installation project here.
Once you’ve installed your entire set of fence posts and cured concrete or similar postfix, you should now be ready to get started.
Fence post installed and ready to attach gravel boards to it
If you are working with an existing fence, before you can begin you will need to remove one or all of the fence panels under which you will be installing your gravel boards.
As a quick run through, locate and remove any screws or nails used to hold the fence panel to the fence post.
With the fasteners removed, you should be able to easily remove the panel(s) and fold them aside for future use.
If you are working with an existing fence constructed from concrete fence posts you should just be able to lift the panels up and out of the channels on the inside of the posts themselves.
With all fence posts in place or panels removed, you should now be ready to start.
The processes described below can be applied to almost all fencing types including picket fences, spring edge fences and panel fences.
How to attach gravel boards to wooden posts
The quickest and easiest way to attach gravel boards to wooden fence posts is to use wooden cleats. These are small pieces of pressure treated slats that bolt to the fence post and the gravel sheet is then bolted to the cleat.
Each cleat must be attached the width of the board back thickness from the face or side of the post you are attaching to.
This will ensure the gravel slab is flush with the face of the post.
Timber cleat attached to post ready for gravel board
If you want your gravel slab to sit dead center on the post, measure the post width and divide by 2. Now measure with the gravel slab and divide by 2. Subtract half the width of the slab from half the width of the post and this is the amount you need to measure and mark from the post face and attach the cleat to.
The other option is to use galvanized two-prong cleats or galvanized gravel board brackets.
The two-pin cleats are a little more difficult to install as you have to drill two vertical holes in your post to insert the pins. You need to make sure they are level as well so the board will sit snugly when attached.
Galvanized 2 pin gravel plate cleat
Once the board is attached to each cleat, the horizontal outward force holds the board firmly in place.
The final attachment option is the gravel plate clip. These are very easy to attach.
Simply measure the post width and divide by 2 to find the center and then attach the clip over that center point. This will secure your gravel board in the center of each post.
Galvanized metal gravel plate clip
Whatever option you choose, always use galvanized nails or screws as they will not rust and will ensure a durable, solid attachment.
Also, make sure you install your chosen fixture at the correct height on the post so that the base of each board is flush with the ground or desired height.
How to attach gravel boards to concrete posts
One of the best features of slotted concrete fence posts is the fact that they have slots built in.
These slots allow a fence panel to simply slip into the post when in position and hold it in place without having to drill holes or screw anything.
Once the tricky part of installing the posts is done, actually installing fence panels is a very quick job. Simply lift them to the top of each post and drop them in – easy!!
Concrete gravel slab slotted between concrete fence posts
This is exactly the same case for gravel slabs. Before installing any fence panels, simply slide each gravel panel in and then fold the panel down onto the top.
Note: In case your concrete fence posts don’t have slots you will need to use clips or studs so read on below. If the posts you’re working with have slots, this is almost always the best, fastest, and most preferred option.
Fastening brackets and studs to concrete fence posts is a bit more difficult than fastening to wood posts, mainly due to the fact that fastening to concrete requires drilling holes with a masonry bit and inserting dowels or similar rather than just driving a screw with wood Is that possible.
Fastening can be the same as for timber posts, e.g. timber cleats, galvanized 2-pin cleats or gravel board clips. These fasteners can be used for both wood and concrete gravel panels.
As with wood posts, unless your concrete posts come with pre-drilled holes for the 2-prong cleats, the wood cleats or clips are the easiest and quickest to use.
Timber cleats attached to concrete fence post – Image courtesy of tate-fencing.co.uk
Whichever solution you choose, you’ll need to drill some holes, but first you’ll need to measure and mark where they’ll go.
For the sake of this explanation we will install our fasteners in the middle of the post.
Measure the width of the post then divide that number by 2 and then measure and mark that number on the post at the desired location at the base. This then defines the center point of the post.
If using wooden cleats, drill 2 pilot holes at the top and bottom along the center line of each cleat, then hold them to the post where you want them to attach. Using a drill and masonry bit, drill through each pilot hole just enough to mark the post, then set it aside.
If using clips, hold one against the post where it will be attached and use a pen or pencil to mark through each mounting hole and set the clip aside.
You can now use the markings to determine exactly where to drill your mounting holes, so use your drill bit and a masonry bit appropriately sized for the mountings or bits you are using to drill them out.
