How to make a foundation for a fence?

How to prepare a fence foundation? People who want to fence their plot with a mesh or span systems have a serious challenge ahead of them, because the durability of the fence and the stability of the entire structure depend on the method and quality of the foundation. In our article we present some practical tips on what to keep in mind when making a wall for a fence.

Foundation for the fence – step by step

What is it and how to carry out the construction of the foundation for the fence step by step? The matter is quite simple when it comes to making a temporary fence, for example – fencing in the form of a forest net. It is enough to measure the plot and install the posts directly in the ground, without concreting, and then place a grid on them.

Making a plinth for fence panels, metal and stone fences is a much more complex task than installing a forest mesh. Posts and spans must have solid support, and in order to make a wall under the fence, you must first prepare formwork, and then a spout. An alternative to traditional formwork and concreting are ready-made prefabricated systems, perfect for light metal fences.

What depth of the foundation for the fence?

The key issue that is worth analyzing before starting the construction of the fence is the selection of the optimal depth of the foundation – it cannot be too shallow, because the fence will be unstable, and digging too deep a pit means unnecessary material losses. So how deep to dig the foundation for the fence?

The task of the foundation is to support the entire fence, so its depth and width should harmonize with: the specificity of the fence, i.e. its mass and height, and it must be adapted to the type of substrate – the more loose it is and tends to freeze, the deeper and stronger the wall under the fence should be.

How deep and wide should the foundation for the fence be?

In Poland, there are 4 ground freezing zones, from 0.8 m, 1 m to 1.2 m and 1.4 m, which must be taken into account when planning to make a foundation for a fence. Many people underestimate the problem of freezing the earth and perform shallow formwork, which results in a decrease in the quality of concrete in the following years. The material breaks and crumbles, and the fence loses verticality and stability.

So how deep to embed the wall under the fence? It is worth keeping a minimum of 80 cm of formwork depth for the fence – especially on clay soils, which, unlike sandy soils, freeze faster and accumulate water. What should be the optimal width of the foundation for the fence? The minimum value is 30 cm for concrete screeds.

How to make formwork for the fence?

A deep trench for the foundation bench of the fence can be done manually or using a mini excavator.  In the prepared pit, along the entire line of the fence, there should be a solid formwork – how to go crazy the foundation for the fence? For this purpose, it is best to use wooden boards, remembering that the formwork for metal fences and brick fences protrudes to a height of about 10 cm above ground level.

Before starting the screed for heavier spans, it is worth strengthening the foundation and additional reinforcement of the foundation, for example from steel mesh or bars. How to pour a wall under a fence or mesh? If the fence is standard, in the form of spans or mesh, it is enough to prepare concrete type B15 in a concrete mixer, and then lay it out in the trench, remembering to preserve the so-called expansion joints, that is, holes that prevent the material from cracking automatically.

Apply ready-made prefabricated elements for panel fences

In recent years, systems of concrete elements in the form of a prefabricated concrete foundation have become an alternative to the traditional fence screed. It is a cheap and fast solution that works well on both straight and uneven terrain. The advantage of this type of solution is the lack of the need to make tedious excavations.

Investors who do not have time or do not want to make the formwork of the fence, more and more often decide to purchase ready-made fence foundations. They are easy to assemble and aesthetically pleasing, and among the many variants available, you can choose a foundation tailored to your individual concept, with a wide selection of different embossed designs.

How to make a prefabricated foundation for a fence?

Of key importance when making a prefabricated foundation for the fence is the correct embedding of the posts. The area where they are to be located should be thoroughly cleaned and stones, roots and debris should be thoroughly cleaned. Installation of the finished concrete foundation should begin with drilling holes for brackets, which are then stabilized with universal concrete B15 and set vertically. To prevent them from tilting, you need to apply additional protection in the form of metal or wooden stabilizing posts.

After about 1-2 days, you can proceed to further work, i.e. the installation of prefabricated boards and fasteners. The slabs should rest on a permeable, stable and even ground, thanks to which they will serve for many years as a durable wall for a fence mesh or panel spans.