After drilling you can then insert dowels if you use them, or position your cleat or bracket in place if you use concrete screws with a similar type of attachment and screw into place.
Once your first gravel panel attachment is in place, you can repeat the steps for any other required steps.
If you are using the 2-pin fasteners, first mark a line down the center of the post on the side where you will be attaching to the base. Now measure how far apart the pins on the cleat are from pin center to pin center.
Transfer this measurement to the line on your post at the exact spot where you will position the cleat.
Use the correct size drill bit (should be around 10mm) to drill each hole to the correct depth and then do a test fit to make sure everything is ok.
Repeat these steps for any others that are required and then you can secure your gravel board in place.
For wood or 2-prong cleats, hold the gravel pad next to the attachment to ensure it is level, then mark on the gravel pad where you need to drill through to attach the pad. After marking, drill your hole and repeat for all additional holes and secure your gravel board in place.
A final point to mention is when installing gravel boards on uneven or sloping ground. In each of these cases, the best and cleanest solution is to “step” the fences and gravel boards and can be seen in our step fence project here.
Step fences with gravel boards
Alternatively, on a very shallow slope you can sink the gravel board into the ground as this not only provides a nice level throughout the length of the fence but also closes any gaps normally associated with step fences.
If you find you need to cut either a slab of concrete gravel or a concrete fence post, either to shorten it or to cut around an existing object, the best tool to use is either an angle grinder or, if you have one, a gas disc cutter as shown in the picture below.
Petrol disc cutter for cutting concrete gravel boards and fence posts
Gravel board with hedgehog hole
Staying on the subject of gaps, sometimes these are not a very good idea, especially for wildlife and especially hedgehogs.
Natural gaps, crevices, and worn sections of fences and perimeter barriers provide many small creatures with excellent access, allowing them to easily get from one place to another, whether it’s from a burrow or nest to feeding grounds, or a quick shortcut that helps avoid a risky way.
In today’s busy world, people value their privacy and private space more and more and with it the fencing is getting higher and safer, often at the expense of our forest friends.
Faced with this problem, there are now several initiatives, the most important of which is Hedgehog Street, which aims to create hedgehog and animal highways through otherwise inaccessible backyards.
All you have to do to participate is cut a small 5×5 inch hole in the base of your fence and ask your neighbors and their neighbors to do the same. This will then connect all the gardens together and allow hedgehogs and other small animals to easily get from one end to the other.
This is a great idea and an awesome project for the kids to get involved with!!
Hedgehog hole cut in gravel board
How to treat wooden gravel boards
As we mentioned earlier in this project, when using outdoor timers you should always opt for pressure treated wood as it is much more resistant to the elements, insects, algae and UV rays.
Treating pressure treated wood may seem a bit pointless, but it helps to preserve it and keep it in good condition even longer.
Treatment of shed and fence wood
Any required treatment applies only to wooden fences and gravel boards as concrete is resistant to decay and decay.
In general, the best treatment for gravel boards and fences is a special exterior wood preservative. There is a huge selection today from leading brands such as Cuprinol, Barrettine, Sadolin etc.
If you want to keep a natural look for your wooden fence or gravel panel, choose a clear wood preservative, but if you want to add some color, choose a colored wood preservative.
You can also apply a coat of decking oil or similar for an extra layer of protection, but this may affect the way future treatments can be applied.
Paint is also an option for fences and gravel boards, but it generally doesn’t last as long as using a preservative.
If you can, always opt for a water based preservative or paint as opposed to a solvent based one as these are much more environmentally friendly.
How to replace a gravel board
Replacing a gravel slab is a fairly easy task if you already have it.
When gravel boards are screwed or nailed to fence posts with cleats or staples, simply unbolt any existing fasteners, remove the old gravel board, cut your new board to length if needed, then reattach.
Over time, gravel board cleats and clips can become damaged or worn if they are not made of galvanized steel or similar, or if they are wooden cleats. So be sure to swap them out for new ones before attaching the boards.
Even concrete gravel boards can chip and become damaged over time. So if they need to be replaced, remove any fence panels on top and loosen the damaged gravel board. Once this is removed you can then simply insert a new one and replace the fence panel.
Installing a gravel pad is an excellent idea if you don’t already have it installed, as not only will they help your fence last much longer by lifting it off the damp and damp ground, but they will also give your fence run a professional look throughout .
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